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Medical Definition of Pentamidine isethionate
1. P,p'-(Pentamethylenedioxy)dibenzamidinebis(beta-hydroxyethanesulfonate);a toxic but effective drug used in the prophylaxis and treatment of early stages of both types of African sleeping sickness (Gambian and Rhodesian trypanosomiasis). It does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is not effective in the treatment of the advanced (neurological) stage of the disease. Also used to treat leishmaniasis that does not respond to therapy with pentavalent antimonials and in the treatment of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii. (05 Mar 2000)