Effects of long-term aerosol pentamidine for Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis on pulmonary function.

Long-term AP therapy is associated with a mild combined restrictive and obstructive pulmonary defect. Since 24-month PFT parameters remained within the normal ranges, this level of decline is of unclear clinical significance. Overall, AP has good pulmonary tolerance when used up to 24 months for PCP prophylaxis in patients with normal baseline pulmonary function.