Should you wear an N95 respirator when working with pentamidine?

N95 respirators provide protection against harmful airborne particulates. This respirator filters almost 95% of the germs and protects you against particles as small as 0.3 microns. It is a part of the must have personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended during the global pandemic. Be it doctors, surgeons, and other health professionals, almost everyone trusts wearing N95 masks made in USA. However, there are a lot of health care workers who deal with toxic drugs or medicines without wearing a mask or respirator and it is very dangerous for them.

Recently a new issue was raised that if respirators/masks can be used during working with pentamidine. Well, if you too are look

Pentamidine

Pentamidine can be described as a broad spectrum and potent anti-infective agent which is used to treat pneumonia called pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci (previously carinii). It is also used to treat leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, and other infections. Pentamidine has a lot of side effects like hypotension, hypertension, hypoglycemia, vomiting, nausea, etc. Plus, it is pretty toxic so it should be used carefully.

It is usually given via two ways. Either through a nebulizer or by injecting intravenously. But research has shown that when pentamidine is given through an injection, it is less effective and has a lot of side-effects like fatigue, vomiting, chills or skin rash, etc. So, it is recommended to prefer giving pentamidine via a nebulizer.

Pentamidine and N95 masks

Centers that have the access to proper equipment and experienced staff should give aerosolized pentamidine. Also, the personnel should administer it while using all the necessary and appropriate precautions to avoid and minimize the exposure. It is recommended that the staff should wear an N95 respirator while dealing with or administering pentamidine. Because aerosolized pentamidine is potentially toxic so inhaling it accidentally can cause a lot of side effects to the personnel or even to the bystanders. The most common side-effects are listed below:

Where to get an N95 respirator mask manufactured in USA?

• Headache
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• Burning of eyes or nose
• Burning sensation in throat which urges the person to drink water
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness

The overexposure to pentamidine can also lead to some harmful effects like irritation in the respiratory system, conjunctivitis or skin allergies, etc. So, whether a person is working with pentamidine, transporting it, injecting, or administrating it via nebulizer, it is essential for the person to wear an N95 masks made in USA.

Since the drug is potentially toxic,special care and monitoring are required during its handling, use and administration. If you too deal with it on daily basis, we suggest you to cover your face with an N95 mask as it provides a tight seal around your mouth and nose. If you’re looking to buy some genuine masks and face coverings, visit medicalsupplyall.com. They can provide you with the finest-quality masks that ensure maximum protection!