Aerosol therapy in AIDS.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the most common presenting symptom in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Clinical trials have shown that inhaled pentamidine, delivered by nebulizer, is an effective prophylaxis for PCP in high-risk patients, and can be used to treat mild to moderate episodes. Side effects are minor, in marked contrast to the parenteral route of administration. The choice of nebulizer system will determine both alveolar delivery of pentamidine and the incidence of cough related to deposition of droplets on large conducting airways. Radioaerosol studies have suggested that optimum nebulizer systems for inhaled pentamidine deliver the majority of the aerosol mass in droplets smaller than 2 microns diameter, ideal for alveolar penetration.