Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Description

General Measures

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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B20.6

DESCRIPTION

• Interstitial pneumonia occurring with advanced HIV infection due to Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly carinii). Patients usually present with shortness of breath or dry cough. Chest X-ray may be normal in the early stages, but typically shows bilateral interstitial or ground glass pattern

GENERAL MEASURES

• Ensure adequate hydration

MEDICINE TREATMENT

 Adults

• Cotrimoxazole, oral, 6 hourly for 3 weeks

Approx. weight   kg	Use one of the following tablets
	80/400 mg	160/800 mg
<40 kg	2 tablets	1 tablet
>40-56 kg	3 tablets	1½ tablets
>56 kg	4 tablets	2 tablets

For secondary prophylaxis

• Cotrimoxazole, oral, daily

Use one of the following tablets
80/400 mg	160/800 mg
2 tablets	1 tablet

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Note:

Discontinue cotrimoxazole prophylaxis once the CD4 count increases on ART to > 200 cells/mm3 for at least 6 months.

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REFERRAL

• All children
• Breathing rate >24 breaths/ minute
• Shortness of breath with mild effort
• Cyanosed patients

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4-Version 1.0_16 September 2024

Chapter 17: Respiratory Conditions_17.3 Respiratory infections_17.3.4 Pneumonia_17.3.4.2 Pneumonia in Adults_17.3.4.2.4 Pneumocystis Pneumonia