Changes in taste associated with intravenous administration of pentamidine.

In this pilot study the authors set out to: (a) describe the incidence of taste changes associated with intravenous (i.v.) pentamidine treatment; and (b) determine the factors that are related to making the taste changes better and worse. A convenience sample (N = 18) of adult male outpatients with AIDS participated in this study. One hundred percent of the participants experienced an unpleasant taste after the administration of pentamidine. The largest percentage of patients had a metallic taste (89%, n = 16); while 67% (n = 12) experienced a bitter taste. These data suggest that healthcare providers need to assess for the unpleasant taste associated with i.v. pentamidine and develop appropriate management strategies.