Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is recommended for all HIV-infected children considered to be at high risk. In children younger than 5 years of age with intolerance to trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole, parenteral pentamidine may be a successful alternative.~Thirty-two children are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Patients receive pentamidine on either a biweekly or a monthly treatment schedule. Treatment continues until the last child enrolled has received at least 6 months of pentamidine. Patients are stratified according to age < 24 months or age >= 24 months. Steady-state pharmacokinetics will be examined in a subsample of 20 patients.
Primary: To compare the pharmacokinetics of biweekly and monthly dose regimens of intravenous pentamidine in HIV-infected infants and children who require PCP prophylaxis and who are intolerant to oral trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole. To determine the safety and tolerance of these regimens in this patient population.~Secondary: To obtain information on the rate of PCP breakthrough in infants and children receiving parenteral pentamidine prophylaxis.~Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is recommended for all HIV-infected children considered to be at high risk. In children younger than 5 years of age with intolerance to trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole, parenteral pentamidine may be a successful alternative.