ACTG 081 shows TMP/SMX, aerosolized pentamidine, dapsone have "similar effectiveness" in PCP prevention.
Executive Summary
TMP/SMX, AEROSOLIZED PENTAMIDINE, DAPSONE SHOW "SIMILAR EFFECTIVENESS" in preventing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with advanced HIV disease, according to results of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases' AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 081. The estimated 36-month cumulative risks of PCP in the TMP/SMX, dapsone and aerosolized pentamidine groups are 18%, 17% and 21%, respectively, the investigators found. TMP/SMX is marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche as Bactrim, by Burroughs Wellcome as Septra and in generic versions. Aerosolized pentamidine is marketed by Fujisawa as NebuPent.