Pentamidine can cause kidney and liver problems, low blood sugar, high blood sugar, low white blood cell counts, low blood pressure, and inflammation of the pancreas. MAC usually affects the intestines and inner organs, and its symptoms can include weight loss, fevers, chills, night sweats, swollen glands, abdominal pains, diarrhea, and overall weakness. The most serious side effects of rifabutin are low white blood cell counts and elevated liver enzymes. Side effects of clarithromycin can include diarrhea, nausea, and abnormal or metallic taste. Side effects of azithromycin include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, dizziness, sensitivity to sunlight, and rare cases of hearing loss.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii.
Common sources of infection are cats, birds, other animals, and undercooked meat. The parasite can also be found in soil contaminated by animal feces. Toxoplasmosis most often affects the brain, and its symptoms include severe headaches, weakness on one side of the body, fever, seizures, problems with seeing and difficulty speaking and walking. Bactrim can be used to prevent toxoplasmosis, as can the combination of dapsone and pyrimethamine. The main side effects from Bactrim and dapsone are listed above.