DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Aztreonam (AZZ-TREE-oh-nam)
Brand Name: Azactam

Aztreonam is used for:

Preventing and treating serious infections caused by certain bacteria.

Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria that cause infection.

Do NOT use Aztreonam if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aztreonam

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Aztreonam :

Some medical conditions may interact with Aztreonam . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of allergies, especially to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic
• if you have liver or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aztreonam . However, no specific interactions with Aztreonam are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aztreonam may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aztreonam :

Use Aztreonam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Aztreonam is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Aztreonam at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Aztreonam contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Aztreonam for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Aztreonam , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aztreonam .

Important safety information:

• Aztreonam is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• It is important to use Aztreonam for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Aztreonam and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Aztreonam and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Aztreonam may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Aztreonam may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control while using Aztreonam .
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, or blood clotting levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Aztreonam with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Aztreonam during pregnancy. Aztreonam is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Aztreonam .

Possible side effects of Aztreonam :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Discomfort; mild diarrhea; nausea; pain; vein inflammation; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; chills; fever; itching; muscle pain; pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the injection site; severe diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Aztreonam :

Aztreonam is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Aztreonam at home, store Aztreonam as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Aztreonam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Aztreonam , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Aztreonam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Aztreonam . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.