Aztreonam injection

What is aztreonam injection?

AZTREONAM (Azactam®) is an antibiotic. Aztreonam kills or stops the growth of certain bacteria that cause certain infections. Aztreonamn is used to treat infections of the skin, bone, blood, stomach, respiratory tract, sinuses, and kidney. It also treats certain infections in women (gynecological infections). Generic aztreonam injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive aztreonam?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aztreonam, penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Aztreonam is for injection into a muscle or for infusion into a vein. Aztreonam is usually given in a hospital or clinic for severe infections. If you are to give yourself aztreonam at home, follow the directions on the prescription label. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. Make sure you understand how to store, mix and give yourself aztreonam. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with aztreonam?

• Other antibiotics may increase or decrease the effectiveness of aztreonam.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking aztreonam?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving aztreonam?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• severe or watery diarrhea

More common:

• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site

• skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Aztreonam is usually given in a hospital. You may be given aztreonam to take home to complete your treatment. If you are given this medicine to take at home, store at in the refrigerator or as directed until it is time to give the medicine. Keep medicine out of reach of children.