What is Aztreonam?
Aztreonam is an antibacterial.Inhaling azatreonam can improve the breathing symptoms of people who have cystic fibrosis or a lung infected by a bacteria named Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Aztreonam can be used in children and adults aged 7 or older with a forced expiratory volume of 1 second (FEV1) between 25 and 75 percent.Aztreonam can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Aztreonam
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Aztreonam may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Bronchospasm: wheezing, coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing;
- Any new or worsening respiratory problems
Aztreonam can cause a variety of side effects.
- Wheezing and chest discomfort
- Stomach pain, vomiting;
- Fever is more common among children.
- Cough, sore neck, and stuffy nose.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any side effects by calling the FDA's Help Line at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warning
Do not use it other than as prescribed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if there is a medical condition or allergy.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to aztreonam, it is best not to use this product.Inform your doctor of any allergies you may have to antibiotics.Inform your doctor whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant.Aztreonam is not recommended for children younger than seven years of age.
How to take Aztreonam?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Only use a nebulizer of Altera's brand when using aztreonam. Mixing aztreonam with other medications in nebulizers is not recommended.Before pouring the medicine into the nebulizer, make sure that you know how to mix the medication with the liquid. Do not prepare your dose until you're ready to use your nebulizer. If the medication looks cloudy or has small particles in it, call your pharmacist.After one use of the ampule, throw it away, even if you still have medicine inside.Inhalation of Aztreonam is normally given three times daily, at intervals of four hours for 28 consecutive days. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.It may be necessary to take a bronchodilator before taking each dose of Aztreonam. Only use the prescribed bronchodilator and follow the instructions for timing your dose in relation to the aztreonam.You can use aztreonam between 15 minutes and 4 hours after using a short-acting bronchodilator, such as levalbuterol or albuterol.You should use a bronchodilator that has a longer-acting effect, such as formoterol or salmeterol (Advair Breo Dulera Foradil Serevent Symbicort). Use this bronchodilator 30 minutes to 12 hours prior to using aztreonam.Use a drug to remove mucus in your lungs after you have used a bronchodilator, but before using Aztreonam.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to use aztreonam. If you skip doses, your infection could become resistant to the medication. Aztreonam does not work on a virus, such as the flu or a cold.Keep the diluent and medicine in the fridge. Don't freeze. Use before the date of expiration printed on the label.Store the diluent and medicine at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight, for 28 days. Don't use medicine that has been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take two doses at once. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.If you forget to take a daily dose, make sure that the doses are at least four hours apart.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
You may have to take other inhaled medicines in an orderly fashion while you are using aztreonam. You can ask your doctor about specific directions on when you should use other inhaled medications with your aztreonam doses.Other drugs may interact with azatreonam. Inform your doctor of all the medications that you take. You should tell your doctor about all medications you use, including prescriptions, vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter ones. You should not begin a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
