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Aztreonam (injection)

Generic name: Aztreonam (injection) [az-TREE-oh-nam]
Brand name: Azactam
Dosage Form: Injectable Powder for Injection (1 and 2 Gram)
Class of drugs:
Antibiotics

What is Aztreonam?

Aztreonam is an antibacterial.Aztreonam can be used to treat serious infections in the blood, bladder, skin, lungs, or reproductive organs.Aztreonam can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Side effects of Aztreonam

If you experience symptoms of an allergy (hives), difficulty breathing (swelling in the face and throat), or severe skin reactions (fever or burning, sore eyes, pain on your skin, or red, purple, or blistered skin with peeling or blisters), seek emergency medical attention.

Aztreonam may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, watery or bleeding;
  • Chest pain;
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • A seizure;
  • Liver problems: loss of appetite, pain in the upper right corner of your stomach, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice

Aztreonam can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Rash;
  • Vaginal itching, or discharge
  • Pain, bruising, or swelling where the medication was injected.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the Food and Drug Administration's Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin

Warning

Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to aztreonam, it is best not to use this product.

If you've ever:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver diseases
  • Allergies can be of any kind.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergy to other medications, such as:

  • Similar antibiotics include imipenem or meropenem.
  • Cephalosporins such as Ceftin (Cefzil), Omnicef (Keflex), Ceftin, and Cefzil
  • A penicillin antibiotic, such as Amoxil (Amoxil), Augmentin (Augmentin), Moxatag, and other brands

Unknown is whether aztreonam can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant.Breast-feeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about possible risks.Aztreonam should not be used by children younger than nine months.

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.Aztreonam can be injected directly into the muscle or infused into the vein. You may be taught how to use this medication properly by a healthcare professional.The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of your infection.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use them. Should you have any concerns or inquiries, don't hesitate to ask either your pharmacist or physician.Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the color of your medicine changes or if it has any particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Aztreonam should be diluted with liquid before use. If you are using the injections yourself, make sure that you know how to mix and store them. Only use the diluent your pharmacist or doctor has prescribed.Aztreonam should be stored unmixed at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store mixed medication in the refrigerator for 7 days or at room temperature for up to 48 hours.Aztreonam can be mixed with other antibiotics to form a solution. This type of solution may require a different storage method. Be sure to follow all instructions for storage.Aztreonam, supplied in plastic containers as a frozen liquid solution, should be kept in the freezer. Keep the freezer at a temperature of 4 Fahrenheit below zero or lower.The medicine can be thawed in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The medicine should not be heated. Aztreonam must be taken within two weeks of thawing in the refrigerator or within 48 hours at room temperature.Aztreonam can be given until the infection is cleared or you are symptom-free for 48 hours.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Aztreonam does not work on viral infections such as the flu and common cold.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Use only one dose at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid this

It is possible that antibiotics can lead to diarrhea. This could be an indication of a fresh infection. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea that's watery or bleeding.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal remedies, can affect Aztreonam. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.