aztreonam (inhalation)

Skip to the navigation

Pronunciation: AZ tree oh nam

Brand: Cayston

What is the most important information I should know about aztreonam?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aztreonam.

Before using aztreonam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any type of antibiotic, especially a cephalosporin (Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others), a penicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Bactocill, Bicillin L-A, Dispermox, Dycill, Dynapen, Moxatag, Principen, PC Pen VK, Pen-V, Pfizerpen, Unasyn, and others), or similar antibiotics such as Invanz, Primaxin, or Merrem.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Aztreonam will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Aztreonam inhalation should be used only with an Altera brand nebulizer. Do not use any other type of nebulizer or inhaler device with this medication. Do not mix other medicines with aztreonam in the nebulizer.

If you use other inhaled medications, you may need to use them in a certain order while using aztreonam inhalation. Ask your doctor for specific instructions about when to use your other medications in relation to your aztreonam inhalation doses.

What is aztreonam?

Aztreonam is an antibiotic that fights severe or life-threatening infection caused by bacteria.

Aztreonam inhalation is used to improve breathing symptoms in people who have cystic fibrosis and a certain bacteria in their lungs. This medication is for use in adults and children who are at least 7 years old.

Aztreonam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using aztreonam?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aztreonam.

Before using aztreonam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any type of antibiotic, especially:

  • cephalosporins such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others;
  • penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen), and others; or
  • similar antibiotics such as ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem (Primaxin), or meropenem (Merrem).

FDA pregnancy category B. Aztreonam is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Aztreonam can pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use aztreonam?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Aztreonam inhalation should be used only with an Altera brand nebulizer. Do not use any other type of nebulizer or inhaler device with this medication. Do not mix other medicines with aztreonam in the nebulizer.

Aztreonam inhalation is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) just before using it. Be sure you understand how to properly mix the medication before pouring it into the nebulizer.

Prepare aztreonam in the nebulizer only when you are ready to give yourself a dose. Swirl the mixture gently until the powder has dissolved, then pour the mixture into the handset of the nebulizer. Use the medicine right away after placing it in the nebulizer. Do not save it for later use.

Do not use the medication if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Each vial (bottle) of aztreonam and each ampule of diluent are for one use only. Throw away the empty bottle and ampule after mixing one dose, even if there is diluent left in the ampule.

Aztreonam inhalation is usually given 3 times daily for 28 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Your doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.

You may need to use a bronchodilator medication before each dose of aztreonam inhalation. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of bronchodilator to use and when to use it.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Aztreonam will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not give this medication to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store the powder and diluent in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

After taking the powder and diluent out of the refrigerator, you may store them at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. This medicine must be used within 28 days if you keep it at room temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then wait at least 4 hours before using your next dose. Even if you miss a dose, you should still try to get all of your scheduled doses for the day, as long as they are spaced at least 4 hours apart. Do not use two doses at one time or use extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using aztreonam?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of aztreonam?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing) right after using the medicine; or
  • any new or worsening symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild stomach discomfort, vomiting;
  • cough, sore throat;
  • stuffy nose; or
  • low fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect aztreonam?

If you use other inhaled medications, you may need to use them in a certain order while using aztreonam inhalation. Ask your doctor for specific instructions about when to use your other medications in relation to your aztreonam inhalation doses.

There may be other drugs that can interact with aztreonam. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about aztreonam inhalation.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision date: 6/5/2012.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by clicking on this link.