aztreonam inhalation

Generic Name: aztreonam (inhalation) (AZ tree oh nam)

Brand Names: Cayston

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 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 C-R, Dycill, Dynapen, Omnipen, Principen, PC Pen VK, Pen-V, Pfizerpen, and others), or similar antibiotics such as Invanz, Primaxin, or Marum.

Use aztreonam for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. 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 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:

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  cephalosporins such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others;

  
  


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  penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin C-R, PC Pen VK, Pen-V, Pfizerpen), and others; or

  
  


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  similar antibiotics such as ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem (Primaxin), or meropenem (Merrem).

  
  

If you have kidney disease, you may need an aztreonam dose adjustment or special tests. 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 and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling 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.

Astreonam 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 aztreonam for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. 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.

Aztreonam side effects

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:

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  bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing) right after using the medicine; or

  
  


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  any new or worsening symptoms.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild stomach discomfort, vomiting;

  
  


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  cough, sore throat;

  
  


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  stuffy nose; or

  
  


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  low fever.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aztreonam Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacteremia:

2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours

Therapy should be continued for approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection:

Moderately severe infections: 1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours
Severe infections: 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours (maximum, 8 g/day)

Usual Adult Dose for Cystic Fibrosis:

Inhalation:
Initial dose: 75 mg via nebulizer over approximately 2 to 3 minutes 3 times a day for 28 days; doses should be at least 4 hours apart

Maintenance dose: Administer in alternating cycles of 28 days on and 28 days off.

For patients on multiple inhaled therapies, the following order of administration is recommended: bronchodilator, mucolytics, and lastly, aztreonam for inhalation.

Usual Adult Dose for Febrile Neutropenia:

2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours

Therapy should be continued until the absolute neutrophil count is greater than 500/mm3 and no infection is found or until an adequate clinical response is achieved if a susceptible infection is found and the patient has been afebrile for at least 24 hours. Therapy for neutropenic patients is often required for up to 3 weeks.

Usual Adult Dose for Intraabdominal Infection:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Adult Dose for Peritonitis:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteomyelitis:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Chronic osteomyelitis may require an additional 2 months of oral antibiotics.

Usual Adult Dose for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued until this patient is afebrile and pain-free for 24 to 36 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 21 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:

1 to 2 g IV every 8 or 12 hours

For severe or life-threatening infections, a dose of 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours is recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 7 days or until 3 days after acute inflammation disappears. For more severe infections, such as diabetic soft tissue infections, 14 to 21 days of therapy may be required.

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:

500 mg to 1 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Intraabdominal Infection:

7 days or less, 2000 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
7 days or less, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

8 to 30 days, 1199 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
8 to 30 days, 1200 to 2000 g: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
8 to 30 days, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours

1 month to 18 years: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 2 g/dose or 8 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:

7 days or less, 2000 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
7 days or less, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

8 to 30 days, 1199 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
8 to 30 days, 1200 to 2000 g: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
8 to 30 days, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours

1 month to 18 years: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 2 g/dose or 8 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection:

7 days or less, 2000 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
7 days or less, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

8 to 30 days, 1199 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
8 to 30 days, 1200 to 2000 g: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
8 to 30 days, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours

1 month to 18 years: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 2 g/dose or 8 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:

7 days or less, 2000 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
7 days or less, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

8 to 30 days, 1199 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
8 to 30 days, 1200 to 2000 g: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
8 to 30 days, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours

1 month to 18 years: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 2 g/dose or 8 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

7 days or less, 2000 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
7 days or less, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

8 to 30 days, 1199 g or less: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
8 to 30 days, 1200 to 2000 g: 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
8 to 30 days, 2001 g or more: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours

1 month to 18 years: 30 mg/kg IV every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 2 g/dose or 8 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystic Fibrosis:

Inhalation:
7 years or older:
Initial dose: 75 mg via nebulizer over approximately 2 to 3 minutes 3 times a day for 28 days; doses should be at least 4 hours apart

Maintenance dose: Administer in alternating cycles of 28 days on and 28 days off.

For patients on multiple inhaled therapies, the following order of administration is recommended: bronchodilator, mucolytics, and lastly, aztreonam for inhalation.

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.

More aztreonam resources

• Aztreonam Side Effects (in more detail)
• Aztreonam Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Aztreonam Drug Interactions
• Aztreonam Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Aztreonam - Add your own review/rating

Compare aztreonam with other medications

• Bacteremia
• Bacterial Infection
• Bone infection
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Intraabdominal Infection
• Kidney Infections
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis
• Skin and Structure Infection
• Skin Infection
• Urinary Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

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

See also: aztreonam side effects (in more detail)