DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Aztreonam

March 21, 2017

Aztreonam Nebulizer solution

What is this medicine?

AZTREONAM (AZ tree oh nam) is a monobactam antibiotic. It is used to improve breathing symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) with certain bacteria in their lungs. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth and into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Use this medication as soon as you mix it. Do not mix more than one dose at a time. Do not mix with any other medicines in your nebulizer. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

You will get an information sheet with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. This sheet may change.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Take your doses at least 4 hours apart. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • birth control pills

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional as directed. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • chest discomfort

  • cough

  • fever

  • nasal congestion

  • sore throat

  • stomach pain

  • vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). You can also store this medicine at room temperature, up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 28 days. Protect from light. Do not use if the medicine is cloudy. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Aztreonam Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

AZTREONAM (AZ tree oh nam) is a monobactam antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

  • kidney disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is infused into a vein or injected into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 9 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

  • birth control pills

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • burning, numbness, or tingling

  • change in hearing, vision

  • confusion, dizziness

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • fever

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • unusual bleeding, bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of eyes, skin

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

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • mouth sore

  • pain, swelling or irritation where injected

  • stomach cramps

  • vaginal itch, irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert