Aztreonam (By injection)

az-TREE-oh-nam

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Drug classes

Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Aztreonam is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Aztreonam is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or through a needle placed in one of your veins.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how aztreonam works. Tell your doctor if you are using furosemide or probenecid.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aztreonam.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have kidney or liver disease, or you had an allergic reaction to penicillin or any medicine to treat an infection (such as cefaclor, cephalexin, imipenem, meropenem).

This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Bloody or black, tarry stools, or diarrhea that may contain blood

Change in how much or how often you urinate

Chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing

Dark urine or pale stools

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or stomach pain

Numbness, tingling, pain, burning, weakness, or loss of feeling anywhere in your body

Seizure, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting

Swelling of your face, throat, or lips

Swelling, pain, or redness near where the needle is placed

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach

Muscle pain, or pain where the shot was given

Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat

Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Azactam, Novaplus Aztreonam, PremierPro Rx aztreonam

There may be other brand names for this medicine.