Aztreonam (az-TREE-oh-nam)

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

Brand Name(s):

Azactam, Aztreonam Novaplus, PremierPro Rx aztreonam

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• 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 While Using This Medicine:

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