Azactam (Aztreonam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Azactam Used For?
Azactam contains the active ingredient aztreonam and is an antibiotic medication used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.
Primary Uses
Azactam is used for treating serious bacterial infections in various parts of the body. It may sometimes be given with other antibiotics to provide comprehensive treatment.
How It Works
Azactam works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria that are causing your infection.
How to Take Azactam
Azactam is administered only in a hospital or clinic setting by healthcare professionals. You will not give this medication to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on the severity and location of your infection, your size, and your medical history. The dose can range from 1.5g to 8g each day, given over 2, 3, or 4 injections throughout a 24-hour period. Azactam can be injected directly into your vein over 3-5 minutes, given as an infusion over 30 minutes, or administered as an injection into a large muscle such as the buttocks or thigh.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Azactam is administered in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse, if you believe you have missed a dose, inform your doctor or nurse straight away.
Important: Azactam will be prepared and administered by your doctor or nurse – you will not administer this medication yourself.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Skin redness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gut pain
- Indigestion or upset stomach
- Oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- Swelling, pain or inflammation at injection site
- Vaginal thrush
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps/bloating
- Mouth ulcer
- Altered taste
- Changes in blood cell counts and liver function tests
- Allergic reaction
- Itchy skin
- Flushing
- Red/purple spots under skin surface
- Dermatitis
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat with difficulty swallowing or breathing)
- Severe and sudden onset of pinkish, itchy swellings
- Blistering of the skin
- Ulcers in the eyes or mouth
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhea
- Fever, generally feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
- Confusion
- Impairment of consciousness
- Epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- Movement disorders
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations to discuss with your doctor before starting Azactam treatment.
Who Should Not Take Azactam
Do not use Azactam if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to aztreonam or any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines (particularly antibiotics) or substances like foods, preservatives, or dyes. Also inform your doctor if you have or have had: diarrhea or usually get diarrhea when taking antibiotics, bowel problems, liver disease, or kidney impairment. If you develop severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea during or after using Azactam, this may be serious and require treatment – do not use over-the-counter diarrhea treatments without consulting your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during Azactam treatment.
Serious Bowel Condition: Call your doctor straight away if you get severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after Azactam treatment has stopped.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Azactam and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor or pharmacist, and tell your doctor about any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you buy without a prescription.
- Probenecid (medicine to treat gout)
- Frusemide (medicine that reduces fluid)
Alcohol & Driving
There are important precautions to consider regarding alcohol consumption and operating machinery while using Azactam.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Azactam affects you.
Storage
Azactam will be stored in the hospital or pharmacy under appropriate conditions. You do not need to worry about storing this medication yourself.
Overdose Information
Since your dose of Azactam will be determined and administered by a doctor, the chance of receiving an overdose is very unlikely. However, if an overdose should occur, your doctor will provide appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Azactam begins working by killing or preventing bacterial growth once it enters your system. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment and determine the appropriate duration of therapy based on your specific infection.
Since Azactam is given as an injection or infusion in a hospital or clinic setting, food intake does not affect how the medication is administered or absorbed.
No, Azactam is an antibiotic medication and is not addictive. It works by fighting bacterial infections and does not cause dependency.
Since Azactam is administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic, if you believe you have missed a dose, inform your doctor or nurse straight away.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Your healthcare provider can advise you on whether alcohol consumption is safe during your treatment.
Call your doctor straight away if you develop severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after Azactam treatment has stopped. Do not take any diarrhea medicine without checking with your doctor first.
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Azactam affects you, as the medication may cause side effects that could impair your ability to operate machinery safely.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.