MedicineNet.com

aztreonam - injection, Azactam

Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures Take the MRSA Quiz! Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

GENERIC NAME: AZTREONAM - INJECTION (az-TREE-oh-nam)

BRAND NAME(S): Azactam

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Aztreonam is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein or a muscle as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals as directed.Continue to use aztreonam until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, or redness/discomfort/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, confusion, easy bruising/bleeding, ringing in the ears, seizures, chest pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, unusual fatigue, persistent signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat).This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool..Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection), or a new type of bacterial infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.