GENERIC NAME: AZTREONAM - INJECTION (azz-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. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Inject this medication into a vein (intravenous-IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular-IM) as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you are using the frozen medication bags, thaw the bags at room temperature or in the refrigerator before using. Make sure all the ice crystals have melted. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. 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 take 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. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. Inform 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 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, confusion, easy bruising/bleeding, ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: 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 (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks 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, or 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, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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