Azactam Injection (Aztreonam Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 25, 2012

Azactam Injection

E. Coli (0157:H7) »

E. coli 0157:H7 Facts

E. coli 0157:H7 is a gram-negative bacterium that can produce a bloody diarrhea due to toxins it secretes when it infects human intestinal tracts.
The symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 infection may include a low fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea.
E. coli 0157:H7 is notorious because it can cause additional complications in children and the elderly; renal failure, anemia, and dehydration especially for children (termed HUS or Hemolytic-uremic syndrome) and spontaneous bleeding, organ failures, and mental changes in the elderly (termed TTP or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). Some of these patients develop disabilities or die.
Diagnosis is definitively made when E. coli 0157:H7 is isolated, usually from the patient's stool, and identified as serotype 0157 by immunologic tests.
Most E. coli 0157:H7 infections resolve s...

Read the E. Coli (0157:H7) article »

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Azactam Injection

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AZACTAM®
(aztreonam) for Injection, USP

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of AZACTAM® (aztreonam injection) and other antibacterial drugs, AZACTAM should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AZACTAM® (aztreonam for injection, USP) contains the active ingredient aztreonam, a monobactam. It was originally isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum. It is a synthetic bactericidal antibiotic.

The monobactams, having a unique monocyclic beta-lactam nucleus, are structurally different from other beta-lactam antibiotics (eg, penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycins). The sulfonic acid substituent in the 1-position of the ring activates the beta-lactam moiety; an aminothiazolyl oxime side chain in the 3-position and a methyl group in the 4-position confer the specific antibacterial spectrum and beta-lactamase stability.

Aztreonam is designated chemically as (Z)-2-[[[(2-amino-4-thiazolyl)[[(2S,3S)-2-methyl-4-oxo-1-sulfo-3-azetidinyl]carbamoyl]methylene]amino]oxy]-2-methylpropionic acid.

Structural formula:

AZACTAM is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, sodium-free, white powder containing approximately 780 mg arginine per gram of aztreonam. Following constitution, the product is for intramuscular or intravenous use. Aqueous solutions of the product have a pH in the range of 4.5 to 7.5.

What are the possible side effects of aztreonam (Azactam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
confusion, seizure (convulsions);
feeling light-headed, fainting;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

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What are the precautions when taking aztreonam injection (Azactam Injection)?

Before using aztreonam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins, cephalosporins, or certain other antibiotics (e.g., imipenem, meropenem); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease.

This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 8/28/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.