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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

AZTREONAM INHALATION SOLUTION - ORAL

USES: This medication is used to treat people with a certain inherited condition (cystic fibrosis) who have a persistent lung infection with a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). People with cystic fibrosis produce thick, sticky mucus that can plug up the tubes, ducts and passageways in the lungs. This can result in serious breathing problems and infections in the lungs.

Aztreonam belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-lactams. Aztreonam inhalation solution works by stopping the growth of a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that commonly infects the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. This effect decreases lung infections and damage, decreases the use of other antibiotics, and helps to improve breathing.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn and follow all instructions for the use of this medication and the nebulizer. Children may need help from an adult to use this medication properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Before treatment with inhaled aztreonam, you should inhale a bronchodilator (such as albuterol, formoterol, salmeterol). Ask your pharmacist or doctor how soon to pre-treat with the specific bronchodilator you are using.

Use this medication with the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually three times a day. Each treatment lasts about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not swallow or inject this medication. This medicine is usually used for 28 days in a row, followed by 28 days without this medication, repeating the cycle until your doctor directs you to stop.

Each vial of aztreonam is for one-time use. Inspect each vial before use. Discard the vial if the prepared solution is cloudy or has particles in it, or if it has expired or has been stored at room temperature for longer than 28 days. Use all of the contents of the vial for each dose immediately after mixing the medication. Do not mix aztreonam with any other medicines in the nebulizer.

Do not use other forms of aztreonam in the nebulizer. Other forms of aztreonam may contain arginine which can cause breathing problems if inhaled.

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.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.