AZACTAM

Drug Name: AZACTAM

AZACTAM DESCRIPTION:
AZTREONAM - INJECTION (azz-TREE-oh-nam)

COMMON AZACTAM BRAND NAME(S):
Azactam

AZACTAM SIDE EFFECTS:
AZACTAM may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Other side effects that have been reported with this medication include headache, trouble sleeping, sneezing, bad breath, blurred vision, muscle aches, vaginal itching, dizziness. Inform your doctor if these become bothersome. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if it continues or becomes worse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE AZACTAM:
AZACTAM: AZACTAM can be injected slowly into a vein (IV) after dilution in fluid or into a large muscle (IM). If given frozen minibags, thaw at room temperature or in a refrigerator before using. Make sure all ice crystals have melted. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use AZACTAM 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 resulting in a relapse of the infection.

AZACTAM USES:
AZACTAM is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

AZACTAM PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, stomach/intestine problems (e.g., colitis), any allergies (especially allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins). Before using AZACTAM, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Aztreonam is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts. Though to date there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

AZACTAM DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: probenecid, other antibiotics, any live vaccines. If you are a diabetic, use Clinistix to test for sugar in your urine. Do not use Clinitest tablets because aztreonam may cause false positive results. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

AZACTAM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

AZACTAM NOTES:
Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

MISSED AZACTAM DOSE:
Use any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

AZACTAM STORAGE:
Keep minibags frozen at -4 degrees F (at -20 degrees C) unless otherwise specified by manufacturer. Before reconstituting, store vials at room temperature.