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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using aztreonam (Cayston)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aztreonam.

Before using aztreonam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any type of antibiotic, especially:

• cephalosporins such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others;
• penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin C-R, PC Pen VK, Pen-V, Pfizerpen), and others; or
• similar antibiotics such as ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem (Primaxin), or meropenem (Merrem).

If you have kidney disease, you may need an aztreonam dose adjustment or special tests.

FDA pregnancy category B. Aztreonam is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Aztreonam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use aztreonam (Cayston)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Astreonam inhalation is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) just before using it. Be sure you understand how to properly mix the medication before pouring it into the nebulizer.

Prepare aztreonam in the nebulizer only when you are ready to give yourself a dose. Swirl the mixture gently until the powder has dissolved, then pour the mixture into the handset of the nebulizer. Use the medicine right away after placing it in the nebulizer. Do not save it for later use.

Do not use the medication if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Each vial (bottle) of aztreonam and each ampule of diluent are for one use only. Throw away the empty bottle and ampule after mixing one dose, even if there is diluent left in the ampule.

Aztreonam inhalation is usually given 3 times daily for 28 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Your doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.

You may need to use a bronchodilator medication before each dose of aztreonam inhalation. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of bronchodilator to use and when to use it.

Use aztreonam for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Aztreonam will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not give this medication to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store the powder and diluent in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

After taking the powder and diluent out of the refrigerator, you may store them at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. This medicine must be used within 28 days if you keep it at room temperature.

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