The U.S. FDA-approved Aztreonam to prevent serious bacterial infections on December 24, 1998. Aztreonam injection is an antibiotic with an active ingredient called Aztreonam. This medicine was initially derived from Chromobacterium violaceum, which belongs to the medication class known as monobactams. Additionally, it contains L-arginine. 

Aztreonam is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. Monobactams are an antibiotic with a special structure called a monocyclic beta-lactam nucleus. This differentiates them from other commonly known antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins, and cephamycins.

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in muscle or vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The most common side effects of Aztreonam are nausea and diarrhea; serious side effects while taking Aztreonam are allergic reactions (swelling of face, tongue, throat, or lips, difficulty breathing, or swallowing ), injection site reactions (swelling, pain, itchiness, redness) or rashes. 

Do not take Aztreonam if you are allergic to Aztreonam and its other ingredients. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have a liver or kidney condition, a blood disorder (e.g., pancytopenia - reduced blood cells), a skin disorder, positive for antiglobulin (coomb’s) test, fits (a sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body). Notify your doctor if previous antibiotic use or stomach/intestinal issues have caused diarrhea and you develop severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea while taking Aztreonam. Inform your doctor immediately, as it may be necessary to discontinue the treatment.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Kidney patients should take Aztreonam cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Also, in such cases, dose adjustment will be advised. Notify your doctor if you are consuming antibiotics or anticoagulants (blood clots). Suppose you experience encephalopathy (A condition characterized by impaired brain function). 

Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your doctor may alter your dose or stop the treatment. Inform your children’s age before starting the treatment because the dosage will differ based on weight. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Tell your doctor if you experience seizures, altered mental function, unexplained confusion, or weakness).

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on March 2022] [ Accessed on 29th May 2023],Patient Information Leaflet (medicines.org.uk)
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company , US Food and Drug Administration, [ Accessed on 29th May 2023], Azactam (aztreonam) injection label (fda.gov) 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.