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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 Cayston Inhl
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.
Cough, chest discomfort, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: wheezing, trouble breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using aztreonam inhalation solution, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins, cephalosporins, or certain other antibiotics (such as 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 problems.
Aztreonam may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) not to work as well. Therefore, do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication without the consent of your doctor.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if inhaled aztreonam passes into breast milk. However, other forms of this drug pass into breast milk in very small amounts, and many doctors consider breastfeeding safe while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor\'s approval.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: cefoxitin, imipenem.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
Overdose is unlikely with aztreonam that is inhaled or swallowed. However, if overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as breathing tests, bacterial cultures) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:
It is important not to miss any doses. If you miss a dose, you can still use all 3 daily doses as long as you leave at least 4 hours between each dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. This medication may also be stored at room temperature up to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for up to 28 days. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired, or no longer needed, or if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
