Aztreonam is the only antibiotic Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more in an antibiotic class called monobactams, which are a subclass of beta-lactam antibiotics (antibiotics that have a chemical structure called a beta-lactam ring). Beta-lactam antibiotics also include carbapenems Carbapenems Carbapenems are a subclass of antibiotics called beta-lactam antibiotics (antibiotics that have a chemical structure called a beta-lactam ring). Beta-lactam antibiotics also include cephalosporins... read more , cephalosporins Cephalosporins Cephalosporins are a subclass of antibiotics called beta-lactam antibiotics (antibiotics that have a chemical structure called a beta-lactam ring). Beta-lactam antibiotics also include carbapenems... read more , and penicillins Penicillins Penicillins are a subclass of antibiotics called beta-lactam antibiotics (antibiotics that have a chemical structure called a beta-lactam ring). Carbapenems, cephalosporins, and monobactams... read more .
Aztreonam is commonly used to treat people who are allergic to some beta-lactam antibiotics and is used in combination with other antibiotics to treat certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Most bacteria have an outer covering (cell wall) that protects them. Like the other beta-lactam antibiotics, aztreonam works by preventing bacteria from forming this cell wall, resulting in death of the bacteria.
Aztreonam
Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Injection site discomfort and swelling Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or a combination Rash | Can typically be used in people allergic to other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, but should be avoided in people with severe allergies to ceftazidime or cefiderocol Must be given by injection |
(See also Overview of Antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more .)
Use of Aztreonam During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Aztreonam should be taken during pregnancy only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. No harmful effects on the fetus have been observed in animal studies, but no well-designed studies have been done in pregnant women. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Drug Use During Pregnancy More than 50% of pregnant women take prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs or use social drugs (such as tobacco and alcohol) or illicit drugs at some time during pregnancy... read more .)
Use of aztreonam during breastfeeding is generally considered acceptable. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Drug Use During Breastfeeding When mothers who are breastfeeding have to take a drug, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the drug passes into the milk Whether... read more .)
