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Aztreonam Intravenous for Adults
Who can administer
May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife
Important information
- Restricted antibiotic: restricted to indications in the antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, or following approval by microbiology/infectious diseases
- Use with caution in patients who have experienced a reaction to ceftazidime (as the drugs share a side chain) (Ref 1)
- See under 'Dose' for adjustments required in renal impairment
Available preparations
Azactam 1g vial
Azactam 2g vial
Reconstitution
Water for injection
For intravenous injection: 6 to 10ml per vial and shake well
For intravenous infusion: at least 3ml per 1g vial and shake well
Infusion fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%
Methods of intravenous administration
Can use either method of administration- choice depends on practicalities such as time available, fluid status of patient, etc.
Slow intravenous injection
- Administer over 3 to 5 minutes
Intermittent intravenous infusion
- Add required dose to 100ml infusion fluid and administer over 20 to 60 minutes
- A 1g in 50ml infusion may be used if required (eg fluid restriction) but the residual volume in the infusion line must be flushed through at the same rate to avoid significant underdosing
Dose in adults
Usual dose
- Give either 1g every eight hours, or 2g every twelve hours (maximum dose 2g every six hours)
Febrile neutropenia (if severe or immediate penicillin allergy) (ref 1)
- Give 2g every eight hours
Cystic fibrosis
- Give 2g every six to eight hours
Renal impairment (ref1)
| eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) | Maintenance dose |
|---|---|
| 10 to 30 | Give usual initial dose, then continue with 50% of the initial dose |
| Less than 10 | Give usual initial dose, then continue with 25% of the initial dose |
| Renal replacement therapy | Consult pharmacy/specialist literature |
|
Give at the same interval as for normal renal function Example eGFR 20, treating for Cystic fibrosis, give 2g stat, then 1g every eight hours |
|
Storage
Store below 250C
References
SPC January 2019
(1) GUH Antimicrobial Guidelines (Adults)
Therapeutic classification
Monocyclic Betalactam Antibiotic