Aztreonam Intravenous for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

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

Azactam 1g vial

Azactam 2g vial

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

Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%

Can use either method of administration- choice depends on practicalities such as time available, fluid status of patient, etc.

Slow intravenous injection

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

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)

Cystic fibrosis

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

Store below 25⁰C

SPC January 2019

Monocyclic Betalactam Antibiotic