Cayston (aztreonam) is an inhaled antibiotic given through a nebulizer. It's used to treat a lung infection caused by bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis. Cayston (aztreonam) is taken three times per day for 28 days, and then you go off of the medication for 28 days. It's currently only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.
Improve breathing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs
Cayston (aztreonam) is a monobactam antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from being able to make a cell wall around them. This causes the bacteria to die.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Noisy breathing
shortness of breath
tightness in the chest
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taken for 28 days followed by 28 days off
Can be used in children as young as 7 years old
Can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days
Can be taken with or without food
Available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive
Needs to be taken 3 times per day with a dose of a bronchodilator before doses
If you're taking multiple breathing medications, there needs to be specific order in which you take Cayston (aztreonam).
Needs to be used with a specific nebulizer
You should receive training from your provider or pharmacist on how to give yourself Cayston (aztreonam). Make sure you know how to give yourself Cayston (aztreonam) correctly and safely so you have the best chance at improving your breathing symptoms. Carefully read the instructions for use, and contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use this medication.
Make sure to use Cayston (aztreonam) 3 times per day for the full 28 days, even if you feel better. If you miss a dose, you should still try to take all 3 of the doses per day as long as the doses are at least 4 hours apart.
Keep Cayston (aztreonam) in the carton to protect it from light and place it in the refrigerator. If you're traveling and don't have access to a refrigerator, Cayston (aztreonam) can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. Don't use Cayston (aztreonam) if it has been at room temperature for longer than 28 days.
Only prepare a dose of Cayston (aztreonam) when you're ready to use it because it needs to be used right away after mixing the medication with the diluent provided. If you mixed the medication but aren't ready to use it, throw the dose away and mix again when you're ready. Never mix Cayston (aztreonam) with other medications in your nebulizer.
You need to use a specific type of inhaler called a bronchodilator before taking your dose of Cayston (aztreonam). Bronchodilators will relax and open up your airways and lower your chance of trouble breathing after using Cayston (aztreonam). Depending on the type of bronchodilator you're prescribed, you'll need to use it between 15 minutes and 12 hours before your dose of Cayston (aztreonam). Medications such as albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) or levalbuterol (Xopenex) should be taken 15 minutes to 4 hours before each dose of Cayston (aztreonam). Medications such as Serevent (salmeterol) or arformoterol (Brovana) should be taken 30 minutes to 12 hours before your dose of Cayston (aztreonam). Contact your pharmacist or provider if you have any questions about when you should use your inhaler before taking Cayston (aztreonam).
If you use other inhaled medications for your CF, the recommended order is: 1) bronchodilators, 2) mucolytics, 3) Cayston (aztreonam). Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure what order to take your medications.
Each treatment will last about 2 to 3 minutes. When your treatment is complete, throw the empty vial, stopper, and saline ampule (the diluent provided) in the household garbage.
Cayston (aztreonam) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factor: Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems)
Severe allergic reactions to Cayston (aztreonam) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Cayston (aztreonam), get medical attention right away.
Inhaled medications, including Cayston (aztreonam), can cause bronchospasm, which is a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. To help prevent this, you should take a bronchodilator before your dose of Cayston (aztreonam). If you become short of breath after using Cayston (aztreonam), get medical attention right away.
The typical dose is 1 vial (75 mg) inhaled three times per day for a 28-day course, followed by 28 days off of Cayston (aztreonam). Cayston (aztreonam) should be inhaled using an Altera^®^ Nebulizer System.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Improve breathing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs
Cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection
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