aztreonam inhalation

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

aztreonam belongs to the class of antibiotics known as monobactams. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Specifically, aztreonam binds to and inhibits penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the bacterial cell wall. This results in the inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to cell wall damage and bacterial cell death.  

Spectrum: 

aztreonam inhalation is primarily effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has limited or no activity against Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobic organisms. Therefore, aztreonam inhalation is most commonly used to treat respiratory infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in patients with cystic fibrosis. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

>25% 

Cough (54%) 

10-25% 

Pharyngolaryngeal pain (12%) 

Pyrexia (13%) 

Nasal congestion (16%) 

Wheezing (16%) 

1-10% 

Chest discomfort (8%) 

Bronchospasm (3%) 

Rash (2%) 

Abdominal pain (7%) 

Vomiting (6%) 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Co-existing allergies 
• Pregnancy  
• Lactation 
• Superinfection 
• Potential interactions 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Insufficient data is available.  

Breastfeeding warnings:  

A small amount of the drug is excreted in the breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

aztreonam inhalation is a medication used to treat respiratory tract infections caused by certain bacteria in patients with cystic fibrosis. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as monobactams. aztreonam inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to and inactivating penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), enzymes in constructing the bacterial cell wall.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

aztreonam exhibits time-dependent killing, meaning its antibacterial activity depends on the exposure duration to effective drug concentrations. Maintaining adequate drug levels in the lungs for a sufficient period is essential to maximize its bactericidal effect. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1 hour 

The drug shows low systemic absorption  

Distribution 

The bound protein is 56%   

Metabolism 

The drug is metabolized in the liver 

Elimination and Excretion 

The drug is excreted 60-70% in urine and 13-15% in feces 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

aztreonam inhalation is administered using a nebulizer or inhaler to deliver the medication directly into the lungs. aztreonam inhalation is available as a solution that needs to be converted into an aerosol for inhalation. It is typically used with a nebulizer that changes the liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: aztreonam inhalation 

Pronounced: az-TREE-oh-nam 

Why do we use aztreonam inhalation?  

aztreonam inhalation is specifically used to treat respiratory tract infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in patients with cystic fibrosis.