Aztreonam for Injection, USP contains the active ingredient Aztreonam, a monobactam. It was originally isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum. It is a synthetic bactericidal antibiotic.
The monobactams, having a unique monocyclic beta-lactam nucleus, are structurally different from other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycins). The sulfonic acid substituent in the 1-position of the ring activates the beta-lactam moiety; an aminothiazolyl oxime side chain in the 3-position and a methyl group in the 4-position confer the specific antibacterial spectrum and beta-lactamase stability.
Aztreonam is designated chemically as (Z)-2-[[[(2-amino-4-thiazolyl)[[(2S,3S)-2-methyl- 4-oxo-1-sulfo-3 azetidinyl] carbamoyl]methylene] amino] oxy]-2-methylpropionic acid. Structural formula:
C13H17N5O8S2 M.W. 435.44
Aztreonam for injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, sodium-free, lyophilized, off-white to slightly yellow solid containing approximately 780 mg arginine per gram of Aztreonam. Following constitution, the product is for intramuscular or intravenous use. Aqueous solutions of the product have a pH in the range of 4.5 to 7.5.Each 500 mg contains 500 mg Aztreonam with approximately 390 mg arginine.
Each 1 gram vial contains 1 gram Aztreonam with approximately 780 mg arginine.
Each 2 gram vial contains 2 grams Aztreonam with approximately 1.56 grams arginine.
Aztreonam - Clinical Pharmacology
Single 30-minute intravenous infusions of 500 mg, 1 g and 2 g doses of Aztreonam for injection in healthy subjects produced Aztreonam peak serum levels of 54, 90 and 204 mcg/mL, respectively, immediately after administration; at 8 hours, serum levels were 1, 3 and 6 mcg/mL, respectively (Figure 1). Single 3 minute intravenous injections of the same doses resulted in serum levels of 58, 125 and 242 mcg/mL at 5 minutes following completion of injection.
Serum concentrations of Aztreonam in healthy subjects following completion of single intramuscular injections of 500 mg and 1 g doses are depicted in Figure 1; maximum serum concentrations occur at about 1 hour. After identical single intravenous or intramuscular doses of Aztreonam for injection the serum concentrations of Aztreonam are comparable at 1 hour (1.5 hours from start of intravenous infusion) with similar slopes of serum concentrations thereafter.
The serum levels of Aztreonam following single 500 mg or 1 g (intramuscular or intravenous) or 2 g (intravenous) doses of Aztreonam for injection exceed the MIC90 for Neisseria sp., Haemophilus influenzae and most genera of the Enterobacteriaceaefor 8 hours (for Enterobacter sp., the 8-hour serum levels exceed the MIC for 80 % of strains). For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a single 2 g intravenous dose produces serum levels that exceed the MIC90 for approximately 4 to 6 hours. All of the above doses of Aztreonam for injection result in average urine levels of Aztreonam that exceed the MIC90 for the same pathogens for up to 12 hours.
When Aztreonam pharmacokinetics were assessed for adult and pediatric patients, they were found to be comparable (down to 9 months old). The serum half-life of Aztreonam averaged 1.7 hours (1.5 to 2) in subjects with normal renal function, independent of the dose and route of administration. In healthy subjects, based on a 70 kg person, the serum clearance was 91 mL/min and renal clearance was 56 mL/min; the apparent mean volume of distribution at steady-state averaged 12.6 liters, approximately equivalent to extracellular fluid volume.
In elderly patients, the mean serum half-life of Aztreonam increased and the renal clearance decreased, consistent with the age-related decrease in creatinine clearance.1-4 The dosage of Aztreonam for injection should be adjusted accordingly (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Renal Impairment in Adult Patients).
In patients with impaired renal function, the serum half-life of Aztreonam is prolonged (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Renal Impairment in Adult Patients). The serum half-life of Aztreonam is only slightly prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment since the liver is a minor pathway of excretion.
Average urine concentrations of Aztreonam were approximately 1100, 3500 and 6600 mcg/mL within the first 2 hours following single 500 mg, 1 g and 2 g intravenous doses of Aztreonam for injection (30 minute infusions), respectively. The range of average concentrations for Aztreonam in the 8 to 12 hour urine specimens in these studies was 25 to 120 mcg/mL. After intramuscular injection of single 500 mg and 1 g doses of Aztreonam for injection urinary levels were approximately 500 and 1200 mcg/mL, respectively, within the first 2 hours, declining to 180 and 470 mcg/mL in the 6 to 8 hour specimens. In healthy subjects, Aztreonam is excreted in the urine about equally by active tubular secretion and glomerular filtration. Approximately 60% to 70 % of an intravenous or intramuscular dose was recovered in the urine by 8 hours. Urinary excretion of a single parenteral dose was essentially complete by 12 hours after injection. About 12 % of a single intravenous radiolabeled dose was recovered in the feces. Unchanged Aztreonam and the inactive beta-lactam ring hydrolysis product of Aztreonam were present in feces and urine.
Intravenous or intramuscular administration of a single 500 mg or 1 g dose of Aztreonam for injection every 8 hours for 7 days to healthy subjects produced no apparent accumulation of Aztreonam or modification of its disposition characteristics; serum protein binding averaged 56 % and was independent of dose. An average of about 6 % of a 1 g intramuscular dose was excreted as a microbiologically inactive open beta-lactam ring hydrolysis product (serum half-life approximately 26 hours) of Aztreonam in the 0 to 8 hour urine collection on the last day of multiple dosing.
Renal function was monitored in healthy subjects given Aztreonam; standard tests (serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, BUN, urinalysis and total urinary protein excretion) as well as special tests (excretion of N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase, alanine aminopeptidase and ß2- microglobulin) were used. No abnormal results were obtained.
Aztreonam achieves measurable concentrations in the following body fluids and tissues:
EXTRAVASCULAR CONCENTRATIONS OF Aztreonam AFTER A SINGLE PARENTERAL DOSE1
|
Fluid or Tissue
|
Dose
(g)
|
Route
|
Hours
Post-injection
|
Number
of
Patients
|
Mean
Concentration
(mcg/mL or mcg/g)
|
Fluids
|
|
|
|
|
|
bile
|
1
|
IV
|
2
|
10
|
39
|
blister fluid
|
1
|
IV
|
1
|
6
|
20
|
bronchial secretion
|
2
|
IV
|
4
|
7
|
5
|
cerebrospinal fluid
|
2
|
IV
|
0.9 to 4.3
|
16
|
3
|
(inflamed meninges)
|
|
|
|
|
|
pericardial fluid
|
2
|
IV
|
1
|
6
|
33
|
pleural fluid
|
2
|
IV
|
1.1 to 3
|
3
|
51
|
synovial fluid
|
2
|
IV
|
0.8 to 1.9
|
11
|
83
|
Tissues
|
|
|
|
|
|
atrial appendage
|
2
|
IV
|
0.9 to 1.6
|
12
|
22
|
endometrium
|
2
|
IV
|
0.7 to 1.9
|
4
|
9
|
fallopian tube
|
2
|
IV
|
0.7 to 1.9
|
8
|
12
|
fat
|
2
|
IV
|
1.3 to 2
|
10
|
5
|
femur
|
2
|
IV
|
1 to 2.1
|
15
|
16
|
gallbladder
|
2
|
IV
|
0.8 to 1.3
|
4
|
23
|
kidney
|
2
|
IV
|
2.4 to 5.6
|
5
|
67
|
large intestine
|
2
|
IV
|
0.8 to 1.9
|
9
|
12
|
liver
|
2
|
IV
|
0.9 to 2
|
6
|
47
|
lung
|
2
|
IV
|
1.2 to 2.1
|
6
|
22
|
myometrium
|
2
|
IV
|
0.7 to 1.9
|
9
|
11
|
ovary
|
2
|
IV
|
0.7 to 1.9
|
7
|
13
|
prostate
|
1
|
IM
|
0.8 to 3
|
8
|
8
|
skeletal muscle
|
2
|
IV
|
0.3 to 0.7
|
6
|
16
|
skin
|
2
|
IV
|
0 to 1
|
8
|
25
|
sternum
|
2
|
IV
|
1
|
6
|
6
|
1 Tissue penetration is regarded as essential to therapeutic efficacy, but specific tissue levels have not been correlated with specific therapeutic effects.
The concentration of Aztreonam in saliva at 30 minutes after a single 1 g intravenous dose (9 patients) was 0.2 mcg/mL; in human milk at 2 hours after a single 1 g intravenous dose (6 patients), 0.2 mcg/mL, and at 6 hours after a single 1 g intramuscular dose (6 patients), 0.3 mcg/mL; in amniotic fluid at 6 to 8 hours after a single 1 g intravenous dose (5 patients), 2 mcg/mL. The concentration of Aztreonam in peritoneal fluid obtained 1 to 6 hours after multiple 2 g intravenous doses ranged between 12 and 90 mcg/mL in 7 of 8 patients studied.
Aztreonam given intravenously rapidly reaches therapeutic concentrations in peritoneal dialysis fluid; conversely, Aztreonam given intraperitoneally in dialysis fluid rapidly produces therapeutic serum levels.
Concomitant administration of probenecid or furosemide and Aztreonam for injection causes clinically insignificant increases in the serum levels of Aztreonam. Single-dose intravenous pharmacokinetic studies have not shown any significant interaction between Aztreonam and concomitantly administered gentamicin, nafcillin sodium, cephradine, clindamycin or metronidazole. No reports of disulfiram-like reactions with alcohol ingestion have been noted; this is not unexpected since Aztreonam does not contain a methyl-tetrazole side chain.
Microbiology
Aztreonam exhibits potent and specific activity in vitro against a wide spectrum of gram-negative aerobic pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bactericidal action of Aztreonam results from the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis due to a high affinity of Aztreonam for penicillin binding protein 3 (PBP3). Aztreonam, unlike the majority of beta-lactam antibiotics, does not induce beta-lactamase activity and its molecular structure confers a high degree of resistance to hydrolysis by beta-lactamases (i.e., penicillinases and cephalosporinases) produced by most gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens; it is, therefore, usually active against gram-negative aerobic microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics hydrolyzed by beta-lactamases. It is active against many strains that are multiply-resistant to other antibiotics, such as certain cephalosporins, penicillin, and aminoglycosides. Aztreonam maintains its antimicrobial activity over a pH range of 6 to 8 in vitro, as well as in the presence of human serum and under anaerobic conditions.
Aztreonam has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.
Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms:
Citrobacter species, including C. freundii
Enterobacter species, including E. cloacae
Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant and other penicillinase-producing strains)
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Proteus mirabilis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Serratia species, including S. marcescens
The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown.
Aztreonam exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of the following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of Aztreonam in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms:
Aeromonas hydrophila
Morganella morganii
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains)
Pasteurella multocida
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia stuartii
Providencia rettgeri
Yersinia enterocolitica
Aztreonam and aminoglycosides have been shown to be synergistic in vitro against most strains of P. aeruginosa, many strains of Enterobacteriaceae, and other gram-negative aerobic bacilli.
Alterations of the anaerobic intestinal flora by broad spectrum antibiotics may decrease colonization resistance, thus permitting overgrowth of potential pathogens, e.g., Candida and Clostridium species. Aztreonam has little effect on the anaerobic intestinal microflora in in vitro studies. Clostridium difficile and its cytotoxin were not found in animal models following administration of Aztreonam (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Gastrointestinal).
Susceptibility Tests
Dilution Techniques: Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized procedures are based on a dilution method5 (broth or agar) or equivalent with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of Aztreonam powder. The MIC values should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
For testing aerobic microorganisms other than Haemophilus influenzae:
MIC (mcg/mL)
|
Interpretation
|
≤8
|
Susceptible (S)
|
16
|
Intermediate (I)
|
≥32
|
Resistant (R)
|
When testing Haemophilus influenzaea:
MIC (mcg/mL)
|
Interpretationb
|
≤2
|
Susceptible (S)
|
aInterpretative criteria applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)5.
bThe current absence of data on resistant strains precludes defining any categories other than “Susceptible”. Strains yielding MIC results suggestive of a “nonsusceptible” category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing.
A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone which prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures.
Standard Aztreonam powder should provide the following MIC values:
Microorganism
|
MIC (mcg/mL)
|
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
|
0.06 to 0.25
|
Haemophilus influenzae a ATCC 49247
|
0.12 to 0.5
|
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
|
2 to 8
|
aRange applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)5.
Diffusion Techniques: Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure6 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg Aztreonam to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to Aztreonam.
Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 30 mcg Aztreonam disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
For testing aerobic microorganisms other than Haemophilus influenzae:
Zone Diameter (mm)
|
Interpretation
|
≥22
|
Susceptible (S)
|
16 to 21
|
Intermediate (I)
|
≤15
|
Resistant (R)
|
When testing Haemophilus influenzaea:
Zone Diameter (mm)
|
Interpretationb
|
≥26
|
Susceptible (S)
|
aInterpretative criteria applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)6.
bThe current absence of data on resistant strains precludes defining any categories other than “Susceptible”. Strains yielding zone diameter results suggestive of a “nonsusceptible” category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing.
Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for Aztreonam.
As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30-mcg Aztreonam disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains.
Microorganism
|
Zone Diameter (mm)
|
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
|
28 to 36 mm
|
Haemophilus influenzae a ATCC 49247
|
30 to 38 mm
|
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
|
23 to 29 mm
|
aRange applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)6.
Indications and Usage for Aztreonam
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Aztreonam for injection and other antibacterial drugs, Aztreonam for injection should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Aztreonam for Injection is indicated for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible gram-negative microorganisms:
Urinary Tract Infections (complicated and uncomplicated), including pyelonephritis and cystitis (initial and recurrent) caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca*, Citrobacter species* and Serratia marcescens*.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections , including pneumonia and bronchitis caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species and Serratia marcescens*.
Septicemia caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis*, Serratia marcescens* and Enterobacter species.
Skin and Skin-Structure Infections , including those associated with postoperative wounds, ulcers and burns caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter species*.
Intra-abdominal Infections , including peritonitis caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species including K. pneumoniae, Enterobacter species including E. cloacae*, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter species* including C. freundii* and Serratia species* including S. marcescens*.
Gynecologic Infections , including endometritis and pelvic cellulitis caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae*, Enterobacter species* including E. cloacae* and Proteus mirabilis*.
Aztreonam for injection is indicated for adjunctive therapy to surgery in the management of infections caused by susceptible organisms, including abscesses, infections complicating hollow viscus perforations, cutaneous infections and infections of serous surfaces. Aztreonam for injection is effective against most of the commonly encountered gram-negative aerobic pathogens seen in general surgery.
*Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than ten infections
Concurrent Therapy
Concurrent initial therapy with other antimicrobial agents and Aztreonam for injection is recommended before the causative organism(s) is known in seriously ill patients who are also at risk of having an infection due to gram-positive aerobic pathogens. If anaerobic organisms are also suspected as etiologic agents, therapy should be initiated using an anti-anaerobic agent concurrently with Aztreonam for injection (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Certain antibiotics (e.g., cefoxitin, imipenem) may induce high levels of beta-lactamase in vitro in some gram-negative aerobes such as Enterobacter and Pseudomonas species, resulting in antagonism to many beta-lactam antibiotics including Aztreonam. These in vitro findings suggest that such beta-lactamase inducing antibiotics not be used concurrently with Aztreonam. Following identification and susceptibility testing of the causative organism(s), appropriate antibiotic therapy should be continued.
Contraindications
This preparation is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Aztreonam or any other component in the formulation.
Warnings
Both animal and human data suggest that Aztreonam for injection is rarely cross-reactive with other beta-lactam antibiotics and weakly immunogenic. Treatment with Aztreonam can result in hypersensitivity reactions in patients with or without prior exposure (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has any history of hypersensitivity reactions to any allergens.
While cross-reactivity of Aztreonam with other beta-lactam antibiotics is rare, this drug should be administered with caution to any patient with a history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactams (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, and/or carbapenems). Treatment with Aztreonam can result in hypersensitivity reactions in patients with or without prior exposure to Aztreonam. If an allergic reaction to Aztreonam occurs, discontinue the drug and institute supportive treatment as appropriate (e.g., maintenance of ventilation, pressor amines, antihistamines, corticosteroids). Serious hypersensitivity reactions may require epinephrine and other emergency measures (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Aztreonam for injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Rare cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported in association with Aztreonam in patients undergoing bone marrow transplant with multiple risk factors including sepsis, radiation therapy and other concomitantly administered drugs associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Precautions
General
Prescribing Aztreonam for injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
In patients with impaired hepatic or renal function, appropriate monitoring is recommended during therapy.
If an aminoglycoside is used concurrently with Aztreonam, especially if high dosages of the former are used or if therapy is prolonged, renal function should be monitored because of the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The use of antibiotics may promote the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis) and fungi. Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Information for Patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Aztreonam for injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Aztreonam for injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Aztreonam for injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as 2 or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed.
Genetic toxicology studies performed in vivo and in vitro with Aztreonam in several standard laboratory models revealed no evidence of mutagenic potential at the chromosomal or gene level.
Two-generation reproduction studies in rats at daily doses up to 20 times the maximum recommended human dose, prior to and during gestation and lactation, revealed no evidence of impaired fertility. There was a slightly reduced survival rate during the lactation period in the offspring of rats that received the highest dosage, but not in offspring of rats that received 5 times the maximum recommended human dose.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B
Aztreonam crosses the placenta and enters the fetal circulation.
Studies in pregnant rats and rabbits, with daily doses up to 15 and 5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose, revealed no evidence of embryo or fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. No drug induced changes were seen in any of the maternal, fetal, or neonatal parameters that were monitored in rats receiving 15 times the maximum recommended human dose of Aztreonam during late gestation and lactation.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Aztreonam should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
Aztreonam is excreted in human milk in concentrations that are less than 1 % of concentrations determined in simultaneously obtained maternal serum; consideration should be given to temporary discontinuation of nursing and use of formula feedings.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of intravenous Aztreonam for injection have been established in the age groups 9 months to 16 years. Use of Aztreonam for injection in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Aztreonam for injection in adults with additional efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic data from non-comparative clinical studies in pediatric patients. Sufficient data are not available for pediatric patients under 9 months of age or for the following treatment indications/pathogens: septicemia and skin and skin-structure infections (where the skin infection is believed or known to be due to H. influenzae type b). In pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis, higher doses of Aztreonam for injection may be warranted (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and CLINICAL STUDIES).
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of Aztreonam for injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.7-10 In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
In elderly patients, the mean serum half-life of Aztreonam increased and the renal clearance decreased, consistent with the age-related decrease in creatinine clearance.1-4 Since Aztreonam is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, renal function should be monitored and dosage adjustments made accordingly (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Renal Impairment in Adult Patients and Dosage in the Elderly).
Aztreonam for injection contains no sodium.
Adverse Reactions
Local reactions such as phlebitis/thrombophlebitis following IV administration, and discomfort/swelling at the injection site following IM administration occurred at rates of approximately 1.9 % and 2.4 %, respectively.
Systemic reactions (considered to be related to therapy or of uncertain etiology) occurring at an incidence of 1 to 1.3 % include diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, and rash. Reactions occurring at an incidence of less than 1 % are listed within each body system in order of decreasing severity:
Hypersensitivity —anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm
Hematologic —pancytopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis
Gastrointestinal —abdominal cramps; rare cases of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, including pseudomembranous colitis, or gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported.
Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS).
Dermatologic —toxic epidermal necrolysis (see WARNINGS), purpura, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, petechiae, pruritus, diaphoresis
Cardiovascular—hypotension, transient ECG changes (ventricular bigeminy and PVC), flushing
Respiratory —wheezing, dyspnea, chest pain
Hepatobiliary —hepatitis, jaundice
Nervous System—seizure, confusion, vertigo, paresthesia, insomnia, dizziness
Musculoskeletal —muscular aches
Special Senses —tinnitus, diplopia, mouth ulcer, altered taste, numb tongue, sneezing,
nasal congestion, halitosis
Other —vaginal candidiasis, vaginitis, breast tenderness
Body as a Whole —weakness, headache, fever, malaise
Pediatric Adverse Reactions
Of the 612 pediatric patients who were treated with Aztreonam for injection in clinical trials, less than 1% required discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events. The following systemic adverse events, regardless of drug relationship, occurred in at least 1% of treated patients in domestic clinical trials: rash (4.3%), diarrhea (1.4%), and fever (1%). These adverse events were comparable to those observed in adult clinical trials.
In 343 pediatric patients receiving intravenous therapy, the following local reactions were noted: pain (12%), erythema (2.9%), induration (0.9%), and phlebitis (2.1%). In the US patient population, pain occurred in 1.5% of patients, while each of the remaining 3 local reactions had an incidence of 0.5%.
The following laboratory adverse events, regardless of drug relationship, occurred in at least 1% of treated patients: increased eosinophils (6.3%), increased platelets (3.6%), neutropenia (3.2%), increased AST (3.8%), increased ALT (6.5%), and increased serum creatinine (5.8%).
In US pediatric clinical trials, neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 1000/mm3) occurred in 11.3% of patients (8/71) younger than 2 years receiving 30 mg/kg q6h. AST and ALT elevations to greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal were noted in 15 to 20% of patients aged 2 years or above receiving 50 mg/kg q6h. The increased frequency of these reported laboratory adverse events may be due to either increased severity of illness treated or higher doses of Aztreonam for injection administered.
Adverse Laboratory Changes
Adverse laboratory changes without regard to drug relationship that were reported during clinical trials were:
Hepatic —elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase; signs or symptoms of hepatobiliary dysfunction occurred in less than 1 % of recipients (see above).
Hematologic —increases in prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, positive Coombs’ test.
Renal —increases in serum creatinine.
Overdosage
If necessary, Aztreonam may be cleared from the serum by hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis.
Aztreonam Dosage and Administration
Dosage in Adult Patients
Aztreonam for injection may be administered intravenously or by intramuscular injection. Dosage and route of administration should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity and site of infection, and the condition of the patient.
The intravenous route is recommended for patients requiring single doses greater than 1 g or those with bacterial septicemia, localized parenchymal abscess (e.g., intra-abdominal abscess), peritonitis or other severe systemic or life-threatening infections.
The duration of therapy depends on the severity of infection. Generally, Aztreonam for injection should be continued for at least 48 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. Persistent infections may require treatment for several weeks. Doses smaller than those indicated should not be used.
Renal Impairment in Adult Patients
Prolonged serum levels of Aztreonam may occur in patients with transient or persistent renal insufficiency. Therefore, the dosage of Aztreonam for injection should be halved in patients with estimated creatinine clearances between 10 mL/min/1.73 m2and 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 after an initial loading dose of 1 g or 2 g.
When only the serum creatinine concentration is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to approximate the creatinine clearance (Clcr). The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
Males: Clcr = _weight (kg) x (140 -
