Aztreonam
Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic used to treat serious Gram-negative bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and remains effective against some beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. This medication is particularly valuable for treating hospitalized patients with complex infections, including those who may have allergies to other antibiotics like penicillins or cephalosporins.
Aztreonam is a bactericidal monobactam antibiotic that treats serious Gram-negative bacterial infections by blocking cell wall synthesis, especially useful when other antibiotics cannot be used.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01DF01
- RxNorm
- 1272
- Generic
- Aztreonam
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Azactam, Emblaveo, Cayston
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
all trimestersuse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
elderlyadjust based on renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
regular renal function monitoring
pediatric_age
neonates and infantsweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients including neonates
monitor for potential toxicity
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose in severe impairment
adjust dose for CrCl less than 30 mL/min
frequent renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeno significant adjustment needed
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid in acute intoxication
assess liver function and renal function
monitor hepatic and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Aztreonam
Drug class
Antibiotic class information
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications
Treats serious Gram-negative bacterial infections including lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and septicemia. Often reserved for hospital-acquired infections or when other antibiotics are unsuitable.
Aztreonam is a bactericidal agent that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. It maintains activity against some Gram-negative bacteria that produce beta-lactamases, making it effective against certain resistant organisms.
Aztreonam has a narrow spectrum focused primarily on Gram-negative bacteria and does not cover Gram-positive organisms or anaerobes. It is generally well-tolerated and often used as an alternative in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergies. Administered intravenously or via inhalation for certain respiratory infections.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy