Aztreonam

Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the disintegration of the bacterial cell structure. Aztreonam is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae, while having minimal activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
The primary indication for Aztreonam is the treatment of severe infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including pneumonia, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and lower respiratory tract infections. It is also used in hospital settings for the management of bacterial meningitis and as part of combination therapy for certain surgical site infections.
Aztreonam is usually well-tolerated, but it can cause mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. More severe side effects are rare but may include hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and the development of fungal infections. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other monobactams or beta-lactam antibiotics should exercise caution when using Aztreonam. As with all antibiotics, the appropriate use of Aztreonam is essential to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.