What is the correct dose of aztreonam (Azactam) for treatment?

From the Guidelines

The correct dose of aztreonam for treatment is 1–2 g every 6–8 h. This dosage is based on the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of complicated intra-abdominal infection in adults and children, as outlined in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal 1. The dose may vary depending on the severity of the infection, with more severe cases potentially requiring the higher end of the dose range. It's essential to note that these dosages are based on normal renal and hepatic function, and adjustments may be necessary for patients with impaired renal function. Some key points to consider when administering aztreonam include:

• The maximum daily dose is 8 grams
• For patients with impaired renal function, dose adjustments are necessary based on creatinine clearance
• Children typically receive 30 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, not exceeding adult dosages
• Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic that specifically targets gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis
• Treatment duration typically ranges from 5-14 days depending on the infection type and clinical response. As always, it's crucial to consider the individual patient's needs and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, taking into account factors such as the severity of the infection, renal function, and potential allergies or interactions 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage in Adult Patients AZACTAM 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 Table 2: Azactam Dosage Guidelines for Adults* Type of Infection Dose Frequency (hours)

• Maximum recommended dose is 8 g per day Urinary tract infections 500 mg or 1 g 8 or 12 Moderately severe systemic infections 1 g or 2 g 8 or 12 Severe systemic or life-threatening infections 2 g 6 or 8

The correct dose of aztreonam (Azactam) for treatment depends on the type of infection, severity, and site of infection, as well as the condition of the patient.

• For urinary tract infections, the dose is 500 mg or 1 g every 8 or 12 hours.
• For moderately severe systemic infections, the dose is 1 g or 2 g every 8 or 12 hours.
• For severe systemic or life-threatening infections, the dose is 2 g every 6 or 8 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 8 g per day 2.

From the Research

Dosage Information

• The recommended dosing interval for aztreonam in patients with normal renal function is every 8 hours 3, 4.
• Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• A mean dose of 47.7 mg/kg was given intramuscularly every 12 h to pediatric patients with severe urinary tract infections 6.
• In patients with renal insufficiency, the dose was reduced according to pharmacokinetic data 6.
• Aztreonam was given i.v. or i.m. in doses ranging from 1.5 to 4 g/day according to the severity of the infection in elderly patients 7.

Pharmacokinetics

• The serum half-life of aztreonam in patients with normal renal function is 1.5 to 2.1 hours 3.
• The elimination half-life of the drug is inversely correlated with the glomerular filtration rate 6.
• The total plasma clearance correlated well with the creatinine clearance; the mean plasma clearance was 82 ml/min and the extrapolated extrarenal clearance was 9 ml/min 5.
• Actually measured half lives of aztreonam varied between 1 h 20 min, in a patient with normal renal function, and 9 h 40 min in a patient with severely impaired renal function 5.

Administration

• Aztreonam may be administered intramuscularly or intravenously 3, 4.
• Absorption after oral administration is poor 3.
• The primary route of elimination is the urine 3, 4.