Aztreonam

Abstract

Aztreonam is the first member of a new class of beta-lactam antibiotics, the monobactams.  Aztreonam is selectively active against gram-negative aerobic bacteria and inactive against gram-positive or anaerobic organism.  In addition, it is highly resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis by beta-lactamase.  Aztreonam must be administered intravenously or intramuscularly when used to treat systemic infections.  In clinical trials in human, aztreonam was found to be effective in complicated infections of the urinary tract, in lower respiratory tract infections and in obstetric and gynecological, intra-abdominal, bone and joint infections, uncomplicated gonorrhoea and septicemia.  The elimination half-life of aztreonam is approximately two hours with normal renal function.  It is eliminated primarily in the urine in unchanged form.  Aztreonam has generally been well tolerated.  The common side effect is a reaction at the injection site.