Aztreonam (I-neb)

Department of Physiotherapy

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Aztreonam (Cayston) used with the I-neb nebuliser

The information in this fact sheet is aimed at people who already know about Cystic Fibrosis and are familiar with medical terminology and drug names.

Aztreonam is an antibiotic and is given as an inhalation to treat a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aztreonam is used with a nebulizer called an I-neb.

Aztreonam (available in a 75 mg/vial) is dissolved in sterile sodium chloride diluent (provided in the pack) and breathed (inhaled) into the lungs so that more of the antibiotic can target the bacteria causing the infection.

Mixing the drug

Take 1 amber vial of CAYSTON and 1 ampoule of sodium chloride diluent from the carton. Separate the sodium chloride diluent ampoule by gently pulling apart. (Note: If the sodium chloride diluent looks cloudy, throw it away and use another ampoule).

Gently tap the vial so that the powder settles to the bottom of the vial. This helps you get the proper dose of medicine. Open the amber drug vial by lifting up the metal flap or blue cap on the top (Figure 1) and pulling down (Figure 2) to carefully remove the entire metal ring from the vial (Figure 3).

Safely dispose of the ring in household garbage. Carefully remove the rubber stopper.
Open the ampoule of sodium chloride diluent by twisting off the tip. Squeeze out the contents completely into the vial (Figure 4). Next, close the vial with the rubber stopper and gently swirl the vial until the powder has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.

After mixing CAYSTON with the sodium chloride diluent, check to make sure the diluted medicine is clear. If it is cloudy or has particles in it, do not use this medicine. Throw away this dose of medicine and start over again with a new vial of CAYSTON and a new ampoule of sodium chloride diluent.

Use CAYSTON right away after you mix with the sodium chloride diluent. Pour directly into nebuliser chamber and nebulise.

Replace the mesh and lid then the mouthpiece. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply through your mouth. Do not breathe through your nose. Complete treatment until buzzer sounds and smiley face appears.

Wash mouthpiece, mesh and chamber after every treatment in detergent using the cleaning basket provided. Boil once a week in a pan of water for 10 minutes.

Storage of medication

Store in a refrigerator (2-8°C).Store your container in the original packaging in order to protect from light and refrigerate.

Dose

The dose is one vial of CAYSTON, mixed with one ampoule of sodium chloride solution (provided) 2 times a day (using purple clip chamber) or 3 times a day (using grey clip chamber) as prescribed by your doctor.

Doses of CAYSTON should be taken at least 4 hours apart (for example: morning, after school, and before bed).
CAYSTON should be taken for a 28 day cycle as prescribed by your doctor

Contacts

If you need further information or help, contact the Alder Hey Physiotherapists:

Adam Walsh & Sioned Davies

E-mail: [email protected]

I-neb patient support for Promixin patients:
Tel: 0330 808 8668
E-mail: [email protected]

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.