Cystic fibrosis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) : Inhalation (nebulizer): Infants ≥3 months, Children, and Adolescents (limited data available in ages <7 years): 75 mg via nebulization 3 times daily (at least 4 hours apart) for 28 days; administer in repeated cycles of 28 days on drug, followed by 28 days off drug (Lahiri 2016; Tiddens 2015; manufacturer's labeling).
Children ≥7 years and Adolescents: No adjustment required with any level of renal impairment due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, dosage adjustment unlikely necessary due to low systemic absorption.
(For additional information see "Aztreonam (oral inhalation): Drug information")
Cystic fibrosis: Inhalation (nebulizer): 75 mg 3 times daily (at least 4 hours apart) for 28 days; administer in repeated cycles of 28 days on drug, followed by 28 days off drug. Note: Pretreatment with a bronchodilator is recommended.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
US labeling: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Canadian labeling: No dosage adjustment is necessary; minimal systemic absorption following inhalation.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution Reconstituted, Inhalation [preservative free]:
Cayston: 75 mg (1 mL) [arginine free]
No
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution Reconstituted, Inhalation:
Cayston: 75 mg (1 ea)
Cayston (aztreonam inhalation solution) is only available through a select group of specialty pharmacies and cannot be obtained through a retail pharmacy. Because Cayston may only be used with the Altera Nebulizer System, it can only be obtained from the following specialty pharmacies; IV Solutions/Maxor; Foundation Care; Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc; TLCRx/ModernHEALTH; and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. This network of specialty pharmacies ensures proper access to both the drug and device. To obtain the medication and proper nebulizer, contact the Cayston Access Program at 1-877-7CAYSTON (1-877-722-9786) or at www.cayston.com. In Canada, Cayston is distributed by Innomar Solutions specialty pharmacy; Canadian healthcare providers and patients may obtain additional information at http://cayston.ca/
Inhalation: For inhalation only; not for IM or IV use. Reconstitute immediately prior to use. Administer only using an Altera nebulizer system; dose can be nebulized over 2 to 3 minutes. Administer alone; do not mix with other inhaled nebulizer medications. Administer doses ≥4 hours apart. Administer a bronchodilator before administration of aztreonam (short-acting: 15 minutes to 4 hours before; long-acting: 30 minutes to 12 hours before). For patients on multiple inhaled therapies, administer bronchodilator first, then mucolytic, and lastly, aztreonam.
Administer using only an Altera nebulizer system; administer alone; do not mix with other nebulizer medications. Administer a bronchodilator before administration of aztreonam (short-acting: 15 minutes to 4 hours before; long-acting: 30 minutes to 12 hours before). For patients on multiple inhaled therapies, administer bronchodilator first, then mucolytic, and lastly, aztreonam.
To administer Cayston, pour reconstituted solution into the handset of the nebulizer system, turn unit on. Place the mouthpiece in the patient’s mouth and encourage to breathe normally through the mouth. Administration time is usually 2 to 3 minutes. Administer doses ≥4 hours apart.
Prior to reconstitution, store at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once removed from refrigeration, aztreonam and the diluent may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C [77°F]) for ≤28 days. Protect from light. Use immediately after reconstitution.
Improve respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs (FDA approved in ages ≥7 years and adults).
Aztreonam may be confused with azidothymidine
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Gastrointestinal: Pharyngolaryngeal pain (12%)
Respiratory: Cough (54%), nasal congestion (16%), wheezing (16%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (13%; more common in children)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Chest discomfort (8%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash (2%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (7%), vomiting (6%)
Respiratory: Bronchospasm (3%; patients experienced ≥15% reduction in FEV1)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Arthralgia, facial rash, facial swelling, hypersensitivity reaction, joint swelling, pharyngeal edema
Hypersensitivity to aztreonam or any component of the formulation
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Beta-lactam allergy: Rare cross-allergenicity to penicillins, cephalosporins, or carbapenems may occur; use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactams.
• Bronchospasm: May occur following nebulization; administer a bronchodilator prior to treatment.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Appropriate use: Compare patient's baseline FEV1 prior to therapy and the presence of other symptoms when deciding if post-treatment FEV1 changes (eg, decline) are caused by a pulmonary exacerbation. Reserve use for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with known Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Aztreonam crosses the placenta and reaches the fetal circulation following IV administration; however, peak plasma concentrations following inhalation of aztreonam are significantly less than those observed following aztreonam IV.
Due to its poor systemic absorption, use of aztreonam inhalation is likely acceptable for the management of cystic fibrosis in pregnant patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Kroon 2018; Middleton 2019). When required, use may continue during pregnancy (Middleton 2019).
FEV1.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which in turn inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases), while cell wall assembly is arrested. Monobactam structure makes cross-allergenicity with beta-lactams unlikely.
Absorption: Low systemic absorption.
Protein binding: ~77%.
Time to peak: ~1 hour (plasma).
Half-life elimination: Adults: 2.1 hours.
Excretion: Urine (10% [compared with 60% to 65% for injection] as unchanged drug).
Solution (reconstituted) (Cayston Inhalation)
75 mg (per mL): $148.49
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