Cayston

1 What is Cayston?

Brand: Cayston

Generic: Aztreonam

Cayston is an antibiotic drug that is used to improve respiratory symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

It acts by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. However, this medicine will not work for virus infections.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Cayston, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Cayston inhalation or to any other medications.

Safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established for children younger than 7 years of age and for elderlies. Pregnancy category B - No risks have been found in humans.

This medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding. Some medical conditions can interact with this medication.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Allergy to beta-lactams (e.g., amoxicillin, cefdinir, cefuroxime, cephalexin, penicillin, Amoxil®, Augmentin®)
  • Bronchospasm

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Cayston requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders and finish the full course of therapy. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood or urine.

This medicine should only be used with the Altera® Nebulizer System. The inhaled liquid and nebulizer will come with patient instructions.

You or your child may be prescribed by the doctor with additional medicines such as bronchodilators or mucolytics before using this medication. Bronchodilator causes widening of the bronchi so you can breathe easier. Mucolytics make the mucus less thick and sticky and easier to cough up.

Direction to use inhalation solution:

Mix the powder in the vial with saline and gently swirl the vial until the powder has completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into the handset of the nebulizer. Use the medicine immediately after placing it in the nebulizer.

Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Keep your lips firm around the mouthpiece so that all of the medicine goes into your lungs. Nebulizer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid in the nebulizer cup is gone. Turn off the machine when done. Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with water and air-dry until your next treatment.

Recommended dosage for lung infections:

  • Adults, teenagers, and children 7 years of age and older—One vial or container with 75 mg three times per day for 28 days in the nebulizer. Place an interval in between doses for at least 4 hours apart.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. You may still take all three daily doses of this medicine as long as the doses are at least 4 hours apart. However, if it is near for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start again to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store the medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not keep expired medications. You may also store the unopened vials at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, for up to 28 days. Do not keep the liquid mixture after the powder is dissolved.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Cayston, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor will be checking you regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the medication.

Blood tests may be ordered for undesirable effects. Discontinue the use of this medication if you develop any signs of allergic reaction.

Check with your doctor immediately if you or your child is having a cough, difficulty with breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using the medicine. This medicine may cause bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening.

5 Potential Side Effects

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Cayston to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

If any of the following side effects occur, check with your doctor as soon as possible:

Less serious side effects:

Not all side effects are listed above. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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