What it means
A monobactam, a beta-lactam antibiotic with a single ring. It works only against gram-negative bacteria. Because it shares little structure with penicillins, it can often be given to clients with a penicillin allergy, though people allergic to the antibiotic ceftazidime may react to it. An inhaled form (Cayston) treats Pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosisSIS-tik fy-BROH-sisAn inherited disease in which the body makes thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, pancreas and other organs.cyst/o sacfibr/o fiber-osis abnormal conditionFull entry .
For the nurse
Ask about drug allergies, get cultures before the first dose as ordered, and watch the IV site. For the inhaled form, a bronchodilator is often used first, and it is given only with its own nebulizer.
At a glance
| Drug class | monobactam antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Azactam, Cayston (inhaled) |
| Spanish | aztreonam |
| Also written | Azactam, Cayston |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
cystic fibrosis
An inherited disease in which the body makes thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, pancreas and other organs.