Sometimes a doctor prescribes you an injection, right? Especially when you have a serious bacterial infection. Aztreonam is a special type of antibiotic that is given at such times. So if you have been prescribed this medicine, let's talk about it in a little more detail, simply.
Simply put, what is Aztreonam?
Aztreonam is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria . Think of it like a special weapon designed to attack only the enemy bacteria. So what it does is it kills the harmful bacteria in the body.
Most importantly, this medicine does not work at all against viral infections . That is, it has no effect on diseases caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that you give your doctor a complete description of your health before prescribing this medicine. Then he can decide whether this medicine is right for you or not. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell him about them.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Because the kidneys affect the process of removing medication from the body, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Liver disease | This is important to consider if the medication may affect liver function. |
| Intestinal diseases (e.g. Colitis) | It is important to be aware of this, as some antibiotics can affect the intestines. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, or preservatives, such as Aztreonam, penicillin, or cephalosporin. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to consider whether the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection . It can be given directly into a vein or muscle. Most often, this is given to you in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes, on the advice of your doctor, you may need to get this injection at home. If that happens, you will be instructed on how to prepare it and how to inject it. You should follow those instructions exactly. It is also important to take the medicine at the same time every day. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Special awareness on disposal of needles and syringes
Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. It's very dangerous. They should be put in a special sharps container that you can dispose of. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about it.
Is this medicine given to children?
In special cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children over 9 months of age. However, only the doctor can decide on this. Therefore, special precautions must be followed when giving it to children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, so never share it with others .
What if I miss a dose of medication?
- If you are being given medication at the hospital: If you are unable to go at the scheduled time, it is very important to call them and let them know.
- If you are taking the medicine at home: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially if you are taking medications that contain estrogen or progestin hormones (such as some birth control pills).
Also, tell your doctor about any herbs, vitamins, supplements you take, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol, as some things can interact with this medication and cause adverse effects.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- If your symptoms don't improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can occur weeks after starting the medicine. If you notice a rash on your skin along with fever and body aches, tell your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, if you have red spots on your skin along with swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits, that is also a dangerous sign.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea, do not take over-the-counter medications. If your diarrhea lasts more than two days and is watery, call your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| If you have any of these, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Skin peeling | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea, fever. |
| Vaginal problems | Unusual discharge, itching, or odor. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Flatulence | Normal bowel movements. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Pain where the injection was given | Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
| Small skin lesions | A moderate level of skin damage. |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- You will receive instructions on how to store it. Avoid exposure to excessive heat.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- If you need to dispose of expired or unused medication, check with your local recycling program. If not, check the label to see if it is safe to throw in the trash or flush down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. If you are throwing it in the trash, take the medication out of the container, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a bag, seal it, and put it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Aztreonam is an antibiotic that is only used to treat bacterial infections. It has no effect on viruses.
- Tell your doctor everything about your other illnesses, medications you take, and allergies.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe skin lesions or severe diarrhea, it could be serious. Seek medical advice immediately.
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by the doctor for the full duration of the prescribed period.
- Always dispose of used needles and expired medications safely.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න