The Basics
What is Aztreonam?
An antibiotic used primarily to treat infections caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This may include bone infections, endometritis, intra abdominal infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis.
Brand names for Aztreonam
Azactam Injection
How Aztreonam is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Monobactams
Aztreonam During Pregnancy
Aztreonam pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Aztreonam while pregnant
Aztreonam crosses the placenta and enters the fetal circulation. Studies in pregnant rats and rabbits, with daily doses up to 15 and 5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose, revealed no evidence of embryo- or fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. No drug induced changes were seen in any of the maternal, fetal, or neonatal parameters that were monitored in rats receiving 15 times the maximum recommended human dose of aztreonam during late gestation and lactation., There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, aztreonam should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Aztreonam While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Aztreonam?
Limited information indicates that aztreonam produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with beta-lactams, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Aztreonam is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that aztreonam produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with beta-lactams, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Aztreonam is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Aztreonam on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Aztreonam
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Fleiss PM, Devlin R, Richwald G et al. Aztreonam excretion in human milk. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1984;35:240. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.32
2. Fleiss PM, Richwald GA, Gordon J et al. Aztreonam in human serum and breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1985;19:509-11. PMID: 4039600
3. Ito K, Hirose R, Tamaya T et al. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies of aztreonam in the perinatal period. Jpn J Antibiot. 1990;43:719-26. PMID: 2381040
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
