Monobactam - Aztreonam - Antibiotics Class Overview


Spectrum: only has activity vs. aerobic gram negatives, no gram positive or anaerobes (similar activity as Ceftazidime).  
Used for: hospital acquired/healthcare associated PNA, UTIs, intraabdominal infections, sepsis, skin and soft tissue infections.  Generally used in combination with other antibiotics due to gram-negative limited spectrum. 

Main advantages:1) No cross-reactivity with PCN allergy (except with Ceftazidime – cross-reactivity due to identical side chain) and 2) Does not cause renal failure (almost no significant toxicity)
Beware significant rate of resistance of Pseudomonas in most institutions, so empiric double coverage often required.


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