View source for Carbapenems and aztreonam

{{Drugbox
| name = Carbapenems and aztreonam
| therapeutic = Antibacterial
| pharmacologic = Beta-lactams (carbapenems; aztreonam is a monobactam)
| onset = Rapid; IV every 6 to 8 hours (ertapenem once daily).
| halflife = Short; no routine level.
| routes = IV
| highalert = No
| blackbox = None
| antidote = Supportive care.
| pregnancy = Use if clearly needed.
}}

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''Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and '''must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use'''. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.''
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'''Carbapenems and aztreonam''' &mdash; Antibacterial; Beta-lactams (carbapenems; aztreonam is a monobactam).

== Identification ==
* '''Therapeutic class:''' Antibacterial.
* '''Pharmacologic class:''' Beta-lactams (carbapenems; aztreonam is a monobactam).

== Pharmacology ==
* '''Mechanism of action:''' Inhibit cell wall synthesis with very broad coverage; carbapenems reserved for serious and resistant infections.
* '''Onset / peak / duration:''' Rapid; IV every 6 to 8 hours (ertapenem once daily).
* '''Half-life / therapeutic level:''' Short; no routine level.

== Clinical use ==
* '''Indications:''' Serious gram-negative and mixed infections, resistant organisms; aztreonam useful in severe penicillin allergy (no cross-reactivity).
* '''Usual dose, route, frequency:''' IV; ertapenem once daily.
* '''Maximum dose / adjustments:''' Reduce in renal impairment.

== Safety ==
* '''Contraindications:''' Carbapenem hypersensitivity; caution in penicillin allergy (carbapenems), but aztreonam is safe in penicillin allergy.
* '''Black box warning:''' None.
* '''Interactions:''' Valproate (carbapenems sharply lower valproate levels and risk seizures), probenecid.
* '''Pregnancy / lactation:''' Use if clearly needed.
* '''High-alert:''' No.

== Adverse effects ==
* '''Common side effects:''' Diarrhea, nausea, injection-site reactions.
* '''Serious effects to report:''' Seizures (especially imipenem in renal impairment), anaphylaxis, C. difficile colitis.
* '''Antidote / reversal:''' Supportive care.

== Nursing process ==
* '''Assessment before administration:''' Allergy history, renal function, seizure history, valproate use.
* '''Interventions during therapy:''' Avoid carbapenems with valproate; adjust for renal function.
* '''Monitor:''' Renal function, neuro status, infection resolution.
* '''Evaluation / expected outcome:''' Resolution of serious infection.

== Patient teaching ==
* '''Patient teaching:''' These are reserved for serious infections; report any rash or new symptoms.
* '''Notify provider if:''' Rash, breathing difficulty, twitching or seizures, severe diarrhea.
* '''Administration tips:''' IV per protocol; aztreonam an option for penicillin-allergic patients.

[[Category:Carbapenems and Monobactam]]