Aztreonam in the management of gram-negative infections in penicillin-allergic patients: a review

Abstract

Penicillins and cephalosporins, which are well-tolerated by most patients, can result in hypersensitivity reactions. This factor not only limits the use of beta-lactam antibiotics but also presents challenges to the selection of alternative drugs because of the potential for cross-reactivity. Evidence suggests that aztreonam, the prototype of the new monobactam class of beta-lactam antibiotics, may be a safe alternative antibiotic for managing Gram-negative infections in penicillin-allergic patients.