Rational use of aztreonam

ABSTRACT

Aztreonam, a beta-lactam antibiotic is effective against a number of micro-organisms including resistant strains of N. gonorrhoea, H. Influenzae and P. aeruginosa. Though a potent and useful drug in the modern physicians armamentarium it must not be used empirically; should be prescribed on the recommendations of microbiologists report. Irrational use would not only lead to the development of resistance but may lead to superinfection; one should also remember a 7 day treatment costs around pound 214 in the U.K.! It must, therefore, never be used empirically, and for trivial infections. For the simple reason 'when you can use the fly-flapper why use the sledgehammer