| Common Brands | Cayston |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cayston is an antibiotic medication prescribed in inhalation treatment of CF patients suffering from a confirmed infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is the most frequent causative agent of respiratory infections in CF patients. The active ingredient in Cayston is aztreonam, an antibiotic administered via nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs. Cayston is specifically approved to help reduce the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations in patients with CF who are at least 7 years old.
The purpose of targeting this infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is to help the patient improve lung function and alleviate the symptoms of infection in patients with cystic fibrosis, improving their quality of life in general.
Cayston is administered with a nebulizer, a machine that transforms the medication into a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Here’s how it’s typically administered:
Prepare the Nebulizer:
Assemble the nebulizer machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a new, unopened vial of Cayston for each treatment.
Add the Medication:
Open the vial of Cayston and pour the entire contents into the nebulizer cup.
Ensure that the nebulizer is properly attached to the air compressor and mouthpiece or mask.
Inhale the Medication:
Sit upright, and put the mouthpiece in your mouth or wear the mask, making sure that the seal is good.
Switch on the nebulizer, and inhale the mist slowly and deeply until all the medication has been used up, usually within 2 to 3 minutes.
Continue inhaling until the nebulizer cup is empty.
Clean the Nebulizer:
After each use, clean the nebulizer parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent contamination and ensure the device continues to work effectively.
Follow-up Treatment:
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for using other medications, such as inhaled bronchodilators, around the same time as Cayston, if prescribed.
Cayston works by targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria frequently found in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The active ingredient, aztreonam, disrupts the cell wall of the bacteria, thus killing the bacteria and clearing infection. This leads to enhanced airflow and decreased symptoms of infection, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic that functions differently from most antibiotics. While other types of antibiotics may attack a broader range of bacteria, aztreonam acts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in CF patients and has the effect of inhibiting the worsening of respiratory infections and minimizing the chance of severe pulmonary complications.
Inhalation by Cayston provides an effect whereby the medicine reaches the target area where it can directly be seen in fighting the infection. This kind of administration also reduces systemic side effects that might come along with taking the medicine through mouth or even intravenous mode.
Dependency on Nebulizer: Cayston is administered using a nebulizer, which can be less convenient for some patients than oral medications
.
Inhalation Time: The inhalation process of the drug takes a couple of minutes (2-3 minutes per dose) and may be inconvenient for younger children or busy lifestyles.
Side Effects: Cayston is generally well tolerated, but side effects such as cough, sore throat, wheezing, and nasal congestion may discourage some patients from sticking to treatment.
Cost: As a specialty drug, Cayston is likely to be expensive, especially if taken for an extended period, and may not be fully covered by all health insurance.
The most common side effects of Cayston are as follows:
Less serious but possible side effects include:
Allergic reactions: These may include rash, itching, or shortness of breath.
Lung irritation or bronchospasm: If breathing becomes problematic during or after using, contact a healthcare provider.
Infection: Like any antibiotic, abuse of Cayston can cause the development of resistant bacteria.
In case there are some unusual symptoms or severe reactions such as problems in breathing or swelling of face and throat, immediate medical care is needed.
Lung Diseases: Cayston may exacerbate underlying lung diseases like asthma or other respiratory diseases, so use with caution in these conditions.
Allergic reactions to Aztreonam: Anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to aztreonam or other antibiotics in the monobactam class should not be given Cayston.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Cayston has not been well established for use in pregnancy and lactation. Cayston is only used during pregnancy when its benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Drug Interactions: Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, especially those for lung disease, as certain combinations may require adjustments in dosage.
Cayston may interact with other drugs. The most significant interactions include:
Other Antibiotics: Using Cayston with another antibiotic can significantly increase both the risk of side effects and a possible outbreak of bacterial resistance. Share any other antibiotic or antibiotic treatments you are also using to your healthcare provider.
Other Respiratory Medications: Inhaled bronchodilators or other respiratory medications may be used with Cayston, but should not be taken at the same time to avoid drug interaction. Your doctor may suggest taking a bronchodilator prior to using Cayston, which will help to open up the airways and allow for better inhalation.
Liver or Kidney Medications: Patients with liver or kidney diseases should inform their healthcare provider because they might need to adjust the dose of Cayston.
Adults and Children 7 Years and Older: The typical dose is 75 mg three times daily, administered through a nebulizer.
Treatment Cycle: Usually prescribed for a 28-day treatment cycle, followed by a 28-day break to prevent bacterial resistance.
Cayston is available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely for proper use and dosing. Regular follow-up appointments may be required to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for side effects.
Answer: Cayston Inhalation is an antibiotic treatment used to manage lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients.
Answer: It delivers aztreonam directly to the lungs, killing bacteria and reducing infection.
Answer: It’s prescribed for cystic fibrosis patients aged 7 and older with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.
Answer: It is inhaled using a specially designed nebulizer three times daily for 28 days.
Answer: Typically, treatment is given in 28-day cycles, followed by a 28-day off period.
Answer: Yes, but always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to avoid interactions.
Answer: Side effects may include cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, or throat irritation.
Answer: Yes, it is approved for use in patients aged 7 years and older.
Answer: Allergic reactions are rare but can occur; seek immediate help if symptoms like rash or difficulty breathing develop.
Answer: Store in the refrigerator between 2-8°C, and do not freeze.
Answer: Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
Answer: Take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it’s near the next dose time; do not double dose.
Answer: The vial should be used immediately after opening.
Answer: No, nebulizers are personal and must not be shared.
Answer: It may improve lung function by reducing bacterial load.
Answer: Bacterial resistance can develop; follow prescribed duration and dosage.
Answer: Each session typically lasts about 2-3 minutes.
Answer: It is specifically approved for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis and not for other infections.
Answer: Cayston must be used with the Altera Nebulizer System designed for this medication.
Answer: Improvement in symptoms and lung function tests, as evaluated by your doctor, indicates effectiveness.
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