Avibactam and aztreonam

Generic name: avibactam and aztreonam [ A-vi-BAK-tam-and-az-TREE-oh-nam ]
Brand name: Emblaveo
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (0.5 g-1.5 g)
Drug class: Monobactams / beta-lactamase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is avibactam and aztreonam?

Avibactam and aztreonam is a combination antibiotic that is used with metronidazole to treat complicated stomach infections in adults.

Avibactam and aztreonam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avibactam and aztreonam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Avibactam and aztreonam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose); or

• liver problems--abnormal liver function tests, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of avibactam and aztreonam may include:

• low red blood cells (anemia);

• fever;

• diarrhea;

• liver problems; or

• low blood potassium.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use avibactam and aztreonam if you are allergic to avibactam or aztreonam.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• diarrhea caused by infection, a medical condition, or antibiotics; or

• liver or kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is avibactam and aztreonam given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Avibactam and aztreonam is given as an infusion into a vein over 3 hours. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

Avibactam and aztreonam is usually given until lab tests show the infection has cleared. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

You may need frequent medical tests including blood tests to check your liver function. Your treatment may be changed based on the results.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Avibactam and aztreonam will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Avibactam and aztreonam dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Intraabdominal Infection:

Loading dose: 2.67 g IV once
Maintenance dose: 2 g IV every 6 hours
Duration of therapy: 5 to 14 days

Comments:
-Approval of this indication is based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for this combination drug.
-Administer by IV infusion over 3 hours.
-This drug should be administered concurrently with metronidazole.

Use: In combination with metronidazole, in patients with limited or no alternative options, for the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections (cIAI), including those caused by susceptible Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Citrobacter freundii complex, and Serratia marcescens

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving avibactam and aztreonam?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect avibactam and aztreonam?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• probenecid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect avibactam and aztreonam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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