What is Cayston: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cayston overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cayston

Generic Names:

  • Cayston

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial lung infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Aerosol

How it’s taken:

  • By breathing

What is Cayston used for?

Cayston is available as an inhalation powder for reconstitution. It is prescribed for use by both adults and children who have inflammatory symptoms in the lungs associated with cystic fibrosis.

What form(s) does Cayston come in

  • Aerosol

What are common Cayston doses?

  • Plas Cont 1ML of 75MG

Common Cayston prescriptions

  • Cayston
    1ml of 75mg bottle

How to take Cayston

  • Place the mixed liquid in the medicine reservoir or nebulizer cup right away.

  • Do not mix other medicines with the liquid in the nebulizer.

  • Use the mouthpiece of the nebulizer to breathe in the medicine.

  • Use the nebulizer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid in the nebulizer cup is gone.

  • Clean the nebulizer after each use and throw out the empty vial, rubber stopper, and saline container.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the unopened vials and saline containers in the original carton in the refrigerator. You may also store the unopened vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 28 days. Do not store the liquid mixture after the powder is dissolved.

  • Inhalation routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Your doctor may give you medicines to use before the aztreonam inhalation liquid. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to use your medicines. Aztreonam inhalation will work better if you use all of your medicines in the right order.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Space the doses at least 4 hours apart.

  • Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer. This medicine should only be used with the Altera® Nebulizer System.

  • Slowly swirl the vial (glass container) until the powder has completely dissolved. If the liquid in the vial is cloudy or has specks in it, throw it away and mix a new dose.

  • Inhalation routeThis medicine comes as a powder that needs to be mixed with a liquid before it is given.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Your doctor may give you medicines to use before the aztreonam inhalation liquid. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to use your medicines. Aztreonam inhalation will work better if you use all of your medicines in the right order.

  • Use the mouthpiece of the nebulizer to breathe in the medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Inhalation routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Do not mix other medicines with the liquid in the nebulizer.

  • Clean the nebulizer after each use and throw out the empty vial, rubber stopper, and saline container.

  • Store the unopened vials and saline containers in the original carton in the refrigerator. You may also store the unopened vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 28 days. Do not store the liquid mixture after the powder is dissolved.

  • Slowly swirl the vial (glass container) until the powder has completely dissolved. If the liquid in the vial is cloudy or has specks in it, throw it away and mix a new dose.

  • Inhalation routeThis medicine comes as a powder that needs to be mixed with a liquid before it is given.

  • Place the mixed liquid in the medicine reservoir or nebulizer cup right away.

  • Use the nebulizer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid in the nebulizer cup is gone.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Space the doses at least 4 hours apart.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer. This medicine should only be used with the Altera® Nebulizer System.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cayston

Cayston contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aztreonam.

Cayston warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of an allergic reaction to any other antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefixime, or penicillin.

  • If any of your medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

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

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Stomach pain or vomiting

Cayston interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of an allergic reaction to any other antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefixime, or penicillin.

  • If any of your medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

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

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cayston side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Stomach pain or vomiting

  • Chest tightness or discomfort, cough, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath after you use this medicine

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Increased coughing or wheezing

  • Fever

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