Azasite (Azithromycin monohydrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

Uses

AzaSite ® is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following microorganisms: CDC coryneform group G Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections. Haemophilus influenzae Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus mitis group Streptococcus pneumoniae AzaSite is a macrolide antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following microorganisms: CDC coryneform group G, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis group, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. ( 1 )

Dosage and administration

The recommended dosage regimen for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis is: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, eight to twelve hours apart for the first two days and then instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily for the next five days. Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, eight to twelve hours apart for the first two days and then instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily for the next five days. ( 2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis is: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, eight to twelve hours apart for the first two days and then instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily for the next five days. 2.2 Administration Instructions Wash hands prior to using AzaSite. Invert the closed bottle (upside down) and shake once before each use. Remove the tan cap with the bottle still in the inverted position. Tilt head back, and with bottle inverted, gently squeeze bottle to instill one drop into the affected eye(s). Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Dosage forms and strengths

2.5 mL of a 1% sterile topical ophthalmic solution. 2.5 mL of 1% sterile topical ophthalmic solution. ( 3 )

Contraindications

Azasite is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

For topical ophthalmic use only. ( 5.1 ) Anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity have been reported with systemic use of azithromycin. ( 5.2 ) Growth of resistant organisms may occur with prolonged use. ( 5.3 ) Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only NOT FOR INJECTION. AzaSite is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only, and should not be administered systemically, injected subconjunctivally, or introduced directly into the anterior chamber of the eye. 5.2 Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity with Systemic Use of Azithromycin In patients receiving systemically administered azithromycin, serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely in patients on azithromycin therapy. Although rare, fatalities have been reported. The potential for anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reactions should be considered based on known hypersensitivity to azithromycin when administered systemically. 5.3 Growth of Resistant Organisms with Prolonged Use As with other anti-infectives, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If super-infection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy. Whenever clinical judgment dictates, the patient should be examined with the aid of magnification, such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and where appropriate, fluorescein staining. 5.4 Contamination of the Applicator Tip Avoid contaminating the applicator tip by not allowing it to touch the eye, fingers or other sources. 5.5 Avoidance of Contact Lenses Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Side effects

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in one clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared with the rates in the clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to AzaSite in 698 patients. The population was between 1 and 87 years old with clinical signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. The most frequently reported ocular adverse reaction reported in patients receiving AzaSite was eye irritation. This reaction occurred in approximately 1 to 2% of patients. Other adverse reactions associated with the use of AzaSite were reported in less than 1% of patients and included ocular reactions (blurred vision, burning, stinging and irritation upon instillation, contact dermatitis, corneal erosion, dry eye, eye pain, itching, ocular discharge, punctate keratitis, visual acuity reduction) and non-ocular reactions (dysgeusia, facial swelling, hives, nasal congestion, periocular swelling, rash, sinusitis, urticaria). Most common adverse reaction reported in patients was eye irritation (1 to 2% of patients). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Thea Pharma Inc. at 1-833-838-4028 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.

Use in specific populations

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published literature and postmarketing experience over several decades with azithromycin use in pregnant women have not identified any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes ( see Data ). Developmental toxicity studies with azithromycin in rats, mice, and rabbits showed no drug-induced fetal malformations at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day. The doses used in these studies were orders of magnitude in excess of the clinical exposure that would be possible following topical ocular administration of azithromycin. ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available data from published observational studies, case series, and case reports over several decades do not suggest an increased risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with oral or topical ophthalmic azithromycin use in pregnant women. Limitations of these data include the lack of randomization and inability to control for confounders such as underlying maternal disease and maternal use of concomitant medications. Animal Data Azithromycin administered during the period of organogenesis did not cause fetal malformations in rats and mice at oral doses up to 200 mg/kg/day (moderately maternally toxic). Assuming 100% absorption from topical ocular exposure, this dose is hundreds of times daily dose that can be achieved with topical ophthalmic administration. In rabbits administered azithromycin at oral doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day during organogenesis, reduced maternal body weight and food consumption were observed in all groups; no evidence of fetotoxicity or teratogenicity was observed at these doses, the highest of which is estimated to be at least 100 times topical ophthalmic dose assuming 100% absorption from ocular exposure. In a pre- and postnatal development study, azithromycin was administered orally to pregnant rats from day 6 of pregnancy until weaning at doses of 50 or 200 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and body weight gain; increased stress at parturition) was observed at the higher dose. Effects in the offspring were noted at 200 mg/kg/day during the postnatal development period (decreased viability, delayed developmental landmarks). These effects were not observed in a pre- and postnatal rat study when up to 200 mg/kg/day of azithromycin was given orally beginning on day 15 of pregnancy until weaning. Assuming 100% absorption from topical ocular exposure, this dose is hundreds of times daily dose that can be achieved with topical ophthalmic administration. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Azithromycin is present in human milk ( see Data ). Non-serious adverse reactions have been reported in breastfed infants after maternal administration of oral azithromycin. There are no available data on the effects of azithromycin on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for AzaSite and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from AzaSite. Data Azithromycin breastmilk concentrations were measured in 20 women after receiving a single 2 g oral dose of azithromycin during labor. Breastmilk samples collected on days 3 and 6 postpartum as well as 2 and 4 weeks postpartum revealed the presence of azithromycin in breastmilk up to 4 weeks after dosing. In another study, a single dose of azithromycin 500 mg was administered intravenously to 8 women prior to incision for cesarean section. Breastmilk (colostrum) samples obtained between 12 and 48 hours after dosing revealed that azithromycin persisted in breastmilk up to 48 hours. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of AzaSite solution in pediatric patients have been established. The efficacy of AzaSite in treating bacterial conjunctivitis in pediatric patients has been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published literature and postmarketing experience over several decades with azithromycin use in pregnant women have not identified any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes ( see Data ). Developmental toxicity studies with azithromycin in rats, mice, and rabbits showed no drug-induced fetal malformations at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day. The doses used in these studies were orders of magnitude in excess of the clinical exposure that would be possible following topical ocular administration of azithromycin. ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available data from published observational studies, case series, and case reports over several decades do not suggest an increased risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with oral or topical ophthalmic azithromycin use in pregnant women. Limitations of these data include the lack of randomization and inability to control for confounders such as underlying maternal disease and maternal use of concomitant medications. Animal Data Azithromycin administered during the period of organogenesis did not cause fetal malformations in rats and mice at oral doses up to 200 mg/kg/day (moderately maternally toxic). Assuming 100% absorption from topical ocular exposure, this dose is hundreds of times daily dose that can be achieved with topical ophthalmic administration. In rabbits administered azithromycin at oral doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day during organogenesis, reduced maternal body weight and food consumption were observed in all groups; no evidence of fetotoxicity or teratogenicity was observed at these doses, the highest of which is estimated to be at least 100 times topical ophthalmic dose assuming 100% absorption from ocular exposure. In a pre- and postnatal development study, azithromycin was administered orally to pregnant rats from day 6 of pregnancy until weaning at doses of 50 or 200 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and body weight gain; increased stress at parturition) was observed at the higher dose. Effects in the offspring were noted at 200 mg/kg/day during the postnatal development period (decreased viability, delayed developmental landmarks). These effects were not observed in a pre- and postnatal rat study when up to 200 mg/kg/day of azithromycin was given orally beginning on day 15 of pregnancy until weaning. Assuming 100% absorption from topical ocular exposure, this dose is hundreds of times daily dose that can be achieved with topical ophthalmic administration.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of AzaSite solution in pediatric patients have been established. The efficacy of AzaSite in treating bacterial conjunctivitis in pediatric patients has been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Description

AzaSite® (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) is a 1% sterile aqueous topical ophthalmic solution of azithromycin formulated in DuraSite ® (polycarbophil, edetate disodium, sodium chloride). AzaSite is an off-white, viscous liquid with an osmolality of approximately 290 mOsm/kg. Preservative: 0.003% benzalkonium chloride. Inactives: mannitol, citric acid, sodium citrate, poloxamer 407, polycarbophil, edetate disodium (EDTA), sodium chloride, water for injection, and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 6.3. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with a 15-membered ring. Its chemical name is (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribohexopyranosyl)oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-aza-cyclopentadecan-15-one, and the structural formula is: Azithromycin has a molecular weight of 749, and its empirical formula is C 38 H 72 N 2 O 12 . Chemical Structure

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4) ] .

How supplied

AzaSite® is a sterile aqueous topical ophthalmic formulation of 1% azithromycin. NDC 82584-307-03: 2.5 mL in 5 mL bottle containing a total of 25 mg of azithromycin in a white, oblong, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle, with a clear LDPE dropper tip, and a tan colored high density polyethylene (HDPE) eyedropper cap. A white tamper evident over-cap is provided. Storage and Handling Store unopened bottle under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Once the bottle is opened, store at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F) for up to 14 days. Discard after the 14 days. The white tamper evident over-cap can be thrown away. Retain the tan cap and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Storage

Storage and Handling Store unopened bottle under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Once the bottle is opened, store at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F) for up to 14 days. Discard after the 14 days. The white tamper evident over-cap can be thrown away. Retain the tan cap and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Patient information

See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling ( Patient Information and Instructions for Use ). Avoiding Contamination of the Applicator Tip Advise patients to avoid contaminating the applicator tip by not allowing it to touch the eye, fingers or other sources. When to Seek Physician Advice Direct patients to discontinue use and contact a physician if any signs of an allergic reaction occur. Tell patients that although it is common to feel better early in the course of the therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Contact Lens Use Advise patients not to wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. Administration Instructions Advise patients to thoroughly wash hands prior to using AzaSite. Advise patients to invert the closed bottle (upside down) and shake once before each use. Remove cap with bottle still in the inverted position. Tilt head back, and with bottle inverted, gently squeeze bottle to instill one drop into the affected eye(s).

Active ingredients

Azithromycin Monohydrate in 1 product

Azasite NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
82584-307	Azithromycin Monohydrate 10 mg/mL Solution/ Drops	Thea Pharma Inc.	NDA

Frequently asked questions

What is Azasite used for?

AzaSite ® is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following microorganisms: CDC coryneform group G Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections. Haemophilus influenzae Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus mitis group Streptococcus pneumoniae AzaSite is a macrolide antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of bacterial…

What are the side effects of Azasite?

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in one clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared with the rates in the clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to AzaSite in 698 patients. The population was between 1 and 87 years old… See the full label for the complete list.

Who makes Azasite?

Azasite is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Thea Pharma Inc..