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` HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
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` These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ZMAX
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` safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ZMAX.
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`ZMAX® (azithromycin extended-release) for oral suspension
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`Initial U.S. Approval: 1991
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`-----------------------RECENT MAJOR CHANGES-----------------------------­
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`Warnings and Precautions, Hypersensitivity (5.1)
`5/2016
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`Warnings and Precautions, Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (5.3)
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`7/2016
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`-------------------------INDICATIONS AND USAGE-----------------------------
`Zmax is a macrolide antimicrobial drug indicated for mild to moderate
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`infections caused by designated, susceptible bacteria:
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` Acute bacterial sinusitis in adults (1)
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` Community-acquired pneumonia in adults and children 6 months and older
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`(1)
` Limitation of Use
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`Azithromycin should not be used in patients with pneumonia who are
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`judged to be inappropriate for oral therapy because of moderate to severe
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`illness or risk factors (1.1).
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`To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the
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`effectiveness of Zmax and other antibacterial drugs, Zmax should be used
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`only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by
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`susceptible bacteria. (1.3)
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`----------------------DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION----------------------­
` Adults: 2 g as a single dose; consume contents of full bottle. (2.1)
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` Pediatric: 60 mg/kg (1 mL of suspension per pound body weight;
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`equivalent to 27 mg/lb) as a single dose, up to a maximum of 2 g. (2.2)
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`---------------------DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS---------------------­
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`Bottle containing 2 g azithromycin for constitution with 60 mL of water (final
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`concentration 27 mg/mL). (3)
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`---------------------------CONTRAINDICATIONS-------------------------------­
`Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide
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`drug. (4.1)
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`History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use
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`of azithromycin. (4.2)
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`----------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-----------------------­
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` Allergic and Skin Reactions (including fatal): Discontinue Zmax if reaction
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`occurs. (5.1)
` Hepatotoxicity: severe, and sometimes fatal, hepatotoxicity has been
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`reported. Discontinue immediately if signs and symptoms of hepatitis
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`occur. (5.2)
` Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS): Following the use of
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`azithromycin in neonates (treatment up to 42 days of life), IHPS has been
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`reported. Direct parents and caregivers to contact their physician if
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`vomiting or irritability with feeding occurs. (5.3)
` Prolongation of the QT interval and cases of torsades de pointes have been
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`reported. This risk which can be fatal should be considered in patients with
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`certain cardiovascular disorders including known QT prolongation or
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`history of torsades de pointes, those with proarrhythmic conditions, and
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`with other drugs that prolong the QT interval. (5.4)
` Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Evaluate patients if diarrhea
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`occurs. (5.5)
` Zmax may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis.
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`(5.6)
` Gastrointestinal Disturbances: higher incidence in patients with
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`GFR<10 mL/min. (5.7)
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`-------------------------------ADVERSE REACTIONS----------------------------­
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`Most common adverse reactions (incidence >1%) are diarrhea/loose stools,
`nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting. (6.1, 6.2)
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`To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer, Inc. at
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`1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
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`---------------------------DRUG INTERACTIONS--------------------------------­
` Nelfinavir: Close monitoring for known adverse reactions of azithromycin,
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`such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment, is warranted.
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`(7.1)
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` Warfarin: Use with azithromycin may increase coagulation times; monitor
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`prothrombin time. (7.2)
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`-----------------------USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS-----------------------­
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` Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients under 6
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`months of age have not been established. (8.4)
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` Geriatric use: Elderly patients may be more susceptible to development of
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`torsades de pointes arrhythmias. (8.5)
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`See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-
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`approved patient labeling.
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`7
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`Revised: 1/2017
`__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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`FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
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`INDICATIONS AND USAGE
`1
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`1.1 Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Adults and Community-Acquired
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`Pneumonia
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`1.2 Limitations of Use
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`1.3 Usage
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`DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
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`2.1 Adults
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`2.2
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`Pediatric Patients
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`2.3 Additional Treatment After Vomiting with Zmax
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`2.4
`Instructions for the Pharmacist
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`DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
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`CONTRAINDICATIONS
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`4.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions
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`4.2 Cholestatic Jaundice/Hepatic Dysfunction
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`5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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`5.1 Allergic and Skin Reactions
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`5.2 Hepatotoxicity
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`5.3
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`Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
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`5.4 QT Prolongation
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`5.5 Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
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`5.6 Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis
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`5.7 Gastrointestinal Disturbances
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`5.8 Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria
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`ADVERSE REACTIONS
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`6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
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`6.2
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`Postmarketing Experience with Other Azithromycin Products
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`6.3 Laboratory Abnormalities
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`2
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`3
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`4
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`6
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`8
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`DRUG INTERACTIONS
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`7.1 Nelfinavir
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`7.2 Warfarin
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`7.3
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`Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Macrolides
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`USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
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`8.1
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`Pregnancy
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`8.3 Nursing Mothers
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`8.4
`Pediatric Use
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`8.5 Geriatric Use
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`8.6 Renal Impairment
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`8.7 Gender
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`10 OVERDOSAGE
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`11 DESCRIPTION
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`12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
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`12.1 Mechanism of Action
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`12.2 Pharmacodynamics
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`12.3 Pharmacokinetics
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`12.4 Microbiology
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`13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
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`13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
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`13.2 Animal Toxicology and /or Pharmacology
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`14 CLINICAL STUDIES
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`14.1 Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
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`14.2 Community-Acquired Pneumonia
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`15 REFERENCES
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`16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
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`17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
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`Reference ID: 4051680
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` 1
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`

`

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` *Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not
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` listed.
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`Reference ID: 4051680
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` 2
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`

`

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`INDICATIONS AND USAGE
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`FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
`
`
`1
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`
`
`Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Adults and Community-Acquired Pneumonia
`1.1
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`
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`Zmax (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment with mild to
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`moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the specific
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`conditions listed below. [See Clinical Studies (14)]
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`Acute bacterial sinusitis in adults due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis or
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`Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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`Community-acquired pneumonia in adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older due to
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`Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Streptococcus
`pneumoniae, in patients appropriate for oral therapy. Pediatric use in this indication is based on
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`extrapolation of adult efficacy. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]
`
`Limitations of Use
`1.2
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`Zmax is not recommended for use in patients with pneumonia who are judged to be inappropriate for
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`oral therapy because of moderate to severe illness or risk factors such as any of the following:
` patients with cystic fibrosis,
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` patients with nosocomial infections,
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` patients with known or suspected bacteremia,
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` patients requiring hospitalization,
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` elderly or debilitated patients, or
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` patients with significant underlying health problems that may compromise their ability to
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`respond to their illness (including immunodeficiency or functional asplenia).
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`Usage
`1.3
`
`To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Zmax
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`(azithromycin) and other antibacterial drugs, Zmax (azithromycin) should be used only to treat
`infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and
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`susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying
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`antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may
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`contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
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`2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
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`2.1 Adults
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`Zmax should be taken as a single 2 g dose. Zmax provides a full course of antibacterial therapy in a
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`single oral dose. It is recommended that Zmax be taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hr before or
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`2 hr following a meal).
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`2.2 Pediatric Patients
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`For pediatric patients 6 months and older, Zmax should be taken as a single dose of 60 mg/kg
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`(equivalent to 27 mg/lb) body weight. The Zmax dose in mL is equivalent to the child’s weight in lb
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`(1 mL/lb dose, see Table 1 below), for a body weight of less than 75 lb (34 kg). It is recommended that
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`Zmax be taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hr before or 2 hrs following a meal).
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` 1
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`
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`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`

`

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` Pediatric patients weighing 75 lb (34 kg) or more should receive the adult dose (2 g).
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` Table 1. Zmax Pediatric Dosage Guidelines: 1-dose regimen
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` Dosing Calculated on 1 mL/lb,
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` Dose 1 mL of Suspension for every 1 lb of Body Weight for
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` Children <75 lb (34 kg)a
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` Weight
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` Lb
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` 10
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` 15
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` 20
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` 25
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` 30
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` Kg
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` 5
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` 7
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` 9
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` 11
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` 14
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` 16
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` Dose
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` (mg)
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` 270
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` 405
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` 540
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` 675
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` 810
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` 945
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` 1 mL/lb Dose
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` Volume
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` (mL)
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` 10
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` 15
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` 20
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` 25
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`
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` 30
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` 35
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`
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` 35
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` 40
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` 45
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` 50
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` 55
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` 60
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` 65
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` 70
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` >75
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` 18
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` 20
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` 23
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` 25
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` 27
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` 30
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` 32
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` 34
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` 1080
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` 1215
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` 1350
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` 1485
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` 1620
`
`
`
` 1755
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`
`
` 1890
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`
`
` 2000
`
`
`
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` 40
`
`
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` 45
`
`
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` 50
`
`
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` 55
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`
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` 60
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` 65
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` 70
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` Consume entire contents of bottle
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`a To ensure accurate dosing, a dosing spoon, medicine syringe, or cup is recommended.
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` 2.3 Additional Treatment after Vomiting with Zmax
`
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`
`
` In the event that a patient vomits within 5 minutes of administration, the health care provider should
`consider additional antibiotic treatment since there would be minimal absorption of azithromycin.
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` Since insufficient data exist on absorption of azithromycin if a patient vomits between 5 and
` 60 minutes following administration, alternative therapy should be considered. Neither a second dose
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` of Zmax nor alternative treatment is warranted if vomiting occurs 60 minutes following
` administration, in patients with normal gastric emptying. In patients with delayed gastric emptying,
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` alternative therapy should be considered.
`
` 2.4
` Instructions for the Pharmacist
`
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`
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` Constitute with 60 mL of water and replace cap. Shake bottle well before dispensing. Do not
` refrigerate. Constituted suspension should be consumed within 12 hr.
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`For pediatric dosing in patients weighing less than 75 lb (34 kg), use of a dosing device is
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`recommended. The pharmacist should inform the patient’s caregiver that any suspension remaining
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`after dosing MUST be discarded.
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` 2
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`
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`Reference ID: 4051680
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`

`

`
`
`
`3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
`
`
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`Each bottle of Zmax contains azithromycin dihydrate equivalent to 2 g of azithromycin. After
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`constitution with 60 mL of water, each mL of suspension contains 27 mg of azithromycin. The
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`suspension is a white or off-white color and has a cherry/banana flavor.
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`
`
`4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
`
`
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`4.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions
`
`Zmax is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin or any
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`macrolide or ketolide drug.
`
`
`
`4.2 Cholestatic Jaundice/Hepatic Dysfunction
`
`Zmax is contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction
`
`associated with prior use of azithromycin.
`
`
`
`
`5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
`
`
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`
`
`5.1 Allergic and Skin Reactions
`
`Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, Stevens Johnson syndrome, and toxic
`
`
`
`epidermal necrolysis have been reported in patients on azithromycin therapy using other formulations.
`Fatalities have been reported. Cases of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms
`
`
`
`(DRESS) have also been reported. Despite initially successful symptomatic treatment of the allergic
`symptoms, when symptomatic therapy was discontinued, the allergic symptoms recurred soon
`thereafter in some patients without further azithromycin exposure. These patients required prolonged
`
`periods of observation and symptomatic treatment. The relationship of these episodes to the long tissue
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`half-life of azithromycin and subsequent exposure to antigen has not been determined.
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`If an allergic reaction occurs, appropriate therapy should be instituted. Physicians should be aware that
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`reappearance of the allergic symptoms may occur when symptomatic therapy is discontinued.
`
`
`
`5.2 Hepatotoxicity
`
`
`Abnormal liver function, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic necrosis, and hepatic failure have been
`reported, some of which have resulted in death. Discontinue azithromycin immediately if signs and
`
`symptoms of hepatitis occur.
`
`
`
`
`5.3 Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS)
`Following the use of azithromycin in neonates (treatment up to 42 days of life), IHPS has been
`
`reported. Direct parents and caregivers to contact their physician if vomiting or irritability with feeding
`
`occurs.
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`
`
` 3
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`5.4 QT Prolongation
`
`
`
`
`Prolonged cardiac repolarization and QT interval, imparting a risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia
`and torsades de pointes, have been seen in treatment with macrolides, including azithromycin. Cases of
`
`torsades de pointes have been spontaneously reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients
`receiving azithromycin. Providers should consider the risk of QT prolongation which can be fatal when
`
`weighing the risks and benefits of azithromycin for at-risk groups including:
`
`
`
`
`patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, a history of torsades de pointes, congenital
`
`long QT syndrome, bradyarrhythmias or uncompensated heart failure
`
`patients on drugs known to prolong the QT interval
`
`patients with ongoing proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or
`hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, and in patients receiving Class IA (quinidine,
`
`
`procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval.
`
`5.5 Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD)
`
`
`
`
`
`Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial
`
`
`agents, including Zmax, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with
`
`
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`antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
`
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`C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin
`
`producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be
`
`
`refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all
`patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since
`
`
`CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
`
`
`If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to
`
`be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic
`
`
`treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5.6 Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis
`
`
`Exacerbation of symptoms of myasthenia gravis and new onset of myasthenic syndrome have been
`
`reported in patients receiving azithromycin therapy.
`
`
`
`5.7 Gastrointestinal Disturbances
`
`A higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events (8 of 19 subjects) was observed when Zmax was
`
`
`administered to a limited number of subjects with GFR<10 mL/min. [See Use in Specific Populations
`
`
`(8.6)]
`
`
`5.8 Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria
`
`
`
`Prescribing Zmax in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to
`
`provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`
`
` 4
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
` 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
`
`
`
`
`6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
`
`
`Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed
`
`
`
`
`in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug
`
`
`and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
`
`Adults:
`
`
`
`
`
`The data described below reflect exposure to Zmax in 728 adult patients. All patients received a single
`
`
`2 g oral dose of Zmax. The population studied had community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial
`sinusitis.
`
`
`
`In controlled clinical trials with Zmax, the majority of the reported treatment-related adverse reactions
`
`
`were gastrointestinal in nature and mild to moderate in severity.
`
`
`Overall, the most common treatment-related adverse reactions in adult patients receiving a single 2 g
`
`
`dose of Zmax were diarrhea/loose stools (12%), nausea (4%), abdominal pain (3%), headache (1%),
`and vomiting (1%). The incidence of treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse reactions was 17% for
`
`Zmax and 10% for pooled comparators.
`
`
`
`
`Treatment-related adverse reactions following Zmax treatment that occurred with a frequency of <1%
`
`included the following:
`
`Cardiovascular: Palpitations, chest pain
`
`
`Gastrointestinal: Constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, oral moniliasis
`
`Genitourinary: Vaginitis
`
`
`Nervous system: Dizziness, vertigo
`
`General: Asthenia
`
`
`Allergic: Rash, pruritus, urticaria
`
`
`
`Special senses: Taste perversion
`
`
`
`
`Pediatric Patients:
`
`
`The data described below reflect exposure to Zmax in 907 pediatric patients. The population was
`
`
`
`
`
`3 months to 12 years of age. All patients received a single 60 mg/kg oral dose of Zmax.
`
`
`
`
`As in adults, the most common treatment-related adverse reactions in pediatric subjects were
`
`gastrointestinal in nature. The pediatric subjects all received a single 60 mg/kg dose (equivalent to
`
`27 mg/lb) of Zmax.
`
`
`
`
`
`In a trial with 450 pediatric subjects (ages 3 months to 48 months), vomiting (11%), diarrhea (10%)
`loose stools (9%), and abdominal pain (2%) were the most frequently reported treatment-related
`
`gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Many treatment related gastrointestinal adverse reactions with an
`
`incidence greater than 1% began on the day of dosing in these subjects [43% (68/160)] and most [53%
`
`
`(84/160)] resolved within 48 hr of onset. Treatment-related adverse events that were not
`
`
`
`gastrointestinal, occurring with a frequency > 1% were: rash (5%), anorexia (2%), fever (2%), and
`
`dermatitis (2%).
`
`
`
`
` 5
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`

`

`
` In a second trial of 337 pediatric subjects, ages 2 years to 12 years, the most frequently reported
`
`
`
`treatment-related adverse reactions also included vomiting (14%), diarrhea (7%), loose stools (2%),
`nausea (4%) and abdominal pain (4%).
`
`
` A third trial investigated the tolerability of two different concentrations of azithromycin oral
`
`
`suspension in 120 pediatric subjects (ages 3 months to 48 months), all of whom were treated with
`azithromycin. The study evaluated the hypothesis that a more dilute, less viscous formulation (the
`
`
`
`recommended 27 mg/mL concentration of Zmax) is less likely to induce vomiting in young children
`
`
`
`
`than a more concentrated suspension used in other pediatric studies. The vomiting rate for subjects
`taking the dilute concentration azithromycin was 3% (2/61). The rate was numerically lower but not
`
`
`
`statistically different from the vomiting for the more concentrated suspension Across both treatment
`arms, the only treatment-related adverse events with a frequency of > 1% were vomiting (6%, 7/120)
`
`
`
`
`
`and diarrhea (2%, 2/120).
`
`Treatment-related adverse reactions with a frequency of < 1% following Zmax treatment in all 907
`
`
`
`pediatric subjects in the Phase 3 studies were:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Body as a whole: Chills, fever, flu syndrome, headache;
`
`
`
`Digestive: Abnormal stools, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorder,
`
`
`hepatitis;
`
`
`Hematologic and lymphatic: Leukopenia;
`
`
`
`Nervous system: Agitation, emotional liability, hostility, hyperkinesia, insomnia, irritability,
`
`
`
`paresthesia, Somnolence;
`
`
`Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis;
`
`
`
`Skin and appendages: Dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, maculopapular rash, pruritus, urticaria;
`
`
`Special senses: Otitis media, taste perversion;
`
`
`
`
`Urogenital: Dysuria.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Postmarketing Experience with Other Azithromycin Products
`6.2
`
`Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, reliably
`
`
`
`
`estimating their frequency or establishing a causal relationship to drug exposure is not always possible.
`
`
`
`Adverse events reported with azithromycin immediate release formulations during the postmarketing
`
`
`period for which a causal relationship may not be established include:
`
`
`
`Allergic: Arthralgia, edema, urticaria and angioedema
`
`Cardiovascular: Palpitations and arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and hypotension
`
`There have been reports of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
`Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting/diarrhea, pseudomembranous
`
`
`
`colitis, pancreatitis, oral candidiasis, pyloric stenosis, and rare reports of tongue discoloration
`
`
`General: Asthenia, paresthesia, fatigue, malaise and anaphylaxis
`
`
`Genitourinary: Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure and vaginitis
`
`
`Hematopoietic: Thrombocytopenia, mild neutropenia
`
`
`
`Liver/biliary: Adverse reactions related to hepatic dysfunction have been reported in postmarketing
`
`
`
`
`experience with azithromycin. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
`
`Nervous system: Convulsions, dizziness/vertigo, headache, somnolence, hyperactivity, nervousness,
`
`agitation and syncope
`
`
`Psychiatric: Aggressive reaction and anxiety
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`
`
` 6
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
` Skin/appendages: Pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, serious skin reactions including erythema
`
`
` multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS.
`
` Special senses: Hearing disturbances including hearing loss, deafness and/or tinnitus and reports of
`
`
`
` taste/smell perversion and/or loss
`
`
`
`
`Laboratory Abnormalities
`6.3
`In subjects with normal baseline values, the following clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
`
`
`(irrespective of drug relationship) were reported in Zmax clinical trials in adults and pediatric patients:
`
`
`Adults:
`
`
`
`Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1%: reduced lymphocytes and
`
`
`increased eosinophils; reduced bicarbonate. Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of less than
`1%: leukopenia, neutropenia, elevated bilirubin, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, alterations in potassium.
`
`Where follow-up was provided, changes in laboratory tests appeared to be reversible.
`
`
`Pediatric Patients:
`
`
`Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1%: elevated eosinophils, BUN,
`and potassium; decreased lymphocytes; and alterations in neutrophils; with an incidence of less than
`1%: elevated SGOT, SGPT and creatinine; decreased potassium; and alterations in sodium and
`
`glucose.
`
`
`
`
`7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
`
`
`
`Nelfinavir
`7.1
`
`Co-administration of nelfinavir at steady-state with a single oral dose of azithromycin resulted in
`
`increased azithromycin serum concentrations. Although a dose adjustment of azithromycin is not
`
`recommended when administered in combination with nelfinavir, close monitoring for known adverse
`
`reactions of azithromycin, such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment, is warranted.
`
`[see Adverse Reactions (6)]
`
`
`
`7.2 Warfarin
`
`Spontaneous post-marketing reports suggest that concomitant administration of azithromycin may
`
`
`potentiate the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, although the prothrombin time was not
`affected in the dedicated drug interaction study with azithromycin and warfarin. Prothrombin times
`should be carefully monitored while patients are receiving azithromycin and oral anticoagulants
`
`concomitantly.
`
`
`
`Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Macrolides
`7.3
`
`Interactions with digoxin or phenytoin have not been reported in clinical trials with azithromycin;
`
`however, no specific drug interaction studies have been performed to evaluate potential drug-drug
`
`interactions. However, drug interactions have been observed with other macrolide products. Until
`
`further data are developed regarding drug interactions when digoxin or phenytoin are used
`
`concomitantly with azithromycin careful monitoring of patients is advised.
`
`
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`
`
` 7
`
`

`

`
`
`
`8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
`
`
`
`Pregnancy
`8.1
`
`Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and
`
`
`mice at doses up to moderately maternally toxic dose concentrations (i.e., 200 mg/kg/day). These daily
`
`
`
`
`
`doses in rats and mice, based on body surface area, are estimated to be approximately equivalent to one
`
`or one-half of, respectively, the single adult oral dose of 2 g. In the animal studies, no evidence of
`
`harm to the fetus due to azithromycin was found. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled
`studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human
`
`response, azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
`
`
`
`Nursing Mothers
`8.3
`Azithromycin has been reported to be excreted in human breast milk in small amounts. Caution should
`
`
`be exercised when azithromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
`
`
`
`Pediatric Use
`8.4
`
`
`Safety and effectiveness in the treatment of pediatric patients under 6 months of age have not been
`established.
`
`
`
`Community-Acquired Pneumonia: The safety and effectiveness of Zmax have been established in
`pediatric patients 6 months of age or older with community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydophila
`
`
`
`
`pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Use of
`
`Zmax for these patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Zmax in
`
`
`adults with additional safety and pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients. [See Dosage and
`
`
`
`
`Administration (2.2), Adverse reactions (6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
`
`
`
`Acute bacterial sinusitis: Safety and effectiveness in the treatment of pediatric patients with acute
`bacterial sinusitis have not been established.
`
`
`
`
`8.5 Geriatric Use
`
`Data collected from the azithromycin capsule and tablet formulations indicate that a dosage adjustment
`
`
`does not appear to be necessary for older patients with normal renal function (for their age) and hepatic
`
`function receiving treatment with Zmax.
`
`
`
`In clinical trials of Zmax, 17% of subjects were at least 65 years of age (214/1292) and 5% of subjects
`
`(59/1292) were at least 75 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed
`
`between these subjects and younger subjects. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to development
`
`
` of torsades de pointes arrhythmia than younger patients. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
`
`
`
`
`
`Renal Impairment
`8.6
`
`No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients GFR >10 mL/min. Caution should be exercised
`
`
`
`
`when Zmax is administered to patients with GFR <10 mL/min, due to a higher incidence of
`
`
`
`
`gastrointestinal adverse events (8 of 19 subjects) observed in a limited number of subjects with GFR
`
`
`
` <10 mL/min. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12)]
`
`
`
`
`
`8.7 Gender
`The impact of gender on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin has not been evaluated for Zmax.
`
`However, previous studies have demonstrated no significant differences in the disposition of
`
`
`
` 8
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`

`

`
`OVERDOSAGE
`
`
`azithromycin between male and female subjects. No dosage adjustment of Zmax is recommended
`
`based on gender.
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`Adverse reactions experienced at higher than recommended doses were similar to those seen at normal
`doses. In the event of overdosage, general symptomatic and supportive measures are indicated as
`
`required.
`
`
`
`11
`
`Zmax (azithromycin extended-release) for oral suspension contains the active ingredient azithromycin
`
`(as azithromycin dihydrate), an azalide, a subclass of macrolide antibacterial drug. Azithromycin has
`
`the chemical name
`(2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)13-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl--L-ribo-hexopyra
`
`nosyl) oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3­
`(dimethylamino)--D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one. Azithromycin is
`
`
`derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a
`methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring. Its molecular formula is
`C38H72N2O12, and its molecular weight is 749.0. Azithromycin has the following structural formula:
`
`
`
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`
`
`
`
`Azithromycin, as the dihydrate, is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of
`
` C38H72N2O122H2O and a molecular weight of 785.0.
`
`Zmax is a single-dose, extended-release formulation of microspheres for oral suspension containing
`
`
`azithromycin (as azithromycin dihydrate) and the following excipients: glyceryl behenate, poloxamer
`
`407, sucrose, sodium phosphate tribasic anhydrous, magnesium hydroxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
`
`xanthan gum, colloidal silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, artificial cherry flavor, and artificial banana
`
`
`
`flavor.
`
`
`
`
`
`Reference ID: 4051680
`
`
`
` 9
`
`
`
`HO
`
`H3C
`
`N
`
`H3C
`
`CH3
`
`H3C
`
`CH3
`
`N
`
`HO
`
`OH
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`HO
`
`H3C
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`OH
`
`CH3
`
`O
`
`CH3
`
`

`

`
` Note: Each bottle of Zmax 2 g for oral suspension contains approximately 148 mg of sodium and 19 g
`
`
`
`
`
` of sucrose. Constituted Zmax oral suspension contains approximately 2 mg/mL of sodium and
`
`
` 0.26 g/mL of sucrose.
`
`
`
`12
`
`
`
`12.1 Mechanism of Action
`Azithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial