Azithromycin Monohydrate

Prescription

Brand names: AZASITE

Dosage Form

Drops

Route

OPHTHALMIC

Manufacturer

Thea Pharma Inc.

About This Medication

11 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

Active Ingredients

Ingredient	Strength
Azithromycin Monohydrate	-

Indications & Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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 )

How It Works

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

Dosage & Administration

2 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.

Side Effects Overview

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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.

Warnings & Precautions

5 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.

Contraindications

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

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics The plasma concentration of azithromycin following ocular administration of AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) in humans is unknown. Based on the proposed dose of one drop to each eye (total dose of 100 mcL or 1 mg) and exposure information from systemic administration, the systemic concentration of azithromycin following ocular administration is estimated to be below quantifiable limits (≤10 ng/mL) at steady-state in humans, assuming 100% systemic availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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. …

2 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 …

5 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, …

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

Azithromycin Monohydrate is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

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References & Data Sources

• DailyMed — Azithromycin Monohydrate drug label (National Library of Medicine)
• openFDA — Azithromycin Monohydrate label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
• RxNorm — RXCUI 706868 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
• NDC Directory — Azithromycin Monohydrate (FDA National Drug Code)

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS