1.1 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis

BIAXIN (Filmtab, Granules) and BIAXIN XL Filmtab are indicated in adults for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae[see Indications and Usage (1.9)].

1.2 Acute Maxillary Sinusitis

BIAXIN (Filmtab, Granules) and BIAXIN XL Filmtab (in adults) are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage (1.9)].

1.3 Community-Acquired Pneumonia

BIAXIN (Filmtab, Granules) and BIAXIN XL Filmtab are indicated [see Indications and Usage (1.9)] for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to:

• Haemophilus influenzae (in adults)
• Haemophilus parainfluenzae (BIAXIN XL Filmtab in adults)
• Moraxella catarrhalis (BIAXIN XL Filmtab in adults)
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae (BIAXIN XL Filmtab [in adults]; BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules [in adults and pediatric patients])

1.4 Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis

BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Streptococcus pyogenes as an alternative in individuals who cannot use first line therapy.

1.5 Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections

BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pyogenes.

1.6 Acute Otitis Media

BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are indicated in pediatric patients for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae[see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

1.7 Treatment and Prophylaxis of Disseminated Mycobacterial Infections

BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare in patients with advanced HIV infection [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

1.8 Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease

BIAXIN Filmtab is given in combination with other drugs in adults as described below to eradicate H. pylori. The eradication of H. pylori has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].

• BIAXIN Filmtab in combination with amoxicillin and PREVACID (lansoprazole) or PRILOSEC (omeprazole) Delayed-Release Capsules, as triple therapy, are indicated for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or five-year history of duodenal ulcer) to eradicate H. pylori.
• BIAXIN Filmtab in combination with PRILOSEC (omeprazole) capsules are indicated for the treatment of patients with an active duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori infection. Regimens which contain BIAXIN Filmtab as the single antibacterial agent are more likely to be associated with the development of clarithromycin resistance among patients who fail therapy. Clarithromycin-containing regimens should not be used in patients with known or suspected clarithromycin resistant isolates because the efficacy of treatment is reduced in this setting.

1.9 Limitations of Use

BIAXIN XL Filmtab is indicated only for acute maxillary sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia in adults. The efficacy and safety of BIAXIN XL Filmtab in treating other infections for which BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are approved have not been established.

There is resistance to macrolides in certain bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Susceptibility testing should be performed when clinically indicated.

1.10 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of BIAXIN and other antibacterial drugs, BIAXIN should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules may be given with or without food.

BIAXIN XL Filmtab should be taken with food. Swallow BIAXIN XL Filmtab whole; do not chew, break or crush BIAXIN XL Filmtab.

2.2 Adult Dosage

The recommended dosages of BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN XL Filmtab for the treatment of mild to moderate infections in adults are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Adult Dosage Guidelines

	BIAXIN Filmtab		BIAXIN XL Filmtab
Infection	Dosage (every 12 hours)	Duration (days)	Dosage (every 24 hours)	Duration (days)
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis	250 to 500 mga	7b-14	1 gram	7
Acute maxillary sinusitis	500 mg	14	1 gram	14
Community-acquired pneumonia	250 mgc	7d-14	1 gramc	7
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis	250 mg	10	-	-
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections	250 mg	7-14	-	-
Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated Mycobacterium avium disease [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]	500 mge	-	-	-
H.pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence with amoxicillin and omeprazole or lansoprazole [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]	500 mg	10-14	-	-
H.pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence with omeprazole [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]	500 mg every 8 hours	14	-	-
a For M. catarrhalis and S. pneumoniae use 250 mg. For H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae, use 500 mg. b For H parainfluenzae, the duration of therapy is 7 days. c For H. parainfluenzae and M. catarrhalis use BIAXIN XL tablets only. d For H. influenzae, the duration of therapy is 7 days. e BIAXIN therapy should continue if clinical response is observed. BIAXIN can be discontinued when the patient is considered at low risk of disseminated infection.

2.3 Combination Dosing Regimens for H. pylori Infection

• Triple therapy: BIAXIN Filmtab/lansoprazole/amoxicillin

  The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg BIAXIN Filmtab, 30 mg lansoprazole, and 1 gram amoxicillin, all given every 12 hours for 10 or 14 days [see Indications and Usage (1.8) and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

• Triple therapy: BIAXIN Filmtab/omeprazole/amoxicillin

  The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg BIAXIN Filmtab, 20 mg omeprazole, and 1 gram amoxicillin; all given every 12 hours for 10 days. In patients with an ulcer present at the time of initiation of therapy, an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief [see Indications and Usage (1.8)and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

• Dual therapy: BIAXIN Filmtab/omeprazole

  The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg BIAXIN Filmtab given every 8 hours and 40 mg omeprazole given once every morning for 14 days. An additional 14 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief [see Indications and Usage (1.8) andClinical Studies (14.3)].

2.4 Pediatric Dosage

The recommended daily dosage is 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days (up to the adult dose). Refer to dosage regimens for mycobacterial infections in pediatric patients for additional dosage information [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

2.5 Dosage Regimens for Mycobacterial Infections

For the treatment of disseminated infection due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules are recommended as the primary agents. BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules should be used in combination with other antimycobacterial drugs (e.g. ethambutol) that have shown in vitro activity against MAC or clinical benefit in MAC treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Adult Patients

For treatment and prophylaxis of mycobacterial infections in adults, the recommended dose of BIAXIN is 500 mg every 12 hours.

Pediatric Patients

For treatment and prophylaxis of mycobacterial infections in pediatric patients, the recommended dose is 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours up to 500 mg every 12 hours. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].

BIAXIN therapy should continue if clinical response is observed. BIAXIN can be discontinued when the patient is considered at low risk of disseminated infection.

2.6 Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Renal Impairment

See Table 2 for dosage adjustment in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment with or without concomitant atazanavir or ritonavir-containing regimens [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Table 2. BIAXIN Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Renal Impairment

	Recommended BIAXIN Dosage Reduction
Patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr of <30 mL/min)	Reduce the dosage of BIAXIN by 50%
Patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr of 30 to 60 mL/min) taking concomitant atazanavir or ritonavir-containing regimens	Reduce the dosage of BIAXIN by 50%
Patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr of <30 mL/min) taking concomitant atazanavir or ritonavir-containing regimens	Reduce the dosage of BIAXIN by 75%

2.7 Dosage Adjustment Due to Drug Interactions

Decrease the dose of BIAXIN by 50 % when co-administered with atazanavir [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Dosage adjustments for other drugs when co-administered with BIAXIN may be recommended due to drug interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

2.8 Reconstitution of BIAXIN Granules

The supplied BIAXIN Granules must be reconstituted with water prior to administration of BIAXIN for oral suspension. Table 3 below indicates the volume of water to be added when reconstituting. To reconstitute:

1. Add half the volume of water to the bottle containing the BIAXIN granules and shake vigorously.
2. Add the remainder of water to the bottle and shake.

Shake well before each use. After mixing, store at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) and use within 14 days. Do not refrigerate.

Table 3. Volume of Water to be Added When Reconstituting BIAXIN Granules

Total Volume After Reconstitution	Clarithromycin Concentration After Reconstitution	Amount of Water to be Added
50 mL	125 mg/5 mL	27 mL
100 mL	125 mg/5 mL	55 mL
50 mL	250 mg/5 mL	27 mL
100 mL	250 mg/5 mL	55 mL

4.1 Hypersensitivity

BIAXIN is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibacterial drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

4.2 Cardiac Arrhythmias

Concomitant administration of BIAXIN with cisapride and pimozide is contraindicated [see Drug Interactions (7)].

There have been postmarketing reports of drug interactions when clarithromycin is co-administered with cisapride or pimozide, resulting in cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes) most likely due to inhibition of metabolism of these drugs by BIAXIN. Fatalities have been reported.

4.3 Cholestatic Jaundice/Hepatic Dysfunction

BIAXIN is contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of clarithromycin.

4.4 Colchicine

Concomitant administration of BIAXIN and colchicine is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

4.5 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Do not use BIAXIN concomitantly with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7)].

4.6 Ergot Alkaloids

Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and ergotamine or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated [see Drug Interactions (7)].

4.7 Contraindications for Co-administered Drugs

For information about contraindications of other drugs indicated in combination with BIAXIN, refer to their full prescribing information (contraindications section).

5.1 Acute Hypersensitivity Reactions

In the event of severe acute hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, discontinue BIAXIN therapy immediately and institute appropriate treatment.

5.2 QT Prolongation

BIAXIN has been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Cases of torsades de pointes have been spontaneously reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients receiving BIAXIN. Fatalities have been reported.

Avoid BIAXIN in the following patients:

• patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes
• patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval [see also Contraindications (4.2)]
• 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 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

5.3 Hepatotoxicity

Hepatic dysfunction, including increased liver enzymes, and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has been reported with clarithromycin. This hepatic dysfunction may be severe and is usually reversible. In some instances, hepatic failure with fatal outcome has been reported and generally has been associated with serious underlying diseases and/or concomitant medications. Symptoms of hepatitis can include anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus, or tender abdomen. Discontinue BIAXIN immediately if signs and symptoms of hepatitis occur.

5.4 Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Concomitant Use with Other Drugs

Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4: Serious adverse reactions have been reported in patients taking BIAXIN concomitantly with CYP3A4 substrates. These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; hypoglycemia with disopyramide; hypotension and acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine). Most reports of acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 involved elderly patients 65 years of age or older. Use BIAXIN with caution when administered concurrently with medications that induce the cytochrome CYP3A4 enzyme. The use of BIAXIN with simvastatin, lovastatin, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.5,4.6) andDrug Interactions (7)].

Colchicine: Life-threatening and fatal drug interactions have been reported in patients treated with BIAXIN and colchicine. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and this interaction may occur while using both drugs at their recommended doses. If co-administration of BIAXIN and colchicine is necessary in patients with normal renal and hepatic function, reduce the dose of colchicine. Monitor patients for clinical symptoms of colchicine toxicity. Concomitant administration of BIAXIN and colchicine is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4.4) and Drug Interactions (7)].

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins): Concomitant use of BIAXIN with lovastatin or simvastatin is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.5)] as these statins are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4, and concomitant treatment with BIAXIN increases their plasma concentration, which increases the risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis. Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients taking BIAXIN concomitantly with these statins. If treatment with BIAXIN cannot be avoided, therapy with lovastatin or simvastatin must be suspended during the course of treatment.

Exercise caution when prescribing BIAXIN with atorvastatin or pravastatin. In situations where the concomitant use of BIAXIN with atorvastatin or pravastatin cannot be avoided, atorvastatin dose should not exceed 20 mg daily and pravastatin dose should not exceed 40 mg daily. Use of a statin that is not dependent on CYP3A metabolism (e.g. fluvastatin) can be considered. It is recommended to prescribe the lowest registered dose if concomitant use cannot be avoided.

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents/Insulin: The concomitant use of BIAXIN and oral hypoglycemic agents and/or insulin can result in significant hypoglycemia. With certain hypoglycemic drugs such as nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide and rosiglitazone, inhibition of CYP3A enzyme by clarithromycin may be involved and could cause hypoglycemia when used concomitantly. Careful monitoring of glucose is recommended [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Quetiapine: Use quetiapine and clarithromycin concomitantly with caution. Co-administration could result in increased quetiapine exposure and quetiapine related toxicities such as somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, altered state of consciousness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and QT prolongation. Refer to quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations on dose reduction if co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Oral Anticoagulants: There is a risk of serious hemorrhage and significant elevations in INR and prothrombin time when BIAXIN is co-administered with warfarin. Monitor INR and prothrombin times frequently while patients are receiving BIAXIN and oral anticoagulants concurrently [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Benzodiazepines: Increased sedation and prolongation of sedation have been reported with concomitant administration of BIAXIN and triazolobenzodiazepines, such as triazolam and midazolam [see Drug Interactions (7)].

5.5 All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease 1 to 10 Years After BIAXIN Exposure

In one clinical trial evaluating treatment with clarithromycin on outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, an increase in risk of all-cause mortality one year or more after the end of treatment was observed in patients randomized to receive clarithromycin.1 Clarithromycin for treatment of coronary artery disease is not an approved indication. The cause of the increased risk has not been established. Other epidemiologic studies evaluating this risk have shown variable results [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Consider balancing this potential risk with the treatment benefits when prescribing BIAXIN in patients who have suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease.

5.6 Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including BIAXIN, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

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 antibacterial 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 antibacterial use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

5.7 Embryofetal Toxicity

Clarithromycin should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. If BIAXIN is used during pregnancy, or if pregnancy occurs while the patient is taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Clarithromycin has demonstrated adverse effects on pregnancy outcome and/or embryo-fetal development in monkeys, rats, mice, and rabbits at doses that produced plasma levels 2 times to 17 times the serum levels achieved in humans treated at the maximum recommended human doses [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.8 Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis

Exacerbation of symptoms of myasthenia gravis and new onset of symptoms of myasthenic syndrome has been reported in patients receiving BIAXIN therapy.

5.9 Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria

Prescribing BIAXIN in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Based on pooled data across all indications, the most frequent adverse reactions for both adult and pediatric populations observed in clinical trials are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dysgeusia. Also reported were dyspepsia, liver function test abnormal, anaphylactic reaction, candidiasis, headache, insomnia, and rash.

The subsequent subsections list the most common adverse reactions for prophylaxis and treatment of mycobacterial infections and duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori infection. In general, these profiles are consistent with the pooled data described above.

Prophylaxis of Mycobacterial Infections

In AIDS patients treated with BIAXIN over long periods of time for prophylaxis against M. avium, it was often difficult to distinguish adverse reactions possibly associated with BIAXIN administration from underlying HIV disease or intercurrent illness. Median duration of treatment was 10.6 months for the BIAXIN group and 8.2 months for the placebo group.

Table 4. Incidence Rates (%) of Selected Adverse Reactionsa in Immunocompromised Adult Patients Receiving Prophylaxis Against M. avium Complex

Body Systemb	BIAXIN (n=339) %	Placebo (n=339) %
Adverse Reaction
Body as a Whole
Abdominal pain	5%	4%
Headache	3%	1%
Digestive
Diarrhea	8%	4%
Dyspepsia	4%	3%
Flatulence	2%	1%
Nausea	11%	7%
Vomiting	6%	3%
Skin & Appendages
Rash	3%	4%
Special Senses
Taste Perversion	8%c	0.3%
a Includes those events possibly or probably related to study drug and excludes concurrent conditions b 2% or greater Adverse Reaction Incidence Rates for either treatment group c Significant higher incidence compared to the placebo-treated group

Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in 18% of patients receiving BIAXIN compared to 17% of patients receiving placebo in this trial. Primary reasons for discontinuation in BIAXIN treated patients include headache, nausea, vomiting, depression, and taste perversion.

Changes in Laboratory Values

Selected laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in greater than 2 % of adult patients treated with BIAXIN in a randomized double-blind clinical trial involving 682 patients are presented in Table 5.

In immunocompromised patients receiving prophylaxis against M. avium, evaluations of laboratory values were made by analyzing those values outside the seriously abnormal value (i.e., the extreme high or low limit) for the specified test.

Table 5. Percentage of Patientsa Exceeding Extreme Laboratory Values in Patients Receiving Prophylaxis Against M. avium Complex

		BIAXIN 500 mg twice a day	Placebo
WBC Count	<1 x 109/L	2/103 (4%)	0/95
SGOT	>5 x ULNb	7/196 (4%)	5/208 (2%)
SGPT	>5 x ULNb	6/217 (3%)	4/232 (2%)
a Includes only patients with baseline values within the normal range or borderline high (hematology variables) and within normal range or borderline low (chemistry variables) b ULN= Upper Limit of Normal

Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections

The adverse reaction profiles for both the 500 mg and 1000 mg twice a day dose regimens were similar.

In AIDS patients and other immunocompromised patients treated with the higher doses of BIAXIN over long periods of time for mycobacterial infections, it was often difficult to distinguish adverse reactions possibly associated with BIAXIN administration from underlying signs of HIV disease or intercurrent illness.

The following analysis summarizes experience during the first 12 weeks of therapy with BIAXIN. Data are reported separately for trial 1 (randomized, double-blind) and trial 2 (open-labeled, compassionate use) and also combined. Adverse reactions were reported less frequently in trial 2, which may be due in part to differences in monitoring between the two studies.

In adult patients receiving BIAXIN 500 mg twice a day, the most frequently reported adverse reactions, considered possibly or possibly related to study drug, with an incidence of 5% or greater, are listed below (Table 6). Approximately 8% of the patients who received 500 mg twice a day and 12% of the patients who received 1000 mg twice a day discontinued therapy due to drug related adverse reactions during the first 12 weeks of therapy; adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 2 patients included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and asthenia.

Table 6. Selected Treatment-Relateda Adverse Reaction Incidence Rates (%) in Immunocompromised Adult Patients During the First 12 Weeks of Therapy with 500 mg Twice a Day BIAXIN Dose

Adverse Reaction	Trial 1 (n=53)	Trial 2 (n=255)	Combined (n=308)
Abdominal Pain	8	2	3
Diarrhea	9	2	3
Flatulence	8	0	1
Headache	8	0	2
Nausea	28	9	12
Rash	9	2	3
Taste Perversion	19	0	4
Vomiting	25	4	8
a Includes those events possibly or probably related to study drug and excludes concurrent conditions

A limited number of pediatric AIDS patients have been treated with BIAXIN suspension for mycobacterial infections. The most frequently reported adverse reactions excluding those due to the patient’s concurrent conditions were consistent with those observed in adult patients.

Changes in Laboratory Values

In the first 12 weeks of starting on BIAXIN 500 mg twice a day, 3% of patients has SGOT increases and 2% of patients has SGPT increases > 5 times the upper limit of normal in trial 2 (469 enrolled adult patients) while trial 1 (154 enrolled patients) had no elevation of transaminases. This includes only patients with baseline values within the normal range or borderline low.

Duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori Infection

In clinical trials using combination therapy with BIAXIN plus omeprazole and amoxicillin, no adverse reactions specific to the combination of these drugs have been observed. Adverse reactions that have occurred have been limited to those that have been previously reported with BIAXIN, omeprazole or amoxicillin.

The adverse reaction profiles are shown below (Table 7) for four randomized double-blind clinical trials in which patients received the combination of BIAXIN 500 mg three times a day, and omeprazole 40 mg daily for 14 days, followed by omeprazole 20 mg once a day, (three studies) or 40 mg once a day (one study) for an additional 14 days. Of the 346 patients who received the combination, 3.5% of patients discontinued drug due to adverse reactions.

Table 7. Adverse Reactions with an Incidence of 3% or Greater

Adverse Reaction	BIAXIN + Omeprazole (n=346) % of Patients	Omeprazole (n=355) % of Patients	BIAXIN (n=166) % of Patientsa
Taste Perversion	15	1	16
Nausea	5	1	3
Headache	5	6	9
Diarrhea	4	3	7
Vomiting	4	<1	1
Abdominal Pain	3	2	1
Infection	3	4	2
a Only two of four studies

Changes in Laboratory Values

Changes in laboratory values with possible clinical significance in patients taking BIAXIN and omeprazole in four randomized double-blind trials in 945 patients are as follows:

Hepatic: elevated direct bilirubin <1%; GGT <1%; SGOT (AST) <1%; SGPT (ALT) <1%, Renal: elevated serum creatinine <1%.

Less Frequent Adverse Reactions Observed During Clinical Trials of Clarithromycin

Based on pooled data across all indications, the following adverse reactions were observed in clinical trials with clarithromycin at a rate less than 1%:

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocythemia, eosinophilia

Cardiac Disorders: Electrocardiogram QT prolonged, cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, palpitations

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing impaired

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Stomatitis, glossitis, esophagitis, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, proctalgia, abdominal distension, constipation, dry mouth, eructation, flatulence

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Malaise, pyrexia, asthenia, chest pain, chills, fatigue

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Cholestasis, hepatitis

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity

Infections and Infestations: Cellulitis, gastroenteritis, infection, vaginal infection

Investigations: Blood bilirubin increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, albumin globulin ratio abnormal

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia, decreased appetite

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Myalgia, muscle spasms, nuchal rigidity

Nervous System Disorders: Dizziness, tremor, loss of consciousness, dyskinesia, somnolence

Psychiatric Disorders: Anxiety, nervousness

Renal and Urinary Disorders: Blood creatinine increased, blood urea increased

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Asthma, epistaxis, pulmonary embolism

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Urticaria, dermatitis bullous, pruritus, hyperhidrosis, rash maculo-papular

Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

In the acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis studies overall gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported by a similar proportion of patients taking either BIAXIN Filmtab or BIAXIN XL Filmtab; however, patients taking BIAXIN XL Filmtab reported significantly less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to patients taking BIAXIN Filmtab. In addition, patients taking BIAXIN XL Filmtab had significantly fewer premature discontinuations for drug-related gastrointestinal or abnormal taste adverse reactions compared to BIAXIN Filmtab.

All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease 1 to 10 Years Following BIAXIN Exposure

In one clinical trial evaluating treatment with clarithromycin on outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, an increase in risk of all-cause mortality was observed in patients randomized to clarithromycin. Clarithromycin for treatment of coronary artery disease is not an approved indication. Patients were treated with clarithromycin or placebo for 14 days and observed for primary outcome events (e.g., all-cause mortality or non-fatal cardiac events) for several years.1 A numerically higher number of primary outcome events in patients randomized to receive clarithromycin was observed with a hazard ratio of 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.14). However, at follow-up 10 years post-treatment, there were 866 (40%) deaths in the clarithromycin group and 815 (37%) deaths in the placebo group that represented a hazard ratio for all-cause mortality of 1.10 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.21). The difference in the number of deaths emerged after one year or more after the end of treatment.

The cause of the difference in all-cause mortality has not been established. Other epidemiologic studies evaluating this risk have shown variable results [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of BIAXIN. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and Lymphatic System: Thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis

Cardiac: Ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes

Ear and Labyrinth: Deafness was reported chiefly in elderly women and was usually reversible.

Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis acute, tongue discoloration, tooth discoloration was reported and was usually reversible with professional cleaning upon discontinuation of the drug.

There have been reports of BIAXIN XL Filmtab in the stool, many of which have occurred in patients with anatomic (including ileostomy or colostomy) or functional gastrointestinal disorders with shortened GI transit times. In several reports, tablet residues have occurred in the context of diarrhea. It is recommended that patients who experience tablet residue in the stool and no improvement in their condition should be switched to a different clarithromycin formulation (e.g. suspension) or another antibacterial drug.

Hepatobiliary: Hepatic failure, jaundice hepatocellular. Adverse reactions related to hepatic dysfunction have been reported with clarithromycin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Infections and Infestations: Pseudomembranous colitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

Immune System: Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema

Investigations: Prothrombin time prolonged, white blood cell count decreased, international normalized ratio increased. Abnormal urine color has been reported, associated with hepatic failure.

Metabolism and Nutrition: Hypoglycemia has been reported in patients taking oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myopathy rhabdomyolysis was reported and in some of the reports, clarithromycin was administered concomitantly with statins, fibrates, colchicine or allopurinol [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Nervous System: Parosmia, anosmia, ageusia, paresthesia and convulsions

Psychiatric: Abnormal behavior, confusional state, depersonalization, disorientation, hallucination, depression, manic behavior, abnormal dream, psychotic disorder. These disorders usually resolve upon discontinuation of the drug.

Renal and Urinary: Nephritis interstitial, renal failure

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Henoch-Schonlein purpura, acne, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

Vascular: Hemorrhage

8.1 Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C

Clarithromycin should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. If pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Four teratogenicity studies in rats (three with oral doses and one with intravenous doses up to 160 mg/kg/day administered during the period of major organogenesis) and two in rabbits at oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (approximately twice the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) or intravenous doses of 30 mg/kg/day administered during gestation days 6 to 18 failed to demonstrate any teratogenicity from clarithromycin. Two additional oral studies in a different rat strain at similar doses and similar conditions demonstrated a low incidence of cardiovascular anomalies at doses of 150 mg/kg/day administered during gestation days 6 to 15. Plasma levels after 150 mg/kg/day were twice the human serum levels. Four studies in mice revealed a variable incidence of cleft palate following oral doses of 1000 mg/kg/day (2 and 4 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2, respectively) during gestation days 6 to 15. Cleft palate was also seen at 500 mg/kg/day. The 1000 mg/kg/day exposure resulted in plasma levels 17 times the human serum levels. In monkeys, an oral dose of 70 mg/kg/day produced fetal growth retardation at plasma levels that were twice the human serum levels.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Caution should be exercised when BIAXIN is administered to nursing women. The development and health benefits of human milk feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for BIAXIN and any potential adverse effects on the human milk fed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clarithromycin and its active metabolite 14-hydroxy clarithromycin are excreted in human milk. Serum and milk samples were obtained after 3 days of treatment, at steady state, from one published study of 12 lactating women who were taking BIAXIN 250 mg orally twice daily. Based on the limited data from this study, and assuming milk consumption of 150 mL/kg/day, an exclusively human milk fed infant would receive an estimated average of 136 mcg/kg/day of clarithromycin and its active metabolite, with this maternal dosage regimen. This is less than 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose (7.8 mg/kg/day, based on the average maternal weight of 64 kg), and less than 1% of the pediatric dose (15 mg/kg/day) for children greater than 6 months of age.

A prospective observational study of 55 breastfed infants of mothers taking a macrolide antibacterial (6 were exposed to clarithromycin) were compared to 36 breastfed infants of mothers taking amoxicillin. Adverse reactions were comparable in both groups. Adverse reactions occurred in 12.7% of infants exposed to macrolides and included rash, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and somnolence.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules have been established for the treatment of the following conditions or diseases in pediatric patients 6 months and older. Use in these indications is based on clinical trials in pediatric patients or adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients:

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia
• Acute maxillary sinusitis
• Acute otitis media [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections

The safety and effectiveness of BIAXIN Filmtab and BIAXIN Granules have been established for the prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in pediatric patients 20 months and older with advanced HIV infection. No studies of BIAXIN for MAC prophylaxis have been performed in pediatric populations and the doses recommended for prophylaxis are derived from MAC pediatric treatment studies.

The safety and effectiveness of BIAXIN XL Filmtab in the treatment of pediatric patients has not been established.

Safety and effectiveness of BIAXIN in pediatric patients under 6 months of age have not been established. The safety of BIAXIN has not been studied in MAC patients under the age of 20 months.

8.5 Geriatric Use

In a steady-state study in which healthy elderly subjects (65 years to 81 years of age) were given 500 mg of BIAXIN every 12 hours, the maximum serum concentrations and area under the curves of clarithromycin and 14-OH clarithromycin were increased compared to those achieved in healthy young adults. These changes in pharmacokinetics parallel known age-related decreases in renal function. In clinical trials, elderly patients did not have an increased incidence of adverse reactions when compared to younger patients. Consider dosage adjustment in elderly patients with severe renal impairment. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to development of torsades de pointes arrhythmias than younger patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Most reports of acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine) involved elderly patients 65 years of age or older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Especially in elderly patients, there have been reports of colchicine toxicity with concomitant use of clarithromycin and colchicine, some of which occurred in patients with renal insufficiency. Deaths have been reported in some patients [see Contraindications (4.4)and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

8.6 Renal and Hepatic Impairment

BIAXIN is principally excreted via the liver and kidney. BIAXIN may be administered without dosage adjustment to patients with hepatic impairment and normal renal function. However, in the presence of severe renal impairment with or without coexisting hepatic impairment, decreased dosage or prolonged dosing intervals may be appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

BIAXIN Filmtab Immediate-Release Tablets

The absolute bioavailability of 250 mg clarithromycin tablets was approximately 50%. For a single 500 mg dose of clarithromycin, food slightly delays the onset of clarithromycin absorption, increasing the peak time from approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Food also increases the clarithromycin peak plasma concentration by about 24%, but does not affect the extent of clarithromycin bioavailability. Food does not affect the onset of formation of the active metabolite, 14-OH clarithromycin or its peak plasma concentration but does slightly decrease the extent of metabolite formation, indicated by an 11% decrease in area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC). Therefore, BIAXIN Filmtab may be given without regard to food. In non-fasting healthy human subjects (males and females), peak plasma concentrations were attained within 2 to 3 hours after oral dosing.

BIAXIN XL Filmtab Extended-Release Tablets

Clarithromycin extended-release tablets provide extended absorption of clarithromycin from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Relative to an equal total daily dose of immediate-release clarithromycin tablets, clarithromycin extended-release tablets provide lower and later steady-state peak plasma concentrations but equivalent 24-hour AUCs for both clarithromycin and its microbiologically-active metabolite, 14-OH clarithromycin. While the extent of formation of 14-OH clarithromycin following administration of BIAXIN XL Filmtab (2 x 500 mg tablets once daily) is not affected by food, administration under fasting conditions is associated with approximately 30% lower clarithromycin AUC relative to administration with food. Therefore, BIAXIN XL Filmtab should be taken with food.

Figure 2: Steady-State Clarithromycin Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles

BIAXIN Granules For Oral Suspension

When 250 mg doses of clarithromycin as BIAXIN as an oral suspension were administered to fasting healthy adult subjects, peak plasma concentrations were attained around 3 hours after dosing.

For adult patients, the bioavailability of 10 mL of the 125 mg/5 mL suspension or 10 mL of the 250 mg/5 mL suspension is similar to a 250 mg or 500 mg tablet, respectively.

In adults given 250 mg clarithromycin as suspension (n = 22), food appeared to decrease mean peak plasma clarithromycin concentrations from 1.2 (± 0.4) mcg/mL to 1.0 (± 0.4) mcg/mL and the extent of absorption from 7.2 (± 2.5) hr•mcg/mL to 6.5 (± 3.7) hr•mcg/mL.

Distribution

Clarithromycin and the 14-OH clarithromycin metabolite distribute readily into body tissues and fluids. There are no data available on cerebrospinal fluid penetration. Because of high intracellular concentrations, tissue concentrations are higher than serum concentrations. Examples of tissue and serum concentrations are presented below.

Table 9. Tissue and Serum Concentrations of Clarithromycin

CONCENTRATION (after 250 mg every 12 hours)
Tissue Type	Tissue (mcg/g)	Serum (mcg/mL)
Tonsil	1.6	0.8
Lung	8.8	1.7

Metabolism and Elimination

BIAXIN Filmtab Immediate-Release Tablets

Steady-state peak plasma clarithromycin concentrations were attained within 3 days and were approximately 1 mcg/mL to 2 mcg/mL with a 250 mg dose administered every 12 hours and 3 mcg/mL to 4 mcg/mL with a 500 mg dose administered every 8 hours to 12 hours. The elimination half-life of clarithromycin was about 3 hours to 4 hours with 250 mg administered every 12 hours but increased to 5 hours to 7 hours with 500 mg administered every 8 hours to 12 hours. The nonlinearity of clarithromycin pharmacokinetics is slight at the recommended doses of 250 mg and 500 mg administered every 8 hours to 12 hours. With a 250 mg every 12 hours dosing, the principal metabolite, 14-OH clarithromycin, attains a peak steady-state concentration of about 0.6 mcg/mL and has an elimination half-life of 5 hours to 6 hours. With a 500 mg every 8 hours to 12 hours dosing, the peak steady-state concentration of 14-OH clarithromycin is slightly higher (up to 1 mcg/mL), and its elimination half-life is about 7 hours to 9 hours. With any of these dosing regimens, the steady-state concentration of this metabolite is generally attained within 3 days to 4 days.

After a 250 mg tablet every 12 hours, approximately 20% of the dose is excreted in the urine as clarithromycin, while after a 500 mg tablet every 12 hours, the urinary excretion of clarithromycin is somewhat greater, approximately 30%. In comparison, after an oral dose of 250 mg (125 mg/5 mL) suspension every 12 hours, approximately 40% is excreted in urine as clarithromycin. The renal clearance of clarithromycin is, however, relatively independent of the dose size and approximates the normal glomerular filtration rate. The major metabolite found in urine is 14-OH clarithromycin, which accounts for an additional 10% to 15% of the dose with either a 250 mg or a 500 mg tablet administered every 12 hours.

BIAXIN XL Filmtab Extended-Release Tablets

In healthy human subjects, steady-state peak plasma clarithromycin concentrations of approximately 2 mcg/mL to 3 mcg/mL were achieved about 5 hours to 8 hours after oral administration of 1000 mg BIAXIN XL Filmtab once daily; for 14-OH clarithromycin, steady-state peak plasma concentrations of approximately 0.8 mcg/mL were attained about 6 hours to 9 hours after dosing. Steady-state peak plasma clarithromycin concentrations of approximately 1 mcg/mL to 2 mcg/mL were achieved about 5 hours to 6 hours after oral administration of a single 500 mg BIAXIN XL Filmtab once daily; for 14-OH clarithromycin, steady-state peak plasma concentrations of approximately 0.6 mcg/mL were attained about 6 hours after dosing.

Steady-state peak plasma concentrations were attained in 2 days to 3 days and were approximately 2 mcg/mL for clarithromycin and 0.7 mcg/mL for 14-OH clarithromycin when 250-mg doses of the clarithromycin suspension were administered every 12 hours. Elimination half-life of clarithromycin (3 hours to 4 hours) and that of 14-OH clarithromycin (5 hours to 7 hours) were similar to those observed at steady state following administration of equivalent doses of BIAXIN Filmtab.

Specific Populations for BIAXIN Filmtab, BIAXIN XL Filmtab, and BIAXIN Granules Formulations

BIAXIN Granules For Oral Suspension in Pediatric Patients

Clarithromycin penetrates into the middle ear fluid of pediatric patients with secretory otitis media.

Table 10. Middle Ear Fluid and Serum Concentrations of Clarithromycin and 14-OH-Clarithromycin in Pediatric Patients

CONCENTRATION (after 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 5 doses)
Analyte	Middle Ear Fluid (mcg/mL)	Serum (mcg/mL)
Clarithromycin	2.5	1.7
14-OH Clarithromycin	1.3	0.8

When pediatric patients (n = 10) were administered a single oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg BIAXIN as an oral suspension, food increased mean peak plasma clarithromycin concentrations from 3.6 (± 1.5) mcg/mL to 4.6 (± 2.8) mcg/mL and the extent of absorption from 10.0 (± 5.5) hr•mcg/mL to 14.2 (± 9.4) hr•mcg/mL.

In pediatric patients requiring antibacterial therapy, administration of 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours of BIAXIN as an oral suspension generally resulted in steady-state peak plasma concentrations of 3 mcg/mL to 7 mcg/mL for clarithromycin and 1 mcg/mL to 2 mcg/mL for 14-OH clarithromycin.

In HIV-infected pediatric patients taking 15 mg/kg of BIAXIN as an oral suspension every 12 hours, steady-state clarithromycin peak concentrations generally ranged from 6 mcg/mL to 15 mcg/mL.

HIV Infection

Steady-state concentrations of clarithromycin and 14-OH clarithromycin observed following administration of 500 mg doses of clarithromycin every 12 hours to adult patients with HIV infection were similar to those observed in healthy volunteers. In adult HIV-infected patients taking 500-mg or 1000-mg doses of clarithromycin every 12 hours, steady-state clarithromycin Cmax values ranged from 2 mcg/mL to 4 mcg/mL and 5 mcg/mL to 10 mcg/mL, respectively.

Hepatic Impairment

The steady-state concentrations of clarithromycin in subjects with impaired hepatic function did not differ from those in normal subjects; however, the 14-OH clarithromycin concentrations were lower in the hepatically impaired subjects. The decreased formation of 14-OH clarithromycin was at least partially offset by an increase in renal clearance of clarithromycin in the subjects with impaired hepatic function when compared to healthy subjects.

Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of clarithromycin was also altered in subjects with impaired renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Drug Interactions

Fluconazole

Following administration of fluconazole 200 mg daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily to 21 healthy volunteers, the steady-state clarithromycin Cmin and AUC increased 33% and 18%, respectively. Clarithromycin exposures were increased and steady-state concentrations of 14-OH clarithromycin were not significantly affected by concomitant administration of fluconazole.

Colchicine

When a single dose of colchicine 0.6 mg was administered with clarithromycin 250 mg BID for 7 days, the colchicine Cmax increased 197% and the AUC0-∞ increased 239% compared to administration of colchicine alone.

Atazanavir

Following administration of clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) with atazanavir (400 mg once daily), the clarithromycin AUC increased 94%, the 14-OH clarithromycin AUC decreased 70% and the atazanavir AUC increased 28%.

Ritonavir

Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and ritonavir (n = 22) resulted in a 77% increase in clarithromycin AUC and a 100% decrease in the AUC of 14-OH clarithromycin.

Saquinavir

Following administration of clarithromycin (500 mg bid) and saquinavir (soft gelatin capsules, 1200 mg tid) to 12 healthy volunteers, the steady-state saquinavir AUC and Cmax increased 177% and 187% respectively compared to administration of saquinavir alone. Clarithromycin AUC and Cmax increased 45% and 39% respectively, whereas the 14–OH clarithromycin AUC and Cmax decreased 24% and 34% respectively, compared to administration with clarithromycin alone.

Didanosine

Simultaneous administration of clarithromycin tablets and didanosine to 12 HIV-infected adult patients resulted in no statistically significant change in didanosine pharmacokinetics.

Zidovudine

Following administration of clarithromycin 500 mg tablets twice daily with zidovudine 100 mg every 4 hours, the steady-state zidovudine AUC decreased 12% compared to administration of zidovudine alone (n=4). Individual values ranged from a decrease of 34% to an increase of 14%. When clarithromycin tablets were administered two to four hours prior to zidovudine, the steady-state zidovudine Cmax increased 100% whereas the AUC was unaffected (n=24).

Omeprazole

Clarithromycin 500 mg every 8 hours was given in combination with omeprazole 40 mg daily to healthy adult subjects. The steady-state plasma concentrations of omeprazole were increased (Cmax, AUC0-24, and t½ increases of 30%, 89%, and 34%, respectively), by the concomitant administration of clarithromycin.

The plasma levels of clarithromycin and 14–OH clarithromycin were increased by the concomitant administration of omeprazole. For clarithromycin, the mean Cmax was 10% greater, the mean Cmin was 27% greater, and the mean AUC0-8 was 15% greater when clarithromycin was administered with omeprazole than when clarithromycin was administered alone. Similar results were seen for 14–OH clarithromycin, the mean Cmax was 45% greater, the mean Cmin was 57% greater, and the mean AUC0-8 was 45% greater. Clarithromycin concentrations in the gastric tissue and mucus were also increased by concomitant administration of omeprazole.

Clarithromycin Tissue Concentrations 2 hours after Dose (mcg/mL)/(mcg/g)
Treatment	N	antrum	fundus	N	Mucus
Clarithromycin	5	10.48 ± 2.01	20.81 ± 7.64	4	4.15 ± 7.74
Clarithromycin + Omeprazole	5	19.96 ± 4.71	24.25 ± 6.37	4	39.29 ± 32.79

Theophylline

In two studies in which theophylline was administered with clarithromycin (a theophylline sustained-release formulation was dosed at either 6.5 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg together with 250 or 500 mg q12h clarithromycin), the steady-state levels of Cmax, Cmin, and the area under the serum concentration time curve (AUC) of theophylline increased about 20%.

Midazolam

When a single dose of midazolam was co-administered with clarithromycin tablets (500 mg twice daily for 7 days), midazolam AUC increased 174% after intravenous administration of midazolam and 600% after oral administration.

For information about other drugs indicated in combination with BIAXIN, refer to their full prescribing information, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section.

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Clarithromycin exerts its antibacterial action by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis.

Resistance

The major routes of resistance are modification of the 23S rRNA in the 50S ribosomal subunit to insensitivity or drug efflux pumps. Beta-lactamase production should have no effect on clarithromycin activity.

Most isolates of methicillin-resistant and oxacillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to clarithromycin.

If H. pylori is not eradicated after treatment with clarithromycin-containing combination regimens, patients may develop clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori isolates. Therefore, for patients who fail therapy, clarithromycin susceptibility testing should be done, if possible. Patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori should not be treated with any of the following: omeprazole/clarithromycin dual therapy; omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy; lansoprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy; or other regimens which include clarithromycin as the sole antibacterial agent.

Antimicrobial Activity

Clarithromycin has been shown to be active against most of the isolates of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage (1)].

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

The following in vitro mutagenicity tests have been conducted with clarithromycin:

• Salmonella/Mammalian Microsomes Test
• Bacterial Induced Mutation Frequency Test
• In Vitro Chromosome Aberration Test
• Rat Hepatocyte DNA Synthesis Assay
• Mouse Lymphoma Assay
• Mouse Dominant Lethal Study
• Mouse Micronucleus Test

All tests had negative results except the in vitro chromosome aberration test which was positive in one test and negative in another. In addition, a bacterial reverse-mutation test (Ames test) has been performed on clarithromycin metabolites with negative results.

Impairment of Fertility

Fertility and reproduction studies have shown that daily doses of up to 160 mg/kg/ to male and female rats caused no adverse effects on the estrous cycle, fertility, parturition, or number and viability of offspring. Plasma levels in rats after 150 mg/kg/day were twice the human serum levels.

Testicular atrophy occurred in rats at doses 7 times, in dogs at doses 3 times, and in monkeys at doses 8 times greater than the maximum human daily dose (on a body surface area basis).

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Corneal opacity occurred in dogs at doses 12 times and in monkeys at doses 8 times greater than the maximum human daily dose (on a body surface area basis). Lymphoid depletion occurred in dogs at doses 3 times greater than and in monkeys at doses 2 times greater than the maximum human daily dose (on a body surface area basis).

14.1 Mycobacterial Infections

14.2 Otitis Media

Otitis Media Trial of BIAXIN vs. Oral Cephalosporin

In a controlled clinical trial of pediatric patients with acute otitis media performed in the United States, where significant rates of beta-lactamase producing organisms were found, BIAXIN was compared to an oral cephalosporin. In this trial, strict evaluability criteria were used to determine clinical response. For the 223 patients who were evaluated for clinical efficacy, the clinical success rate (i.e., cure plus improvement) at the post-therapy visit was 88% for BIAXIN and 91% for the cephalosporin.

In a smaller number of patients, microbiologic determinations were made at the pre-treatment visit. The presumptive bacterial eradication/clinical cure outcomes (i.e., clinical success) are shown in Table 16.

Table 16. Clinical Success Rates of Otitis Media Treatment by Pathogen

Pathogen	Clinical Success Rates
	BIAXIN	Oral Cephalosporin
S. pneumoniae	13/15 (87%)	4/5
H. influenzaea	10/14 (71%)	3/4
M. catarrhalis	4/5	1/1
S. pyogenes	3/3	0/1
All Pathogens Combined	30/37 (81%)	8/11 (73%)
a   None of the H. influenzae isolated pre-treatment was resistant to BIAXIN; 6% were resistant to the control agent.

Otitis Media Trials of BIAXIN vs. Antimicrobial/Beta-lactamase Inhibitor

In two other controlled clinical trials of acute otitis media performed in the United States, where significant rates of beta-lactamase producing organisms were found, BIAXIN was compared to an oral antimicrobial agent that contained a specific beta-lactamase inhibitor. In these trials, strict evaluability criteria were used to determine the clinical responses. In the 233 patients who were evaluated for clinical efficacy, the combined clinical success rate (i.e., cure and improvement) at the post-therapy visit was 91% for both BIAXIN and the control.

For the patients who had microbiologic determinations at the pre-treatment visit, the presumptive bacterial eradication/clinical cure outcomes (i.e., clinical success) are shown in Table 17.

Table 17. Clinical Success Rates of Acute Otitis Media Treatment by Pathogen

	Clinical Success Rates
PATHOGEN	BIAXIN	Antimicrobial/Beta-lactamase Inhibitor
S. pneumoniae	43/51 (84%)	55/56 (98%)
H. influenzaea	36/45 (80%)	31/33 (94%)
M. catarrhalis	9/10 (90%)	6/6
S. pyogenes	3/3	5/5
All Pathogens Combined	91/109 (83%)	97/100 (97%)
a  Of the H. influenzae isolated pre-treatment, 3% were resistant to BIAXIN and 10% were resistant to the control agent.

14.3 H. pylori Eradication to Decrease the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence

BIAXIN + Lansoprazole and Amoxicillin

Two U.S. randomized, double-blind clinical trials (trial 6 and trial 7) in patients with H. pylori and duodenal ulcer disease (defined as an active ulcer or history of an active ulcer within one year) evaluated the efficacy of BIAXIN 500 mg twice daily in combination with lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 gm twice daily as 14-day triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori.

H. pylori eradication was defined as two negative tests (culture and histology) at 4 weeks to 6 weeks following the end of treatment.

The combination of BIAXIN plus lansoprazole and amoxicillin as triple therapy was effective in eradication of H. pylori (see results in Table 18). Eradication of H. pylori has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial (trial 8) performed in the U.S. in patients with H. pylori and duodenal ulcer disease (defined as an active ulcer or history of an ulcer within one year) compared the efficacy of BIAXIN in combination with lansoprazole and amoxicillin as triple therapy for 10 days and 14 days. This trial established that the 10-day triple therapy was equivalent to the 14-day triple therapy in eradicating H. pylori (see results in Table 18).

Table 18. H. pylori Eradication Rates-Triple Therapy (BIAXIN/lansoprazole/amoxicillin) Percent of Patients Cured [95% Confidence Interval] (number of patients)

Trial	Duration	Triple Therapy Evaluable Analysisa	Triple Therapy Intent-to-Treat Analysisb
Trial 6	14 days	92c [80-97.7] (n = 48)	86c [73.3-93.5] (n = 55)
Trial 7	14 days	86d [75.7-93.6] (n = 66)	83d [72-90.8] (n = 70)
Trial 8e	14 days	85 [77-91] (N = 113)	82 [73.9-88.1] (N = 126)
	10 days	84 [76-89.8] (N = 123)	81 [73.9-87.6] (N = 135)
a   Based on evaluable patients with confirmed duodenal ulcer (active or within one year) and H. pylori infection at baseline defined as at least two of three positive endoscopic tests from CLOtest (Delta West LTD., Bentley, Australia), histology, and/or culture. Patients were included in the analysis if they completed the trial. Additionally, if patients were dropped out of the trial due to an adverse reaction related to the drug, they were included in the analysis as evaluable failures of therapy. b  Patients were included in the analysis if they had documented H. pylori infection at baseline as defined above and had a confirmed duodenal ulcer (active or within one year). All dropouts were included as failures of therapy. c  (p < 0.05) versus BIAXIN/lansoprazole and lansoprazole/amoxicillin dual therapy. d  (p < 0.05) versus BIAXIN/amoxicillin dual therapy. e The 95% confidence interval for the difference in eradication rates, 10-day minus 14-day, is (-10.5, 8.1) in the evaluable analysis and (-9.7, 9.1) in the intent-to-treat analysis.

BIAXIN + Omeprazole and Amoxicillin Therapy

Three U.S., randomized, double-blind clinical trials in patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (n = 558) compared BIAXIN plus omeprazole and amoxicillin to BIAXIN plus amoxicillin. Two trials (trials 9 and 10) were conducted in patients with an active duodenal ulcer, and the third trial (trial 11) was conducted in patients with a duodenal ulcer in the past 5 years, but without an ulcer present at the time of enrollment. The dosage regimen in the trials was BIAXIN 500 mg twice a day plus omeprazole 20 mg twice a day plus amoxicillin 1 gram twice a day for 10 days. In trials 9 and 10, patients who took the omeprazole regimen also received an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg once a day. Endpoints studied were eradication of H. pylori and duodenal ulcer healing (trials 9 and 10 only). H. pylori status was determined by CLOtest®, histology, and culture in all three trials. For a given patient, H. pylori was considered eradicated if at least two of these tests were negative, and none was positive. The combination of BIAXIN plus omeprazole and amoxicillin was effective in eradicating H. pylori (see results in Table 19).

Table 19. H. pylori Eradication Rates: % of Patients Cured [95% Confidence Interval]

	BIAXIN + omeprazole + amoxicillin		BIAXIN + amoxicillin
	Per-Protocola	Intent-to-Treatb	Per-Protocola	Intent-to-Treatb
Trial 9	c77 [64, 86] (n = 64)	69 [57, 79] (n = 80)	43 [31, 56] (n = 67)	37 [27, 48] (n = 84)
Trial 10	c78 [67, 88] (n = 65)	73 [61, 82] (n = 77)	41 [29, 54] (n = 68)	36 [26, 47] (n = 84)
Trial 11	c90 [80, 96] (n = 69)	83 [74, 91] (n = 84)	33 [24, 44] (n = 93)	32 [23, 42] (n = 99)
a   Patients were included in the analysis if they had confirmed duodenal ulcer disease (active ulcer trials 9 and 10; history of ulcer within 5 years, trial 11) and H. pylori infection at baseline defined as at least two of three positive endoscopic tests from CLOtest®, histology, and/or culture. Patients were included in the analysis if they completed the trial. Additionally, if patients dropped out of the trial due to an adverse reaction related to the study drug, they were included in the analysis as failures of therapy. The impact of eradication on ulcer recurrence has not been assessed in patients with a past history of ulcer. b   Patients were included in the analysis if they had documented H. pylori infection at baseline and had confirmed duodenal ulcer disease. All dropouts were included as failures of therapy. c   p < 0.05 versus BIAXIN plus amoxicillin.

BIAXIN + Omeprazole Therapy

Four randomized, double-blind, multi-center trials (trials 12, 13, 14, and 15) evaluated BIAXIN 500 mg three times a day plus omeprazole 40 mg once a day for 14 days, followed by omeprazole 20 mg once a day (trials 12, 13, and 15) or by omeprazole 40 mg once a day (trial 14) for an additional 14 days in patients with active duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori. Trials 12 and 13 were conducted in the U.S. and Canada and enrolled 242 and 256 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer were confirmed in 219 patients in trial 12 and 228 patients in trial 13. These trials compared the combination regimen to omeprazole and BIAXIN monotherapies. Trials 14 and 15were conducted in Europe and enrolled 154 and 215 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer were confirmed in 148 patients in trial 14 and 208 patients in trial 15. These trials compared the combination regimen to omeprazole monotherapy. The results for the efficacy analyses for these trials are described in Tables 20, 21, and 22.

Duodenal Ulcer Healing

The combination of BIAXIN and omeprazole was as effective as omeprazole alone for healing duodenal ulcer (see Table 20).

Table 20. End-of-Treatment Ulcer Healing Rates Percent of Patients Healed (n/N)

Trial	BIAXIN + Omeprazole	Omeprazole	BIAXIN
U.S. Trials
Trial 13	94% (58/62)a	88% (60/68)	71% (49/69)
Trial 12	88% (56/64)a	85% (55/65)	64% (44/69)
Non-U.S. Trials
Trial 15	99% (84/85)	95% (82/86)	N/A
Trial 14b	100% (64/64)	99% (71/72)	N/A
a   p < 0.05 for BIAXIN + omeprazole versus BIAXIN monotherapy. b  In trial 14 patients received omeprazole 40 mg daily for days 15 to 28.

Eradication of H. pylori Associated with Duodenal Ulcer

The combination of BIAXIN and omeprazole was effective in eradicating H. pylori (see Table 21). H. pylori eradication was defined as no positive test (culture or histology) at 4 weeks following the end of treatment, and two negative tests were required to be considered eradicated. In the per-protocol analysis, the following patients were excluded: dropouts, patients with major protocol violations, patients with missing H. pylori tests post-treatment, and patients that were not assessed for H. pylori eradication at 4 weeks after the end of treatment because they were found to have an unhealed ulcer at the end of treatment.

Table 21. H. pylori Eradication Rates (Per-Protocol Analysis) at 4 to 6 weeks Percent of Patients Cured (n/N)

Trial	BIAXIN + Omeprazole	Omeprazole	BIAXIN
U.S. Trials
Trial 13	64% (39/61)a,b	0% (0/59)	39% (17/44)
Trial 12	74% (39/53)a,b	0% (0/54)	31% (13/42)
Non-U.S. Trials
Trial 15	74% (64/86)b	1% (1/90)	N/A
Trial 14	83% (50/60)b	1% (1/74)	N/A
a  Statistically significantly higher than BIAXIN monotherapy (p < 0.05). b  Statistically significantly higher than omeprazole monotherapy (p < 0.05).

Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence

Ulcer recurrence at 6-months and at 12 months following the end of treatment was assessed for patients in whom ulcers were healed post-treatment (see the results in Table 22). Thus, in patients with duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori infection, eradication of H. pylori reduced ulcer recurrence.

Table 22. Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence at 6 months and 12 months in Patients with Healed Ulcers

		H. pylori Negative at 4-6 Weeks	H. pylori Positive at 4-6 Weeks
U.S. Trials Recurrence at 6 Months
Trial 100
BIAXIN + Omeprazole		6% (2/34)	56% (9/16)
Omeprazole		(0/0)	71% (35/49)
BIAXIN		12% (2/17)	32% (7/22)
Trial 067
BIAXIN + Omeprazole		38% (11/29)	50% (6/12)
Omeprazole		(0/0)	67% (31/46)
BIAXIN		18% (2/11)	52% (14/27)
Non-U.S. Trials Recurrence at 6 Months
Trial 058
BIAXIN + Omeprazole		6% (3/53)	24% (4/17)
Omeprazole		0% (0/3)	55% (39/71)
Trial 812b
BIAXIN + Omeprazole		5% (2/42)	0% (0/7)
Omeprazole		0% (0/1)	54% (32/59)
Non-U.S. Trials Recurrence at 12-Months in Trial 14
BIAXIN + Omeprazole		3% (1/40)	0% (0/6)
Omeprazole		0% (0/1)	67% (29/43)