Axtar

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Axtar uses

• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Indications and usage
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Overdosage
• Dosage and administration
• Directions for use
• Compatibility and stability
• Animal pharmacology
• How supplied
• Clinical studies
• References
• Axtar reviews

Rx only

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Axtar for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Axtar for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

DESCRIPTION

Axtar for Injection, USP is a sterile, semisynthetic, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Axtar sodium is (6 R,7 R )-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl)glyoxylamido]-8-oxo-3-[[(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-5,6-dioxo- as -triazin-3-yl)thio]methyl]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 7²-( Z )-( O -methyloxime), disodium salt, sesquaterhydrate.

The chemical formula of Axtar sodium is C₁₈H₁₆N₈Na₂O₇S₃-3.5H₂O. It has a calculated molecular weight of 661.59 and the following structural formula:

Axtar for Injection, USP is a white to yellowish-orange crystalline powder which is readily soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol and very slightly soluble in ethanol. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution is approximately 6.7. The color of Axtar for Injection, USP solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used. Each vial contains Axtar sodium equivalent to 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 gram or 2 grams of Axtar activity. Axtar for Injection, USP contains approximately 83 mg (3.6 mEq) of sodium per gram of Axtar activity.

ceftriaxone-chemical-structure

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Average plasma concentrations of Axtar following a single 30 minute intravenous (IV) infusion of a 0.5, 1 or 2 gm dose and intramuscular (IM) administration of a single 0.5 (250 mg/mL or 350 mg/mL concentrations) or 1 gm dose in healthy subjects are presented in Table 1.

*IV doses were infused at a constant rate over 30 minutes. ND = Not determined.
Dose/Route	Average Plasma Concentrations (mcg/mL)
	0.5 hr	1 hr	2 hr	4 hr	6 hr	8 hr	12 hr	16 hr	24 hr
0.5 gm IV*	82	59	48	37	29	23	15	10	5
0.5 gm IM
250 mg/mL	22	33	38	35	30	26	16	ND	5
0.5 gm IM
350 mg/mL	20	32	38	34	31	24	16	ND	5
1 gm IV*	151	111	88	67	53	43	28	18	9
1 gm IM	40	68	76	68	56	44	29	ND	ND
2 gm IV*	257	192	154	117	89	74	46	31	15

Axtar was completely absorbed following IM administration with mean maximum plasma concentrations occurring between 2 and 3 hours post-dose. Multiple IV or IM doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 gm at 12 to 24 hour intervals resulted in 15% to 36% accumulation of Axtar above single dose values.

Axtar concentrations in urine are shown in Table 2.

ND = Not determined.
Dose/Route	Average Urinary Concentrations (mcg/mL)
	0 to 2 hr	2 to 4 hr	4 to 8 hr	8 to 12 hr	12 to 24 hr	24 to 48 hr
0.5 gm IV	526	366	142	87	70	15
0.5 gm IM	115	425	308	127	96	28
1 gm IV	995	855	293	147	132	32
1 gm IM	504	628	418	237	ND	ND
2 gm IV	2692	1976	757	274	198	40

Thirty-three percent to 67% of a Axtar dose was excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and the remainder was secreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as microbiologically inactive compounds. After a 1 gm IV dose, average concentrations of Axtar, determined from 1 to 3 hours after dosing, were 581 mcg/mL in the gallbladder bile, 788 mcg/mL in the common duct bile, 898 mcg/mL in the cystic duct bile, 78.2 mcg/gm in the gallbladder wall and 62.1 mcg/mL in the concurrent plasma.

Over a 0.15 to 3 gm dose range in healthy adult subjects, the values of elimination half-life ranged from 5.8 to 8.7 hours; apparent volume of distribution from 5.78 to 13.5 L; plasma clearance from 0.58 to 1.45 L/hour; and renal clearance from 0.32 to 0.73 L/hour. Axtar is reversibly bound to human plasma proteins, and the binding decreased from a value of 95% bound at plasma concentrations of <25 mcg/mL to a value of 85% bound at 300 mcg/mL. Axtar crosses the blood placenta barrier.

The average values of maximum plasma concentration, elimination half-life, plasma clearance and volume of distribution after a 50 mg/kg IV dose and after a 75 mg/kg IV dose in pediatric patients suffering from bacterial meningitis are shown in Table 3. Axtar penetrated the inflamed meninges of infants and pediatric patients; CSF concentrations after a 50 mg/kg IV dose and after a 75 mg/kg IV dose are also shown in Table 3.

	50 mg/kg IV	75 mg/kg IV
Maximum Plasma Concentrations (mcg/mL)	216	275
Elimination Half-life (hr)	4.6	4.3
Plasma Clearance (mL/hr/kg)	49	60
Volume of Distribution (mL/kg)	338	373
CSF Concentration-inflamed meninges (mcg/mL)	5.6	6.4
Range (mcg/mL)	1.3 to 18.5	1.3 to 44
Time after dose (hr)	3.7 (± 1.6)	3.3 (± 1.4)

Compared to that in healthy adult subjects, the pharmacokinetics of Axtar were only minimally altered in elderly subjects and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction (Table 4); therefore, dosage adjustments are not necessary for these patients with Axtar dosages up to 2 gm per day. Axtar was not removed to any significant extent from the plasma by hemodialysis. In 6 of 26 dialysis patients, the elimination rate of Axtar was markedly reduced.

Subject Group	Elimination Half-Life (hr)	Plasma Clearance (L/hr)	Volume of Distribution (L)
Healthy Subjects	5.8 to 8.7	0.58 to 1.45	5.8 to 13.5
Elderly Subjects (mean age, 70.5 yr)	8.9	0.83	10.7
Patients With Renal Impairment
Hemodialysis Patients (0 to 5 mL/min)Creatinine clearance.	14.7	0.65	13.7
Severe (5 to 15 mL/min)	15.7	0.56	12.5
Moderate (16 to 30 mL/min)	11.4	0.72	11.8
Mild (31 to 60 mL/min)	12.4	0.7	13.3
Patients With Liver Disease	8.8	1.1	13.6

The elimination of Axtar is not altered when Axtar for injection is co-administered with probenecid.

Pharmacokinetics in the Middle Ear Fluid

In one study, total Axtar concentrations (bound and unbound) were measured in middle ear fluid obtained during the insertion of tympanostomy tubes in 42 pediatric patients with otitis media. Sampling times were from 1 to 50 hours after a single intramuscular injection of 50 mg/kg of Axtar. Mean (± SD) Axtar levels in the middle ear reached a peak of 35 (± 12) mcg/mL at 24 hours, and remained at 19 (± 7) mcg/mL at 48 hours. Based on middle ear fluid Axtar concentrations in the 23 to 25 hour and the 46 to 50 hour sampling time intervals, a half-life of 25 hours was calculated. Axtar is highly bound to plasma proteins. The extent of binding to proteins in the middle ear fluid is unknown.

Interaction with Calcium

Two in vitro studies, one using adult plasma and the other neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood have been carried out to assess interaction of Axtar and calcium. Axtar concentrations up to 1 mM (in excess of concentrations achieved in vivo following administration of 2 grams Axtar infused over 30 minutes) were used in combination with calcium concentrations up to 12 mM (48 mg/dL). Recovery of Axtar from plasma was reduced with calcium concentrations of 6 mM (24 mg/dL) or higher in adult plasma or 4 mM (16 mg/dL) or higher in neonatal plasma. This may be reflective of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation.

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Axtar is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Axtar has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Mechanism of Resistance

Resistance to Axtar is primarily through hydrolysis by beta-lactamase, alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), and decreased permeability.

Interaction with Other Antimicrobials

In an in vitro study antagonistic effects have been observed with the combination of chloramphenicol and Axtar.

Axtar has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section:

- Gram-negative bacteria

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

Enterobacter aerogenes

Enterobacter cloacae

Escherichia coli

Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Klebsiella oxytoca

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Moraxella catarrhalis

Morganella morganii

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria meningitidis

Proteus mirabilis

Proteus vulgaris

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Serratia marcescens

- Gram-positive bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pyogenes

Viridans group streptococci

- Anaerobic bacteria

Bacteroides fragilis

Clostridium species

Peptostreptococcus species

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following microorganisms exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for Axtar. However, the efficacy of Axtar in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

- Gram-negative bacteria

Citrobacter diversus

Citrobacter freundii

Providencia species (including Providencia rettgeri)

Salmonella species (including Salmonella typhi)

Shigella species

- Gram-positive bacteria

Streptococcus agalactiae

- Anaerobic bacteria

Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) melaninogenicus

Prevotella (Bacteroides) bivius

Susceptibility Test Methods

When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the results of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drug products used in resident hospitals to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug product for treatment.

Dilution techniques

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized test method ^1,3. The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in Table 5.

Diffusion techniques

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size provides an estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method ^2,3. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg Axtar to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to Axtar. The disk diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in Table 5.

Anaerobic techniques

For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to Axtar as MICs can be determined by a standardized agar test method ^3,4. The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the criteria provided in Table 5.

a Susceptibility interpretive criteria for Enterobacteriaceae are based on a dose of 1 gram IV q 24h. For isolates with intermediate susceptibility, use a dose of 2 grams IV q 24h in patients with normal renal function. b For Haemophilus influenzae, susceptibility interpretive criteria are based on a dose of 2 grams IV every 24 hours in patients with normal renal function. c The current absence of data on resistant isolates precludes defining any category other than 'Susceptible'. If isolates yield MIC results other than susceptible, they should be submitted to a reference laboratory for additional testing. d Disc diffusion interpretive criteria for Axtar discs against Streptococcus pneumoniae are not available, however, isolates of pneumococci with oxacillin zone diameters of ≥20 mm are susceptible (MIC ≤0.06 mcg/mL) to penicillin and can be considered susceptible to Axtar. Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates should not be reported as penicillin (ceftriaxone) resistant or intermediate based solely on an oxacillin zone diameter of ≤19 mm. The Axtar MIC should be determined for those isolates with oxacillin zone diameters ≤19 mm.
Pathogen	Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (mcg/ml)			Disk Diffusion Zone Diameters (mm)
	(S) Susceptible	(I) Intermediate	(R) Resistant	(S) Susceptible	(I) Intermediate	(R) Resistant
Enterobacteriaceaea	≤1	2	≥4	≥23	20 to 22	≤19
Haemophilus influenzae b, c	≤2	-	-	≥26	-	-
Neisseria gonorrhoeae c	≤0.25	-	-	≥35	-	-
Neisseria meningitidis c	≤0.12	-	-	≥34	-	-
Streptococcus pneumoniaed meningitis isolates	≤0.5	1	≥2	-	-	-
Streptococcus pneumoniae d non-meningitis isolates	≤1	2	≥4	-	-	-
Streptococcus species betahemolytic groupc	≤0.5	-	-	≥24	-	-
Viridans group streptococci	≤1	2	≥4	≥27	25 to 26	≤24
Anaerobic bacteria (agar method)	≤1	2	≥4	-	-	-

Susceptibility of staphylococci to Axtar may be deduced from testing only penicillin and either cefoxitin or oxacillin.

A report of Susceptible indicates that the antimicrobial drug is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentration at the site of infection. A report of Intermediate indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where a high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of Resistant indicates that the antimicrobial drug is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.

Quality Control

Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individual performing the test^1,2,3,4. Standard Axtar powder should provide the following range of MIC values noted in Table 6. For the diffusion technique using the 30 mcg disk, the criteria in Table 6 should be achieved.

QC Strain	Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (mcg/mL)	Disk Diffusion Zone diameters (mm)
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922	0.03 to 0.12	29 to 35
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923	---------	22 to 28
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213	1 to 8	---------
Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49247	0.06 to 0.25	31 to 39
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226	0.004 to 0.015	39 to 51
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853	8 to 64	17 to 23
Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619	0.03 to 0.12	30 to 35
Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285 (agar method)	32 to 128	---------
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29741 (agar method)	64 to 256	---------

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Before instituting treatment with Axtar for Injection, USP appropriate specimens should be obtained for isolation of the causative organism and for determination of its susceptibility to the drug. Therapy may be instituted prior to obtaining results of susceptibility testing.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Axtar for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Axtar for Injection, USP 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.

Axtar for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms:

LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis or Serratia marcescens.

ACUTE BACTERIAL OTITIS MEDIA caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase producing strains) or Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains).

NOTE: In one study lower clinical cure rates were observed with a single dose of Axtar for Injection, USP compared to 10 days of oral therapy. In a second study comparable cure rates were observed between single dose Axtar for Injection, USP and the comparator. The potentially lower clinical cure rate of Axtar for Injection, USP should be balanced against the potential advantages of parenteral therapy (see CLINICAL STUDIES ).

SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii,* Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacteroides fragilis* or Peptostreptococcus species.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (complicated and uncomplicated) caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii or Klebsiella pneumoniae.

UNCOMPLICATED GONORRHEA (cervical/urethral and rectal) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including both penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains, and pharyngeal gonorrhea caused by nonpenicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Axtar for Injection, USP like other cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when cephalosporins are used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added.

BACTERIAL SEPTICEMIA caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BONE AND JOINT INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter species.

INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium species (Note: most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant) or Peptostreptococcus species.

MENINGITIS caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Axtar for Injection, USP has also been used successfully in a limited number of cases of meningitis and shunt infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis * and Escherichia coli. *

*Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than ten infections.

SURGICAL PROPHYLAXIS: The preoperative administration of a single 1 gm dose of Axtar for Injection, USP may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (e.g. , vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy or cholecystectomy for chronic calculous cholecystitis in high-risk patients, such as those over 70 years of age, with acute cholecystitis not requiring therapeutic antimicrobials, obstructive jaundice or common duct bile stones) and in surgical patients for whom infection at the operative site would present serious risk (e.g. , during coronary artery bypass surgery). Although Axtar for Injection, USP has been shown to have been as effective as cefazolin in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery, no placebo-controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate any cephalosporin antibiotic in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery.

When administered prior to surgical procedures for which it is indicated, a single 1 gm dose of Axtar for Injection, USP provides protection from most infections due to susceptible organisms throughout the course of the procedure.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity

Axtar for injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Axtar, any of its excipients or to any other cephalosporin. Patients with previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin and other beta lactam antibacterial agents may be at greater risk of hypersensitivity to Axtar (see WARNINGS – Hypersensitivity).

Neonates

Premature neonates: Axtar for injection is contraindicated in premature neonates up to a postmenstrual age of 41 weeks (gestational age + chronological age).

Hyperbilirubinemic neonates: Hyperbilirubinemic neonates should not be treated with Axtar for injection. Axtar can displace bilirubin from its binding to serum albumin, leading to a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy in these patients.

Neonates Requiring Calcium Containing IV Solutions

Axtar for injection is contraindicated in neonates (≤ 28 days) if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Cases of fatal outcomes in which a crystalline material was observed in the lungs and kidneys at autopsy have been reported in neonates receiving Axtar for injection and calcium-containing fluids. In some of these cases, the same intravenous infusion line was used for both Axtar for injection and calcium-containing fluids and in some a precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. There have been no similar reports in patients other than neonates.

Lidocaine

Intravenous administration of Axtar solutions containing lidocaine is contraindicated. When lidocaine solution is used as a solvent with Axtar for intramuscular injection, exclude all contraindications to lidocaine. Refer to the prescribing information of lidocaine.

WARNINGS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Before therapy with Axtar for injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins and other beta-lactam agents or other drugs. This product should be given cautiously to penicillin and other beta-lactam agent-sensitive patients. Antibacterial drugs should be administered with caution to any patient who has demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to drugs. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require the use of subcutaneous epinephrine and other emergency measures.

As with all beta-lactam antibacterial agents, serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. In case of severe hypersensitivity reactions, treatment with Axtar must be discontinued immediately and adequate emergency measures must be initiated.

Interaction with Calcium-Containing Products

Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute Axtar for injection vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when Axtar for injection is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Axtar for injection must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, Axtar for injection and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid. In vitro studies using adult and neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood demonstrated that neonates have an increased risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, CONTRAINDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Clostridium difficile - Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Axtar for injection, 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 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.

Hemolytic Anemia

An immune mediated hemolytic anemia has been observed in patients receiving cephalosporin class antibacterials including Axtar for injection. Severe cases of hemolytic anemia, including fatalities, have been reported during treatment in both adults and children. If a patient develops anemia while on Axtar, the diagnosis of a cephalosporin associated anemia should be considered and Axtar stopped until the etiology is determined.

PRECAUTIONS

Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria

Prescribing Axtar for injection 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. Prolonged use of Axtar for injection may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment

Axtar is excreted via both biliary and renal excretion. Therefore, patients with renal failure normally require no adjustment in dosage when usual doses of Axtar for injection are administered.

Dosage adjustments should not be necessary in patients with hepatic dysfunction; however, in patients with both hepatic dysfunction and significant renal disease, caution should be exercised and the Axtar for injection dosage should not exceed 2 gm daily.

Axtar is not removed by peritoneal- or hemodialysis. In patients undergoing dialysis no additional supplementary dosing is required following the dialysis. In patients with both severe renal and hepatic dysfunction, close clinical monitoring for safety and efficacy is advised.

Effect on Prothrombin Time

Alterations in prothrombin times have occurred in patients treated with Axtar for injection. Monitor prothrombin time during Axtar for injection treatment in patients with impaired vitamin K synthesis or low vitamin K stores (eg, chronic hepatic disease and malnutrition). Vitamin K administration (10 mg weekly) may be necessary if the prothrombin time is prolonged before or during therapy.

Concomitant use of Axtar with Vitamin K antagonists may increase the risk of bleeding. Coagulation parameters should be monitored frequently, and the dose of the anticoagulant adjusted accordingly, both during and after treatment with Axtar (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Gallbladder Pseudolithiasis

Ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates in the gallbladder have been observed in patients receiving Axtar for injection. These precipitates appear on sonography as an echo without acoustical shadowing suggesting sludge or as an echo with acoustical shadowing which may be misinterpreted as gallstones. The probability of such precipitates appears to be greatest in pediatric patients. Patients may be asymptomatic or may develop symptoms of gallbladder disease. The condition appears to be reversible upon discontinuation of Axtar sodium and institution of conservative management. Discontinue Axtar sodium in patients who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease and/or the sonographic findings described above.

Urolithiasis and Post-Renal Acute Renal Failure

Ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates in the urinary tract have been observed in patients receiving Axtar for injection and may be detected as sonographic abnormalities. The probability of such precipitates appears to be greatest in pediatric patients. Patients may be asymptomatic or may develop symptoms of urolithiasis, and ureteral obstruction and post-renal acute renal failure. The condition appears to be reversible upon discontinuation of Axtar sodium and institution of appropriate management. Ensure adequate hydration in patients receiving Axtar for injection. Discontinue Axtar for injection in patients who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of urolithiasis, oliguria or renal failure and/or the sonographic findings described above.

Pancreatitis

Cases of pancreatitis, possibly secondary to biliary obstruction, have been reported in patients treated with Axtar for injection. Most patients presented with risk factors for biliary stasis and biliary sludge. A cofactor role of Axtar for injection related biliary precipitation cannot be ruled out.

Information for Patients

• Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Axtar for injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., common cold).
• When Axtar for injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Axtar for injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
• Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis: Considering the maximum duration of treatment and the class of the compound, carcinogenicity studies with Axtar in animals have not been performed. The maximum duration of animal toxicity studies was 6 months.

Mutagenesis: Genetic toxicology tests included the Ames test, a micronucleus test and a test for chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes cultured in vitro with Axtar. Axtar showed no potential for mutagenic activity in these studies.

Impairment of Fertility: Axtar produced no impairment of fertility when given intravenously to rats at daily doses up to 586 mg/kg/day, approximately 20 times the recommended clinical dose of 2 gm/day.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B. Reproductive studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 20 times the usual human dose and have no evidence of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. In primates, no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was demonstrated at a dose approximately 3 times the human dose.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nonteratogenic Effects: In rats, in the Segment I and Segment III (perinatal and postnatal) studies with intravenously administered Axtar, no adverse effects were noted on various reproductive parameters during gestation and lactation, including postnatal growth, functional behavior and reproductive ability of the offspring, at doses of 586 mg/kg/day or less.

Nursing Mothers

Low concentrations of Axtar are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Axtar for injection is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Axtar for injection in neonates, infants and pediatric patients have been established for the dosages described in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. In vitro studies have shown that Axtar, like some other cephalosporins, can displace bilirubin from serum albumin. Axtar for injection should not be administered to hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures.

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of Axtar for injection, 32% were 60 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

The pharmacokinetics of Axtar were only minimally altered in geriatric patients compared to healthy adult subjects and dosage adjustments are not necessary for geriatric patients with Axtar dosages up to 2 grams per day provided there is no severe renal and hepatic impairment. (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ).

Influence on Diagnostic Tests

In patients treated with Axtar for injection the Coombs' test may become positive. Axtar for injection, like other antibacterial drugs, may result in positive test results for galactosemia.

Nonenzymatic methods for the glucose determination in urine may give false-positive results. For this reason, urine-glucose determination during therapy with Axtar for injection should be done enzymatically.

The presence of Axtar may falsely lower estimated blood glucose values obtained with some blood glucose monitoring systems. Please refer to instructions for use for each system. Alternative testing methods should be used if necessary.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Axtar for injection is generally well tolerated. In clinical trials, the following adverse reactions, which were considered to be related to Axtar for injection therapy or of uncertain etiology, were observed:

LOCAL REACTIONS - pain, induration and tenderness was 1% overall. Phlebitis was reported in <1% after IV administration. The incidence of warmth, tightness or induration was 17% after IM administration of 350 mg/mL and 5% (1/20) after IM administration of 250 mg/mL.

GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS-injection site pain (0.6%).

HYPERSENSITIVITY - rash (1.7%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were pruritus, fever or chills.

INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS - genital fungal infection (0.1%).

HEMATOLOGIC - eosinophilia (6%), thrombocytosis (5.1%) and leukopenia (2.1%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were anemia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and prolongation of the prothrombin time.

BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC DISORDERS - granulocytopenia (0.9%), coagulopathy (0.4%).

GASTROINTESTINAL - diarrhea /loose stools (2.7%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were nausea or vomiting, and dysgeusia. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS ).

HEPATIC - elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (3.1%) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (3.3%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were elevations of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.

RENAL - elevations of the BUN (1.2%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were elevations of creatinine and the presence of casts in the urine.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM - headache or dizziness were reported occasionally (<1%).

GENITOURINARY - moniliasis or vaginitis were reported occasionally (<1%).

MISCELLANEOUS - diaphoresis and flushing were reported occasionally (<1%).

INVESTIGATIONS - blood creatinine increased (0.6%).

Other rarely observed adverse reactions (<0.1%) include abdominal pain, agranulocytosis, allergic pneumonitis, anaphylaxis, basophilia, biliary lithiasis, bronchospasm, colitis, dyspepsia, epistaxis, flatulence, gallbladder sludge, glycosuria, hematuria, jaundice, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, nephrolithiasis, palpitations, a decrease in the prothrombin time, renal precipitations, seizures, and serum sickness.

Postmarketing Experience

In addition to the adverse reactions reported during clinical trials, the following adverse experiences have been reported during clinical practice in patients treated with Axtar for injection. Data are generally insufficient to allow an estimate of incidence or to establish causation.

A small number of cases of fatal outcomes in which a crystalline material was observed in the lungs and kidneys at autopsy have been reported in neonates receiving Axtar for injection and calcium-containing fluids. In some of these cases, the same intravenous infusion line was used for both Axtar for injection and calcium-containing fluids and in some a precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. At least one fatality has been reported in a neonate in whom Axtar for injection and calcium-containing fluids were administered at different time points via different intravenous lines; no crystalline material was observed at autopsy in this neonate. There have been no similar reports in patients other than neonates.

GASTROINTESTINAL - pancreatitis, stomatitis and glossitis.

GENITOURINARY - oliguria, ureteric obstruction, post-renal acute renal failure.

DERMATOLOGIC - exanthema, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, edema; acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and isolated cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyell's syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported.

HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES: Isolated cases of agranulocytosis (< 500/mm³) have been reported, most of them after 10 days of treatment and following total doses of 20 g or more.

NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS: convulsion.

OTHER, Adverse Reactions: symptomatic precipitation of Axtar calcium salt in the gallbladder, kernicterus, oliguria, and anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.

Cephalosporin Class Adverse Reactions

In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with Axtar, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory test results have been reported for cephalosporin class antibiotics:

Adverse Reactions: Allergic reactions, drug fever, serum sickness-like reaction, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, reversible hyperactivity, hypertonia, hepatic dysfunction including hepatitis cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, and superinfection.

Altered Laboratory Tests: Positive direct Coombs' test, false-positive test for urinary glucose, and elevated LDH (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

OVERDOSAGE

In the case of overdosage, drug concentration would not be reduced by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Axtar for injection may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute Axtar for injection vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when Axtar for injection is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Axtar for injection must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, Axtar for injection and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS ).

There have been no reports of an interaction between Axtar and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular Axtar and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).

NEONATES: Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with Axtar for injection. Axtar for injection is contraindicated in premature neonates (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

Axtar for injection is contraindicated in neonates (≤ 28 days) if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone- calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

Intravenous doses should be given over 60 minutes in neonates to reduce the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ).

For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days.

ADULTS: The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.

If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because Axtar sodium has no activity against this organism.

For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, a single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended.

For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously 1/2 to 2 hours before surgery is recommended.

Generally, Axtar for injection therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.

No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function (see PRECAUTIONS ).

The dosages recommended for adults require no modification in elderly patients, up to 2 gm per day, provided there is no severe renal and hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS ).

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Intramuscular Administration

Reconstitute Axtar for injection with the appropriate diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY ).

Inject diluent into vial, shake vial thoroughly to form solution. Withdraw entire contents of vial into syringe to equal total labeled dose.

After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 250 mg or 350 mg equivalent of Axtar according to the amount of diluent indicated below. If required, more dilute solutions could be utilized. A 350 mg/mL concentration is not recommended for the 250 mg vial since it may not be possible to withdraw the entire contents.

As with all intramuscular preparations, Axtar for injection should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle; aspiration helps to avoid unintentional injection into a blood vessel.

Vial Dosage Size	Amount of Diluent to be Added
	250 mg/mL	350 mg/mL
250 mg	0.9 mL	-
500 mg	1.8 mL	1 mL
1 gm	3.6 mL	2.1 mL
2 gm	7.2 mL	4.2 mL

Intravenous Administration

Axtar for injection should be administered intravenously by infusion over a period of 30 minutes, except in neonates where administration over 60 minutes is recommended to reduce the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy. Concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are recommended; however, lower concentrations may be used if desired. Reconstitute vials or "piggyback" bottles with an appropriate IV diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY ).

Vial Dosage Size	Amount of Diluent to be Added
250 mg	2.4 mL
500 mg	4.8 mL
1 gm	9.6 mL
2 gm	19.2 mL

After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 100 mg equivalent of Axtar. Withdraw entire contents and dilute to the desired concentration with the appropriate IV diluent.

Piggyback Bottle Dosage Size	Amount of Diluent to be Added
1 gm	10 mL
2 gm	20 mL

After reconstitution, further dilute to 50 mL or 100 mL volumes with the appropriate IV diluent.

COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY

Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute Axtar for injection or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration. Particulate formation can result.

Axtar has been shown to be compatible with Flagyl^® IV (metronidazole hydrochloride). The concentration should not exceed 5 to 7.5 mg/mL metronidazole hydrochloride with Axtar 10 mg/mL as an admixture. The admixture is stable for 24 hours at room temperature only in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). No compatibility studies have been conducted with the Flagyl^® IV RTU^® (metronidazole) formulation or using other diluents. Metronidazole at concentrations greater than 8 mg/mL will precipitate. Do not refrigerate the admixture as precipitation will occur.

Vancomycin, amsacrine, aminoglycosides, and fluconazole are incompatible with Axtar in admixtures. When any of these drugs are to be administered concomitantly with Axtar by intermittent intravenous infusion, it is recommended that they be given sequentially, with thorough flushing of the intravenous lines (with one of the compatible fluids) between the administrations.

Axtar for injection solutions should not be physically mixed with or piggybacked into solutions containing other antimicrobial drugs or into diluent solutions other than those listed above, due to possible incompatibility (see WARNINGS ).

Axtar for injection sterile powder should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) and protected from light. After reconstitution, protection from normal light is not necessary. The color of solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used.

Axtar for injection intramuscular solutions remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods:

		Storage
Diluent	Concentration	Room Temp.	Refrigerated
	mg/mL	(25°C)	(4°C)
Sterile Water for Injection	100	2 days	10 days
	250, 350	24 hours	3 days
0.9% Sodium Chloride	100	2 days	10 days
Solution	250, 350	24 hours	3 days
5% Dextrose Solution	100	2 days	10 days
	250, 350	24 hours	3 days
Bacteriostatic Water + 0.9%	100	24 hours	10 days
Benzyl Alcohol	250, 350	24 hours	3 days
1% Lidocaine Solution	100	24 hours	10 days
(without epinephrine)	250, 350	24 hours	3 days

Axtar for injection intravenous solutions, at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL, remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods stored in glass or PVC containers:

Diluent	Storage
	Room Temp. (25°C)	Refrigerated (4°C)
Sterile Water	2 days	10 days
0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution	2 days	10 days
5% Dextrose Solution	2 days	10 days
10% Dextrose Solution	2 days	10 days
5% Dextrose + 0.9% Sodium Chloride SolutionData available for 10 to 40 mg/mL concentrations in this diluent in PVC containers only.	2 days	Incompatible
5% Dextrose + 0.45% Sodium Chloride Solution	2 days	Incompatible

Similarly, Axtar for injection intravenous solutions, at concentrations of 100 mg/mL, remain stable in the IV piggyback glass containers for the above specified time periods.

The following intravenous Axtar for injection solutions are stable at room temperature (25°C) for 24 hours, at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL: Sodium Lactate (PVC container), 10% Invert Sugar (glass container), 5% Sodium Bicarbonate (glass container), Freamine III (glass container), Normosol-M in 5% Dextrose (glass and PVC containers), Ionosol-B in 5% Dextrose (glass container), 5% Mannitol (glass container), 10% Mannitol (glass container).

After the indicated stability time periods, unused portions of solutions should be discarded.

NOTE: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter before administration.

Axtar for injection reconstituted with 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL, and then stored in frozen state (-20°C) in PVC or polyolefin containers, remains stable for 26 weeks.

Frozen solutions of Axtar for injection should be thawed at room temperature before use. After thawing, unused portions should be discarded. DO NOT REFREEZE.

ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY

Concretions consisting of the precipitated calcium salt of Axtar have been found in the gallbladder bile of dogs and baboons treated with Axtar.

These appeared as a gritty sediment in dogs that received 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. A similar phenomenon has been observed in baboons but only after a protracted dosing period (6 months) at higher dose levels (335 mg/kg/day or more). The likelihood of this occurrence in humans is considered to be low, since Axtar has a greater plasma half-life in humans, the calcium salt of Axtar is more soluble in human gallbladder bile and the calcium content of human gallbladder bile is relatively low.

HOW SUPPLIED

Axtar for Injection, USP is supplied as a sterile crystalline powder in glass vials and piggyback bottles. The following packages are available:

Unit of Sale	Strength	Each
NDC 60505-0750-0 Carton containing 1	250 mg	NDC 60505-0750-0 Vial
NDC 60505-0750-4 Carton containing 10	250 mg	NDC 60505-0750-1 Vial
NDC 60505-0751-0 Carton containing 1	500 mg	NDC 60505-0751-0 Vial
NDC 60505-0751-4 Carton containing 10	500 mg	NDC 60505-0751-1 Vial
NDC 60505-0752-0 Carton containing 1	1 g	NDC 60505-0752-0 Vial
NDC 60505-0752-4 Carton containing 10	1 g	NDC 60505-0752-3 Vial
NDC 60505-0753-0 Carton containing 1	2 g	NDC 60505-0753-0 Vial
NDC 60505-0753-4 Carton containing 10	2 g	NDC 60505-0753-3 Vial

Piggyback bottles containing

Unit of Sale	Strength	Each
NDC 60505-6087-1 Carton containing 1	1 gram	NDC 60505-6087-1 Vial
NDC 60505-6088-1 Carton containing 1	2 grams	NDC 60505-6088-1 Vial

Storage Prior to Reconstitution: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Protect from light.

CLINICAL STUDIES

Clinical Trials in Pediatric Patients With Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: In two adequate and well-controlled U.S. clinical trials a single IM dose of Axtar was compared with a 10 day course of oral antibiotic in pediatric patients between the ages of 3 months and 6 years. The clinical cure rates and statistical outcome appear in the table below:

Clinical Efficacy in Evaluable Population
Study Day	Axtar Single Dose	Comparator – 10 Days of Oral Therapy	95% Confidence Interval	Statistical Outcome
Study 1 – U.S.		amoxicillin/ clavulanate
14	74% (220/296)	82% (247/302)	(-14.4%, -0.5%)	Axtar is lower than
28	58% (167/288)	67% (200/297)	(-17.5%, -1.2%)	control at study day 14 and 28.
Study 2 – U.S.5		TMP-SMZ
14	54% (113/210)	60% (124/206)	(-16.4%, 3.6%)	Axtar is equivalent to
28	35% (73/206)	45% (93/205)	(-19.9%, 0.0%)	control at study day 14 and 28.

An open-label bacteriologic study of Axtar without a comparator enrolled 108 pediatric patients, 79 of whom had positive baseline cultures for one or more of the common pathogens. The results of this study are tabulated as follows:

Week 2 and 4 Bacteriologic Eradication Rates in the Per Protocol Analysis in the Roche Bacteriologic Study by pathogen:

	Study Day 13 to 15		Study Day 30+2
Organism	No. Analyzed	No. Erad. (%)	No. Analyzed	No. Erad. (%)
Streptococcus pneumoniae	38	32 (84)	35	25 (71)
Haemophilus influenzae	33	28 (85)	31	22 (71)
Moraxella catarrhalis	15	12 (80)	15	9 (60)

REFERENCES

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard - Tenth Edition. CLSI document M07-A10, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-fifth Informational Supplement, CLSI document M100-S25, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard – Twelfth Edition. CLSI document M02-A12, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria; Approved Standard - Eight Edition. CLSI document M11-A8, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, PA 19087 USA, 2012.
• Barnett ED, Teele DW, Klein JO, et al. Comparison of Axtar and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole for Acute Otitis Media. Pediatrics. Vol. 99, No. 1, January 1997.

Flagyl^® is a registered trademark of G.D. Searle & Co.

Mfg. by: Mfg. for:

Hospira Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. Apotex Corp.

Irungattukottai - 602 105, India Weston, FL 33326

DATE OF REVISION: February 2016

948026417

NDC 60505-0750-0

10 mL Vial

Axtar

For Injection USP

250 mg*

Single Use Vial

For I.M. or I.V. Use

Rx Only

APOTEX CORP.

Axtar pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

• Ceftriaxone Sodium

Axtar available forms, composition, doses:

• Injectable; Injection; Ceftriaxone Sodium 1 g
• Injectable; Injection; Ceftriaxone Sodium 250 mg
• Injectable; Injection; Ceftriaxone Sodium 500 mg

Axtar destination | category:

• Human:
• Cephalosporins third-generation

Axtar Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

• J01DD04 - Ceftriaxone

Axtar pharmaceutical companies:

• Unipharm de Mexico

References

1. Dailymed."CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION [SANDOZ INC]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
2. Dailymed."CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
3. "ceftriaxone". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Axtar?

Depending on the reaction of the Axtar after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Axtar not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Axtar addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Axtar, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Axtar consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology