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Alcipro

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Alcipro uses


INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Alcipro Tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions and patient populations listed below. Please see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for specific recommendations.

Adult Patients

Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, or Enterococcus faecalis.

Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in females caused by Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, or penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also, Moraxella catarrhalis for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, Alcipro is not a drug of first choice in the treatment of presumed or confirmed pneumonia secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Acute Sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia stuartii, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis, or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Bone and Joint Infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Bacteroides fragilis.

Infectious Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic strains), Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella boydii † , Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri or Shigella sonnei † when antibacterial therapy is indicated.

Typhoid Fever (Enteric Fever) caused by Salmonella typhi.

NOTE: The efficacy of Alcipro in the eradication of the chronic typhoid carrier state has not been demonstrated.


Uncomplicated cervical and urethral gonorrhea due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Pediatric patients (1 to 17 years of age)

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections and Pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli.

NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, Alcipro is not a drug of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues. (See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use, ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES .) Alcipro, like other fluoroquinolones, is associated with arthropathy and histopathological changes in weight-bearing joints of juvenile animals. (See ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY .)

Adult and Pediatric Patients

Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure): To reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis.

Alcipro serum concentrations achieved in humans served as a surrogate endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit and provided the initial basis for approval of this indication.5 Supportive clinical information for Alcipro for anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis was obtained during the anthrax bioterror attacks of October 2001. (See also, INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ).


†Although treatment of infections due to this organism in this organ system demonstrated a clinically significant outcome, efficacy was studied in fewer than 10 patients.

If anaerobic organisms are suspected of contributing to the infection, appropriate therapy should be administered. Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment in order to isolate and identify organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility to Alcipro. Therapy with Alcipro Tablets may be initiated before results of these tests are known; once results become available appropriate therapy should be continued. As with other drugs, some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa may develop resistance fairly rapidly during treatment with Alcipro. Culture and susceptibility testing performed periodically during therapy will provide information not only on the therapeutic effect of the antimicrobial agent but also on the possible emergence of bacterial resistance.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Alcipro Tablets and other antibacterial drugs, Alcipro Tablets 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.

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CONTRAINDICATIONS

Alcipro is contraindicated in persons with a history of hypersensitivity to Alcipro, any member of the quinolone class of antimicrobial agents, or any of the product components.


Concomitant administration with tizanidine is contraindicated. (See PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions .)

WARNINGS

Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture

Fluoroquinolones, including Alcipro Tablets, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This adverse reaction most frequently involves the Achilles tendon, and rupture of the Achilles tendon may require surgical repair. Tendinitis and tendon rupture in the rotater cuff, the hand, the biceps, the thumb, and other tendon sites have also been reported. The risk of developing fluoroquinolone-associated tendinitis and tendon rupture is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants. Factors, in addition to age and corticosteroid use, that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have also occurred in patients taking fluoroquinolones who do not have the above risk factors. Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have been reported. Alcipro Tablets should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should be advised to rest at the first sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture, and to contact their healthcare provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone antimicrobial drug.

Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis

Fluoroquinolones, including Alcipro, have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse events, including deaths and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in persons with myasthenia gravis. Avoid Alcipro in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis..

Pregnant Women

THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF Alcipro IN PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED.

Pediatrics

Alcipro should be used in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age) only for infections listed in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section. An increased incidence of adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues, has been observed. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS .)

In pre-clinical studies, oral administration of Alcipro caused lameness in immature dogs. Histopathological examination of the weight-bearing joints of these dogs revealed permanent lesions of the cartilage. Related quinolone-class drugs also produce erosions of cartilage of weight-bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species. (See ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY .)

Cytochrome P450

Alcipro is an inhibitor of the hepatic CYP1A2 enzyme pathway. Coadministration of Alcipro and other drugs primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, methylxanthines, tizanidine) results in increased plasma concentrations of the coadministered drug and could lead to clinically significant pharmacodynamic side effects of the coadministered drug.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure, and toxic psychosis have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including Alcipro. Alcipro may also cause central nervous system events including: dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, and, rarely, suicidal thoughts or acts. These reactions may occur following the first dose. If these reactions occur in patients receiving Alcipro, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted. As with all quinolones, Alcipro should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected CNS disorders that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold (e.g., severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy), or in the presence of other risk factors that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold (e.g., certain drug therapy, renal dysfunction). (See PRECAUTIONS: General, Information for Patients, Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS .)

Theophylline

SERIOUS AND FATAL REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS RECEIVING CONCURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF Alcipro AND THEOPHYLLINE. These reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizure, status epilepticus, and respiratory failure. Although similar serious adverse effects have been reported in patients receiving theophylline alone, the possibility that these reactions may be potentiated by Alcipro cannot be eliminated. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, serum levels of theophylline should be monitored and dosage adjustments made as appropriate.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients receiving quinolone therapy. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, tingling, pharyngeal or facial edema, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. Only a few patients had a history of hypersensitivity reactions. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine. Oxygen, intravenous steroids, and airway management, including intubation, should be administered as indicated.


Other serious and sometimes fatal events, some due to hypersensitivity, and some due to uncertain etiology, have been reported rarely in patients receiving therapy with quinolones, including Alcipro. These events may be severe and generally occur following the administration of multiple doses. Clinical manifestations may include one or more of the following:


The drug should be discontinued immediately at the first appearance of a skin rash, jaundice, or any other sign of hypersensitivity and supportive measures instituted (See PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Pseudomembranous Colitis

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Alcipro Tablets, 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.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Rare cases of sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including Alcipro. Alcipro should be discontinued if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, or is found to have deficits in light touch, pain, temperature, position sense, vibratory sensation, and/or motor strength in order to prevent the development of an irreversible condition.

Syphilis

Alcipro has not been shown to be effective in the treatment of syphilis. Antimicrobial agents used in high dose for short periods of time to treat gonorrhea may mask or delay the symptoms of incubating syphilis. All patients with gonorrhea should have a serologic test for syphilis at the time of diagnosis. Patients treated with Alcipro should have a follow-up serologic test for syphilis after three months.
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PRECAUTIONS

General

Crystals of Alcipro have been observed rarely in the urine of human subjects but more frequently in the urine of laboratory animals, which is usually alkaline. Crystalluria related to Alcipro has been reported only rarely in humans because human urine is usually acidic. Alkalinity of the urine should be avoided in patients receiving Alcipro. Patients should be well hydrated to prevent the formation of highly concentrated urine.

Central Nervous System

Quinolones, including Alcipro, may also cause central nervous system (CNS) events, including: nervousness, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, nightmares or paranoia. (See WARNINGS, Information for Patients, and Drug Interactions .)

Renal Impairment

Alteration of the dosage regimen is necessary for patients with impairment of renal function. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity

Moderate to severe photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions, the latter of which may manifest as exaggerated sunburn reactions (e.g., burning, erythema, exudation, vesicles, blistering, edema) involving areas exposed to light (typically the face, “V” area of the neck, extensor surfaces of the forearms, dorsa of the hands), can be associated with the use of quinolones after sun or UV light exposure. Therefore, excessive exposure to these sources of light should be avoided. Drug therapy should be discontinued if phototoxicity occurs (See ADVERSE REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Adverse Events ).

As with any potent drug, periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function, is advisable during prolonged therapy.

Prescribing Alcipro Tablets 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.

Information for Patients

Patients should be advised:

Drug Interactions

In a pharmacokinetic study, systemic exposure of tizanidine was significantly increased (Cmax 7-fold, AUC 10-fold) when the drug was given concomitantly with Alcipro (500 mg bid for 3 days). The hypotensive and sedative effects of tizanidine were also potentiated. Concomitant administration of tizanidine and Alcipro is contraindicated.

As with some other quinolones, concurrent administration of Alcipro with theophylline may lead to elevated serum concentrations of theophylline and prolongation of its elimination half-life. This may result in increased risk of theophylline-related adverse reactions. (See WARNINGS .) If concomitant use cannot be avoided, serum levels of theophylline should be monitored and dosage adjustments made as appropriate.


Some quinolones, including Alcipro, have also been shown to interfere with the metabolism of caffeine. This may lead to reduced clearance of caffeine and a prolongation of its serum half-life.

Concurrent administration of a quinolone, including Alcipro, with multivalent cation-containing products such as magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate,Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, other highly buffered drugs, or products containing calcium, iron, or zinc may substantially decrease its absorption, resulting in serum and urine levels considerably lower than desired. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for concurrent administration of these agents with Alcipro.)

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists appear to have no significant effect on the bioavailability of Alcipro.

Altered serum levels of phenytoin (increased and decreased) have been reported in patients receiving concomitant Alcipro.

The concomitant administration of Alcipro with the sulfonylurea glyburide has, on rare occasions, resulted in severe hypoglycemia.

Some quinolones, including Alcipro, have been associated with transient elevations in serum creatinine in patients receiving cyclosporine concomitantly.

Quinolones, including Alcipro, have been reported to enhance the effects of the oral anticoagulant warfarin or its derivatives. When these products are administered concomitantly, prothrombin time or other suitable coagulation tests should be closely monitored.

Probenecid interferes with renal tubular secretion of Alcipro and produces an increase in the level of Alcipro in the serum. This should be considered if patients are receiving both drugs concomi­tantly.

Renal tubular transport of methotrexate may be inhibited by concomitant administration of Alcipro potentially leading to increased plasma levels of methotrexate. This might increase the risk of methotrexate associated toxic reactions. Therefore, patients under methotrexate therapy should be carefully monitored when concomitant Alcipro therapy is indicated.

Metoclopramide significantly accelerates the absorption of oral Alcipro resulting in shorter time to reach maximum plasma concentrations. No significant effect was observed on the bioavailability of Alcipro.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (but not acetyl salicylic acid) in combination of very high doses of quinolones have been shown to provoke convulsions in pre-clinical studies.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Eight in vitro mutagenicity tests have been conducted with Alcipro, and the test results are listed below:

Salmonella/Microsome Test (Negative)

E. coli DNA Repair Assay (Negative)

Mouse Lymphoma Cell Forward Mutation Assay (Positive)

Chinese Hamster V79 Cell HGPRT Test (Negative)

Syrian Hamster Embryo Cell Transformation Assay (Negative)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Point Mutation Assay (Negative)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitotic Crossover and Gene Conversion Assay (Negative)

Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay (Positive)

Thus, 2 of the 8 tests were positive, but results of the following 3 in vivo test systems gave negative results:

Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay

Micronucleus Test (Mice)

Dominant Lethal Test (Mice)

Long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice resulted in no carcinogenic or tumorigenic effects due to Alcipro at daily oral dose levels up to 250 and 750 mg/kg to rats and mice, respectively (approximately 1.7- and 2.5-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2).

Results from photo co-carcinogenicity testing indicate that Alcipro does not reduce the time to appearance of UV-induced skin tumors as compared to vehicle control. Hairless (Skh-1) mice were exposed to UVA light for 3.5 hours five times every two weeks for up to 78 weeks while concurrently being administered Alcipro. The time to development of the first skin tumors was 50 weeks in mice treated concomitantly with UVA and Alcipro (mouse dose approximately equal to maxi­mum recommended human dose based upon mg/m2), as opposed to 34 weeks when animals were treated with both UVA and vehicle. The times to development of skin tumors ranged from 16 to 32 weeks in mice treated concomitantly with UVA and other quinolones.4

In this model, mice treated with Alcipro alone did not develop skin or systemic tumors. There are no data from similar models using pigmented mice and/or fully haired mice. The clinical significance of these findings to humans is unknown.

Fertility studies performed in rats at oral doses of Alcipro up to 100 mg/kg (approximately 0.7-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2) revealed no evidence of impairment.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects

Pregnancy Category C


There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. An expert review of published data on experiences with Alcipro use during pregnancy by TERIS - the Teratogen Information System - concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial teratogenic risk, but the data are insufficient to state that there is no risk.8

A controlled prospective observational study followed 200 women exposed to fluoroquinolones (52.5% exposed to Alcipro and 68% first trimester exposures) during gestation.9 In utero exposure to fluoroquinolones during embryogenesis was not associated with increased risk of major malformations. The reported rates of major congenital malformations were 2.2% for the fluoroquinolone group and 2.6% for the control group (background incidence of major malformations is 1 - 5%). Rates of spontaneous abortions, prematurity and low birth weight did not differ between the groups and there were no clinically significant musculoskeletal dysfunctions up to one year of age in the Alcipro exposed children.

Another prospective follow-up study reported on 549 pregnancies with fluoroquinolone exposure (93% first trimester exposures).10 There were 70 Alcipro exposures, all within the first trimester. The malformation rates among live-born babies exposed to Alcipro and to fluoroquinolones overall were both within background incidence ranges. No specific patterns of congenital abnormalities were found. The study did not reveal any clear adverse reactions due to in utero exposure to Alcipro.

No differences in the rates of prematurity, spontaneous abortions, or birth weight were seen in women exposed to Alcipro during pregnancy.8,9 However, these small post-marketing epidemiology studies, of which most experience is from short term, first trimester exposure, are insufficient to evaluate the risk for less common defects or to permit reliable and definitive conclusions regarding the safety of Alcipro in pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Alcipro should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to both fetus and mother (see WARNINGS ).

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice using oral doses up to 100 mg/kg (0.6 and 0.3 times the maximum daily human dose based upon body surface area, respectively) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to Alcipro. In rabbits, oral Alcipro dose levels of 30 and 100 mg/kg (approximately 0.4- and 1.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2) produced gastrointestinal toxicity resulting in maternal weight loss and an increased incidence of abortion, but no teratogenicity was observed at either dose level. After intravenous administration of doses up to 20 mg/kg (approximately 0.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2) no maternal toxicity was produced and no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was observed. (See WARNINGS .)

Nursing Mothers

Alcipro is excreted in human milk. The amount of Alcipro absorbed by the nursing infant is unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in infants nursing from mothers taking Alcipro, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Alcipro, like other quinolones, causes arthropathy and histological changes in weight-bearing joints of juvenile animals resulting in lameness.

Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

Alcipro is indicated in pediatric patients for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure). The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of Alcipro to pediatric patients is appropriate. For information regarding pediatric dosing in inhalational anthrax (post-exposure), see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .

Complicated Urinary Tract Infection and Pyelonephritis

Alcipro is indicated for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli. Although effective in clinical trials, Alcipro is not a drug of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of adverse events compared to the controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues. The rates of these events in pediatric patients with complicated urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis within six weeks of follow-up were 9.3% versus 6% (21/349) for control agents. The rates of these events occurring at any time up to the one year follow-up were 13.7% (46/335) and 9.5% (33/349), respectively. The rate of all adverse events regardless of drug relationship at six weeks was 41% (138/335) in the Alcipro arm compared to 31% (109/349) in the control arm. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.)

Cystic Fibrosis

Short-term safety data from a single trial in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients are available. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial for the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients (ages 5 - 17 years), 67 patients received Alcipro I.V. 10 mg/kg/dose q8h for one week followed by Alcipro tablets 20 mg/kg/dose q12h to complete 10 - 21 days treatment and 62 patients received the combination of ceftazidime I.V. 50 mg/kg/dose q8h and tobramycin I.V. 3 mg/kg/dose q8h for a total of 10 - 21 days. Patients less than 5 years of age were not studied. Safety monitoring in the study included periodic range of motion examinations and gait assessments by treatment-blinded examiners. Patients were followed for an average of 23 days after completing treatment (range 0 - 93 days). This study was not designed to determine long term effects and the safety of repeated exposure to Alcipro.

Musculoskeletal adverse events in patients with cystic fibrosis were reported in 22% of the patients in the Alcipro group and 21% in the comparison group. Decreased range of motion was reported in 12% of the subjects in the Alcipro group and 16% in the comparison group. Arthralgia was reported in 10% of the patients in the Alcipro group and 11% in the comparison group. Other adverse events were similar in nature and frequency between treatment arms. One of sixty-seven patients developed arthritis of the knee nine days after a ten-day course of treatment with Alcipro. Clinical symptoms resolved, but an MRI showed knee effusion without other abnormalities eight months after treatment. However, the relationship of this event to the patient’s course of Alcipro can not be definitively determined, particularly since patients with cystic fibrosis may develop arthralgias/arthritis as part of their underlying disease process.

Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients are at increased risk for developing severe tendon disorders including tendon rupture when being treated with a fluoroquinolone such as Alcipro Tablets. This risk is further increased in patients receiving concomitant corticosteroid therapy. Tendinitis or tendon rupture can involve the Achilles, hand, shoulder, or other tendon sites and can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after fluoroquinolone treatment have been reported. Caution should be used when prescribing Alcipro Tablets to elderly patients especially those on corticosteroids. Patients should be informed of this potential side effect and advised to discontinue Alcipro Tablets and contact their healthcare provider if any symptoms of tendinitis or tendon rupture occur (See Boxed Warning , WARNINGS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Adverse Event Reports).

In a retrospective analysis of 23 multiple-dose controlled clinical trials of Alcipro encompassing over 3500 Alcipro treated patients, 25% of patients were greater than or equal to 65 years of age and 10% were greater than or equal to 75 years of age. 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 on any drug therapy cannot be ruled out. Alcipro is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. No alteration of dosage is necessary for patients greater than 65 years of age with normal renal function. However, since some older individuals experience reduced renal function by virtue of their advanced age, care should be taken in dose selection for elderly patients, and renal function monitoring may be useful in these patients. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)


In general, elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval. Therefore, precaution should be taken when using Alcipro Tablets with concomitant drugs that can result in prolongation of the QT interval (e.g., class IA or class III antiarrhythmics) or in patients with risk factors for torsade de pointes (e.g., known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia).

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ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients

During clinical investigations with oral and parenteral Alcipro, 49,038 patients received courses of the drug. Most of the adverse events reported were described as only mild or moderate in severity, abated soon after the drug was discontinued, and required no treatment. Alcipro was discontinued because of an adverse event in 1% of orally treated patients.

The most frequently reported drug related events, from clinical trials of all formulations, all dosages, all drug-therapy durations, and for all indications of Alcipro therapy were nausea, diarrhea (1.6%), liver function tests abnormal (1.3%), vomiting (1%), and rash (1%).

Additional medically important events that occurred in less than 1% of Alcipro patients are listed below.

BODY AS A WHOLE: headache, abdominal pain/discomfort, foot pain, pain, pain in extremities, injection side reaction (ciprofloxacin intravenous)

CARDIOVASCULAR: palpitation, atrial flutter, ventricular ectopy, syncope, hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary arrest, cerebral thrombosis, phlebitis, tachycardia, migraine, hypotension

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: restlessness, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia, nightmares, hallucinations, manic reaction, irritability, tremor, ataxia, convulsive seizures, lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, malaise, anorexia, phobia, depersonalization, depression, paresthesia, abnormal gait, grand mal convulsion

GASTROINTESTINAL: painful oral mucosa, oral candidiasis, dysphagia, intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis

HEMIC/LYMPHATIC: lymphadenopathy, petechia

METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL: amylase increase, lipase increase

MUSCULOSKELETAL: arthralgia or back pain, joint stiffness, achiness, neck or chest pain, flare up of gout

RENAL/UROGENITAL: interstitial nephritis, nephritis, renal failure, polyuria, urinary retention, urethral bleeding, vaginitis, acidosis, breast pain

RESPIRATORY: dyspnea, epistaxis, laryngeal or pulmonary edema, hiccough, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolism

SKIN/HYPERSENSITIVITY: allergic reaction, pruritus, urticaria, photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction, flushing, fever, chills, angioedema, edema of the face, neck, lips, conjunctivae or hands, cutaneous candidiasis, hyperpigmentation, erythema nodosum, sweating

SPECIAL SENSES: blurred vision, disturbed vision (change in color perception, overbrightness of lights), decreased visual acuity, diplopia, eye pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, bad taste, chromatopsia

In several instances nausea, vomiting, tremor, irritability, or palpitation were judged by investigators to be related to elevated serum levels of theophylline possibly as a result of drug interaction with Alcipro.

In randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials comparing Alcipro tablets (500 mg BID) to cefuroxime axetil (250 mg - 500 mg BID) and to clarithromycin (500 mg BID) in patients with respiratory tract infections, Alcipro demonstrated a CNS adverse event profile comparable to the control drugs.

Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients

Alcipro, administered I.V. and/or orally, was compared to a cephalosporin for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) or pyelonephritis in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age (mean age of 6 ± 4 years). The trial was conducted in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, and Germany. The duration of therapy was 10 to 21 days (mean duration of treatment was 11 days with a range of 1 to 88 days). The primary objective of the study was to assess musculoskeletal and neurological safety within 6 weeks of therapy and through one year of follow-up in the 335 ciprofloxacin- and 349 comparator-treated patients enrolled.


An Independent Pediatric Safety Committee (IPSC) reviewed all cases of musculoskeletal adverse events as well as all patients with an abnormal gait or abnormal joint exam (baseline or treatment-emergent). These events were evaluated in a comprehensive fashion and included such conditions as arthralgia, abnormal gait, abnormal joint exam, joint sprains, leg pain, back pain, arthrosis, bone pain, pain, myalgia, arm pain, and decreased range of motion in a joint.

The affected joints included: knee, elbow, ankle, hip, wrist, and shoulder. Within 6 weeks of treatment initiation, the rates of these events were 9.3% (31/335) in the ciprofloxacin-treated group versus 6% (21/349) in comparator-treated patients. The majority of these events were mild or moderate in intensity. All musculoskeletal events occurring by 6 weeks resolved (clinical resolution of signs and symptoms), usually within 30 days of end of treatment.

Radiological evaluations were not routinely used to confirm resolution of the events. The events occurred more frequently in ciprofloxacin-treated patients than control patients, regardless of whether they received I.V. or oral therapy. Ciprofloxacin-treated patients were more likely to report more than one event and on more than one occasion compared to control patients. These events occurred in all age groups and the rates were consistently higher in the Alcipro group compared to the control group. At the end of 1 year, the rate of these events reported at any time during that period was 13.7% (46/335) in the ciprofloxacin-treated group versus 9.5% (33/349) comparator-treated patients.

An adolescent female discontinued Alcipro for wrist pain that developed during treatment. An MRI performed 4 weeks later showed a tear in the right ulnar fibrocartilage. A diagnosis of overuse syndrome secondary to sports activity was made, but a contribution from Alcipro cannot be excluded. The patient recovered by 4 months without surgical intervention.


Alcipro Comparator
*The study was designed to demonstrate that the arthropathy rate for the Alcipro group did not exceed that of the control group by more than + 6%. At both the 6 week and 1 year evaluations, the 95% confidence interval indicated that it could not be concluded that Alcipro group had findings comparable to the control group.

All Patients (within 6 weeks)

31/335 (9.3%)

 21/349 (6%)
95% Confidence Interval*

(-0.8%, +7.2%)
Age Group



≥ 12 months < 24 months

1/36 (2.8%)

 0/41
≥ 2 years < 6 years

5/124 (4%)

 3/118 (2.5%)
≥ 6 years < 12 years

18/143 (12.6%)

 12/153 (7.8%)
≥ 12 years to 17 years

7/32 (21.9%)

 6/37 (16.2 %)
All Patients (within 1 year)

46/335 (13.7%)

 33/349 (9.5%)
95% Confidence Interval*

(-0.6%, + 9.1%)

The incidence rates of neurological events within 6 weeks of treatment initiation were 3% (9/335) in the Alcipro group versus 2% (7/349) in the comparator group and included dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, and somnolence.

In this trial, the overall incidence rates of adverse events regardless of relationship to study drug and within 6 weeks of treatment initiation were 41% (138/335) in the Alcipro group versus 31% (109/349) in the comparator group. The most frequent events were gastrointestinal: 15% (50/335) of Alcipro patients compared to 9% (31/349) of comparator patients. Serious adverse events were seen in 7.5% (25/335) of ciprofloxacin-treated patients compared to 5.7% (20/349) of control patients. Discontinuation of drug due to an adverse event was observed in 3% (10/335) of ciprofloxacin-treated patients versus 1.4% (5/349) of comparator patients. Other adverse events that occurred in at least 1% of Alcipro patients were diarrhea 4.8%, vomiting 4.8%, abdominal pain 3.3%, accidental injury 3%, rhinitis 3%, dyspepsia 2.7%, nausea 2.7%, fever 2.1%, asthma 1.8% and rash 1.8%.


In addition to the events reported in pediatric patients in clinical trials, it should be expected that events reported in adults during clinical trials or post-marketing experience may also occur in pediatric patients.

Post-Marketing Adverse Event Reports

The following adverse events have been reported from worldwide marketing experience with fluoroquinolones, including Alcipro. Because these events 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. Decisions to include these events in labeling are typically based on one or more of the following factors: seriousness of the event, (2) frequency of the reporting, or (3) strength of causal connection to the drug.

Agitation, agranulocytosis, albuminuria, anaphylactic reactions (including life-threatening anaphylactic shock), anosmia, candiduria, cholesterol elevation (serum), confusion, constipation, delirium, dyspepsia, dysphagia, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed eruption, flatulence, glucose elevation (blood), hemolytic anemia, hepatic failure (including fatal cases), hepatic necrosis, hyperesthesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, hypotension (postural), jaundice, marrow depression (life threatening), methemoglobinemia, moniliasis (oral, gastrointestinal, vaginal), myalgia, myasthenia, exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, myoclonus, nystagmus, pancreatitis, pancytopenia (life threatening or fatal outcome), peripheral neuropathy, phenytoin alteration (serum), photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction, potassium elevation (serum), prothrombin time prolongation or decrease, pseudomembranous colitis (The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antimicrobial treatment), psychosis (toxic), renal calculi, serum sickness like reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, taste loss, tendinitis, tendon rupture, torsade de pointes, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome), triglyceride elevation (serum), twitching, vaginal candidiasis, and vasculitis. (See PRECAUTIONS .)


Adverse events were also reported by persons who received Alcipro for anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis following the anthrax bioterror attacks of October 2001. (See also INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .)

Adverse Laboratory Changes

Changes in laboratory parameters listed as adverse events without regard to drug relationship are listed below:


Hepatic – Elevations of ALT (SGPT) (1.9%), AST (SGOT) (1.7%), alkaline phosphatase (0.8%), LDH (0.4%), serum bilirubin (0.3%).


Hematologic – Eosinophilia (0.6%), leukopenia (0.4%), decreased blood platelets (0.1%), elevated blood platelets (0.1%), pancytopenia (0.1%).


Renal – Elevations of serum creatinine (1.1%), BUN (0.9%), CRYSTALLURIA, CYLINDRURIA, AND HEMATURIA HAVE BEEN REPORTED.


Other changes occurring in less than 0.1% of courses were: elevation of serum gammaglutamyl transferase, elevation of serum amylase, reduction in blood glucose, elevated uric acid, decrease in hemoglobin, anemia, bleeding diathesis, increase in blood monocytes, leukocytosis.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS, contact West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp. at 1-877-233-2001 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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OVERDOSAGE

In the event of acute overdosage, reversible renal toxicity has been reported in some cases. The stomach should be emptied by inducing vomiting or by gastric lavage. The patient should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment, including monitoring of renal function and administration of magnesium, aluminum, or calcium containing antacids which can reduce the absorption of Alcipro. Adequate hydration must be maintained. Only a small amount of Alcipro (< 10%) is removed from the body after hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Single doses of Alcipro were relatively non-toxic via the oral route of administration in mice, rats, and dogs. No deaths occurred within a 14-day post treatment observation period at the highest oral doses tested; up to 5000 mg/kg in either rodent species, or up to 2500 mg/kg in the dog. Clinical signs observed included hypoactivity and cyanosis in both rodent species and severe vomiting in dogs. In rabbits, significant mortality was seen at doses of Alcipro > 2500 mg/kg. Mortality was delayed in these animals, occurring 10 to 14 days after dosing.


In mice, rats, rabbits and dogs, significant toxicity including tonic/clonic convulsions was observed at intravenous doses of Alcipro between 125 and 300 mg/kg.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - ADULTS

Alcipro Tablets should be administered orally to adults as described in the Dosage Guidelines table.

The determination of dosage for any particular patient must take into consideration the severity and nature of the infection, the susceptibility of the causative organism, the integrity of the patient’s host-defense mechanisms, and the status of renal function and hepatic function.

The duration of treatment depends upon the severity of infection. The usual duration is 7 to 14 days; however, for severe and complicated infections more prolonged therapy may be required. Alcipro should be administered at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium/aluminum antacids, or sucralfate, Videx® chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution, other highly buffered drugs, or other products containing calcium, iron or zinc.

ADULT DOSAGE GUIDELINES
Infection Severity Dose Frequency Usual Durations†
Urinary Tract

Acute Uncomplicated

250 mg

q 12 h

 3 Days

Mild/Moderate

250 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 Days
Severe/Complicated

500 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 Days

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 28 Days
Lower Respiratory Tract

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 days

Severe/Complicated

750 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 days

Acute Sinusitis

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 10 days

Skin and Skin Structure

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 Days

Severe/Complicated

750 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 Days

Bone and Joint

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 ≥4 to 6 weeks
Severe/Complicated

750 mg

q 12 h

 ≥4 to 6 weeks
Intra-Abdominal*

Complicated

500 mg

q 12 h

 7 to 14 Days
Infectious Diarrhea

Mild/Moderate/Severe

500 mg

q 12 h

 5 to 7 Days
Typhoid Fever

Mild/Moderate

500 mg

q 12 h

 10 Days
Urethral and Cervical

Gonococcal Infections

Uncomplicated

250 mg

single dose

 single dose
Inhalational anthrax(post-exposure)**


500 mg

q 12 h

 60 Days

* used in conjunction with metronidazole

† Generally Alcipro should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection

have disappeared, except for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure).

** Drug administration should begin as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure.

This indication is based on a surrogate endpoint, Alcipro serum concentrations achieved in humans,

reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.4 For a discussion of Alcipro serum concentrations in various

human populations, see INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .

Conversion of I.V. to Oral Dosing in Adults

Patients whose therapy is started with Alcipro I.V. may be switched to Alcipro Tablets when clinically indicated at the discretion of the physician (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and table below for the equivalent dosing regimens).

Alcipro Oral Dosage Equivalent Alcipro I.V. Dosage
250 mg Tablet q 12 h

 200 mg I.V. q 12 h
500 mg Tablet q 12 h

 400 mg I.V. q 12 h
750 mg Tablet q 12 h

 400 mg I.V. q 8 h

Adults with Impaired Renal Function

Alcipro is eliminated primarily by renal excretion; however, the drug is also metabolized and partially cleared through the biliary system of the liver and through the intestine. These alternative pathways of drug elimination appear to compensate for the reduced renal excretion in patients with renal impairment. Nonetheless, some modification of dosage is recommended, particularly for patients with severe renal dysfunction. The following table provides dosage guidelines for use in patients with renal impairment:

Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose
> 50

 See Usual Dosage.
30 – 50

 250 – 500 mg q 12 h
5 – 29

 250 – 500 mg q 18 h

Patients on hemodialysis

or Peritoneal dialysis


250 – 500 mg q 24 h

(after dialysis)

When only the serum creatinine concentration is known, the following formula may be used to estimate creatinine clearance.


Weight (kg) x (140 - age)

Men: Creatinine clearance (mL/min) = 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)



Women: 0.85 x the value calculated for men.

The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.

In patients with severe infections and severe renal impairment, a unit dose of 750 mg may be administered at the intervals noted above. Patients should be carefully monitored.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - PEDIATRICS

Alcipro Tablets should be administered orally as described in the Dosage Guidelines table. An increased incidence of adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues, has been observed. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES .)


Dosing and initial route of therapy (i.e., I.V. or oral) for complicated urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis should be determined by the severity of the infection. In the clinical trial, pediatric patients with moderate to severe infection were initiated on 6 to 10 mg/kg I.V. every 8 hours and allowed to switch to oral therapy (10 to 20 mg/kg every 12 hours), at the discretion of the physician.

Infection Route

of

Administration

 Dose

(mg/kg)

 Frequency Total

Duration
Complicated

Urinary Tract or

Pyelonephritis

Intravenous

 6 to 10 mg/kg

(maximum 400 mg

per dose; not to be exceeded

even in patients weighing

> 51 kg)

 Every 8 hours


10-21 days*
(patients from

1 to 17 years of

age)

 Oral

 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg

(maximum 750 mg per

dose; not to be exceeded

even in patients weighing

> 51 kg)

 Every 12 hours
Inhalational

Anthrax

(Post-Exposure)**

Intravenous

 10 mg/kg

(maximum 400 mg per

dose)

 Every 12 hours

60 days
Oral

 15 mg/kg

(maximum 500 mg per dose)

 Every 12 hours
* The total duration of therapy for complicated urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis in the clinical trial was determined by the physician. The mean duration of treatment was 11 days (range 10 to 21 days).

** Drug administration should begin as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis spores. This indication is based on a surrogate endpoint, ciprofloxacin serum concentrations achieved in humans, reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.5 For a discussion of Alcipro serum concentrations in various human populations, see INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .

Pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency were excluded from the clinical trial of complicated urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis. No information is available on dosing adjustments necessary for pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency (i.e., creatinine clearance of < 50 mL/min/1.73m2).

ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY

Alcipro and other quinolones have been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested. (See WARNINGS .) Damage of weight bearing joints was observed in juvenile dogs and rats. In young beagles, 100 mg/kg Alcipro, given daily for 4 weeks, caused degenerative articular changes of the knee joint. At 30 mg/kg, the effect on the joint was minimal. In a subsequent study in young beagle dogs, oral Alcipro doses of 30 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg Alcipro (approximately 1.3- and 3.5-times the pediatric dose based upon comparative plasma AUCs) given daily for 2 weeks caused articular changes which were still observed by histopathology after a treatment-free period of 5 months. At 10 mg/kg (approximately 0.6-times the pediatric dose based upon comparative plasma AUCs), no effects on joints were observed. This dose was also not associated with arthrotoxicity after an additional treatment-free period of 5 months. In another study, removal of weight bearing from the joint reduced the lesions but did not totally prevent them.

Crystalluria, sometimes associated with secondary nephropathy, occurs in laboratory animals dosed with Alcipro. This is primarily related to the reduced solubility of Alcipro under alkaline conditions, which predominate in the urine of test animals; in man, crystalluria is rare since human urine is typically acidic. In rhesus monkeys, crystalluria without nephropathy was noted after single oral doses as low as 5 mg/kg (approximately 0.07-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2). After 6 months of intravenous dosing at 10 mg/kg/day, no nephropathological changes were noted; however, nephropathy was observed after dosing at 20 mg/kg/day for the same duration (approximately 0.2-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2).

In dogs, Alcipro at 3 and 10 mg/kg by rapid I.V. injection (15 sec.) produces pronounced hypotensive effects. These effects are considered to be related to histamine release, since they are partially antagonized by pyrilamine, an antihistamine. In rhesus monkeys, rapid I.V. injection also produces hypotension but the effect in this species is inconsistent and less pronounced.

In mice, concomitant administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone and indomethacin with quinolones has been reported to enhance the CNS stimulatory effect of quinolones.

Ocular toxicity seen with some related drugs has not been observed in ciprofloxacin-treated animals.

CLINICAL STUDIES

Complicated Urinary Tract Infection and Pyelonephritis – Efficacy in Pediatric Patients

NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, Alcipro is not a drug of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues.

Alcipro, administered I.V. and/or orally, was compared to a cephalosporin for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age (mean age of 6 ± 4 years). The trial was conducted in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, and Germany. The duration of therapy was 10 to 21 days (mean duration of treatment was 11 days with a range of 1 to 88 days). The primary objective of the study was to assess musculoskeletal and neurological safety.

Patients were evaluated for clinical success and bacteriological eradication of the baseline organism(s) with no new infection or superinfection at 5 to 9 days post-therapy (Test of Cure or TOC). The Per Protocol population had a causative organism(s) with protocol specified colony count(s) at baseline, no protocol violation, and no premature discontinuation or loss to follow-up (among other criteria).

The clinical success and bacteriologic eradication rates in the Per Protocol population were similar between Alcipro and the comparator group as shown below.

Alcipro Comparator
* Patients with baseline pathogen(s) eradicated and no new infections or

superinfections/total number of patients. There were 5.5% (6/211) Alcipro and

9.5% (22/231) comparator patients with superinfections or new infections.

Randomized Patients

337

 352
Per Protocol Patients

211

 231
Clinical Response at 5 to 9 Days

Post-Treatment

95.7% (202/211)

 92.6% (214/231)

95% CI [-1.3%, 7.3%]
Bacteriologic Eradication by

Patient at 5 to 9 Days

Post-Treatment*

84.4% (178/211)

 78.3% (181/231)

95% CI [-1.3%, 13.1%]
Bacteriologic Eradication of the

Baseline Pathogen at 5 to 9 Days

Post-Treatment


Escherichia coli

156/178 (88%)

 161/179 (90%)

INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX IN ADULTS AND PEDIATRICS – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The mean serum concentrations of Alcipro associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival in the rhesus monkey model of inhalational anthrax are reached or exceeded in adult and pediatric patients receiving oral and intravenous regimens. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Alcipro pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in various human populations. The mean peak serum concentration achieved at steady-state in human adults receiving 500 mg orally every 12 hours is 2.97 μg/mL, and 4.56 μg/mL following 400 mg intravenously every 12 hours. The mean trough serum concentration at steady-state for both of these regimens is 0.2 μg/mL.

In a study of 10 pediatric patients between 6 and 16 years of age, the mean peak plasma concentration achieved is 8.3 μg/mL and trough concentrations range from 0.09 to 0.26 μg/mL, following two 30-minute intravenous infusions of 10 mg/kg administered 12 hours apart. After the second intravenous infusion patients switched to 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours achieve a mean peak concentration of 3.6 μg/mL after the initial oral dose. Long-term safety data, including effects on cartilage, following the administration of Alcipro to pediatric patients are limited. (For additional information, see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use .) Alcipro serum concentrations achieved in humans serve as a surrogate endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit and provide the basis for this indication.5

A placebo-controlled animal study in rhesus monkeys exposed to an inhaled mean dose of 11 LD50 (~5.5 x 105 spores (range 5 to 30 LD50) of B. anthracis was conducted. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Alcipro for the anthrax strain used in this study was 0.08 μg/mL. In the animals studied, mean serum concentrations of Alcipro achieved at expected Tmax (1 hour post-dose) following oral dosing to steady-state ranged from 0.98 to 1.69 μg/mL. Mean steady-state trough concentrations at 12 hours post-dose ranged from 0.12 to 0.19 μg/mL.6 Mortality due to anthrax for animals that received a 30-day regimen of oral Alcipro beginning 24 hours post-exposure was significantly lower (1/9), compared to the placebo group (9/10) [p=0.001]. The one ciprofloxacin-treated animal that died of anthrax did so following the 30-day drug administration period.7

More than 9300 persons were recommended to complete a minimum of 60 days of antibiotic prophylaxis against possible inhalational exposure to B. anthracis during 2001. Alcipro was recommended to most of those individuals for all or part of the prophylaxis regimen. Some persons were also given anthrax vaccine or were switched to alternative antibiotics. No one who received Alcipro or other therapies as prophylactic treatment subsequently developed inhalational anthrax. The number of persons who received Alcipro as all or part of their post-exposure prophylaxis regimen is unknown.


Among the persons surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1000 reported receiving Alcipro as sole post-exposure prophylaxis for inhalational anthrax. Gastrointestinal adverse events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain), neurological adverse events (problems sleeping, nightmares, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness) and musculoskeletal adverse events (muscle or tendon pain and joint swelling or pain) were more frequent than had been previously reported in controlled clinical trials. This higher incidence, in the absence of a control group, could be explained by a reporting bias, concurrent medical conditions, other concomitant medications, emotional stress or other confounding factors, and/or a longer treatment period with Alcipro. Because of these factors and limitations in the data collection, it is difficult to evaluate whether the reported symptoms were drug-related.

REFERENCES

MEDICATION GUIDE

Alcipro Tablets, USP


Read the Medication Guide that comes with Alcipro Tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about Alcipro Tablets?

Alcipro Tablets belong to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Alcipro Tablets can cause side effects that may be serious or even cause death. If you get any of the following serious side effects, get medical help right away. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should continue to take Alcipro Tablets.


Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon

What are Alcipro Tablets?

Alcipro Tablets are a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine used to treat certain infections caused by certain germs called bacteria.

Children less than 18 years of age have a higher chance of getting bone, joint, or tendon (musculoskeletal) problems such as pain or swelling while taking Alcipro Tablets. Alcipro Tablets should not be used as the first choice of antibiotic medicine in children under 18 years of age. Alcipro Tablets should not be used in children under 18 years old, except to treat specific serious infections, such as complicated urinary tract infections and to prevent anthrax disease after breathing the anthrax bacteria germ (inhalational exposure).

Sometimes infections are caused by viruses rather than by bacteria. Examples include viral infections in the sinuses and lungs, such as the common cold or flu. Antibiotics, including Alcipro Tablets, do not kill viruses.

Call your healthcare provider if you think your condition is not getting better while you are taking Alcipro Tablets.

Who should not take Alcipro Tablets?

Do not take Alcipro Tablets if you:

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Alcipro Tablets?

See “What is the most important information I should know about Alcipro Tablets?”

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:


Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal and dietary supplements. Alcipro Tablets and other medicines can affect each other causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:


Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if any of your medicines are listed above.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take Ciprofloxacin Tablets?

This will help make sure that all of the bacteria are killed and lower the chance that the bacteria will become resistant to Alcipro Tablets. If this happens, Alcipro tablets and other antibiotic medicines may not work in the future.


If you have been prescribed Alcipro Tablets after being exposed to anthrax:

What should I avoid while taking Alcipro Tablets?

What are the possible side effects of Alcipro Tablets?


Other serious side effects of Alcipro Tablets include:


Seizures have been reported in people who take fluoroquinolone antibiotics including Alcipro Tablets. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures. Ask your healthcare provider whether taking Alcipro Tablets will change your risk of having a seizure.

Central Nervous System side effects may happen as soon as after taking the first dose of Alcipro Tablets. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these side effects, or other changes in mood or behavior:


Skin rash may happen in people taking Alcipro tablets even after only one dose. Stop taking Alcipro tablets at the first sign of a skin rash and call your healthcare provider. Skin rash may be a sign of a more serious reaction to Alcipro tablets.


Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heart beat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint. Alcipro Tablets may cause a rare heart problem known as prolongation of the QT interval. This condition can cause an abnormal heartbeat and can be very dangerous. The chances of this event are higher in people:


Pseudomembranous colitis can happen with most antibiotics, including Alcipro Tablets. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, or bloody stools. You may have stomach cramps and a fever. Pseudomembranous colitis can happen 2 or more months after you have finished your antibiotic.


Damage to the nerves in arms, hands, legs, or feet can happen in people who take fluoroquinolones, including Alcipro Tablets. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your arms, hands, legs, or feet:


Alcipro Tablets may need to be stopped to prevent permanent nerve damage.


People who take Alcipro Tablets and other fluoroquinolone medicines with the oral anti-diabetes medicine glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta, Glucovance)can get low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which can sometimes be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you get low blood sugar with Alcipro Tablets. Your antibiotic medicine may need to be changed.


See “What should I avoid while taking Ciprofloxacin Tablets?”


Increased chance of problems with joints and tissues around joints in children under 18 years old. Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any joint problems during or after treatment with Alcipro Tablets.

The most common side effects of Alcipro Tablets include:


These are not all the possible side effects of Alcipro Tablets. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Alcipro Tablets?

Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F).


Keep Alcipro Tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General Information about Alcipro Tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Alcipro Tablets for a condition for which it is not prescribed. Do not give Alcipro Tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. They may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Alcipro Tablets. If you would like more information about Alcipro Tablets, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about Alcipro Tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information call 1-866-850-2876.

What are the ingredients in Alcipro Tablets?

Active ingredient: Alcipro

Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyacrylate dispersion (methylacrylate and ethylacrylate copolymer), polyethylene glycol, purified water, simethicone emulsion, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Revised March 2009

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.

Eatontown, NJ 07724

Distributor

Manufactured by:

Hikma Pharmaceuticals

P.O. Box 182400

Amman 11118 - Jordan



Alcipro 750mg Tablet

Image File

Alcipro pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

Active ingredient is the part of the drug or medicine which is biologically active. This portion of the drug is responsible for the main action of the drug which is intended to cure or reduce the symptom or disease. The other portions of the drug which are inactive are called excipients; there role is to act as vehicle or binder. In contrast to active ingredient, the inactive ingredient's role is not significant in the cure or treatment of the disease. There can be one or more active ingredients in a drug.


Alcipro available forms, composition, doses:

Form of the medicine is the form in which the medicine is marketed in the market, for example, a medicine X can be in the form of capsule or the form of chewable tablet or the form of tablet. Sometimes same medicine can be available as injection form. Each medicine cannot be in all forms but can be marketed in 1, 2, or 3 forms which the pharmaceutical company decided based on various background research results.
Composition is the list of ingredients which combinedly form a medicine. Both active ingredients and inactive ingredients form the composition. The active ingredient gives the desired therapeutic effect whereas the inactive ingredient helps in making the medicine stable.
Doses are various strengths of the medicine like 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and so on. Each medicine comes in various doses which is decided by the manufacturer, that is, pharmaceutical company. The dose is decided on the severity of the symptom or disease.


Alcipro destination | category:

Destination is defined as the organism to which the drug or medicine is targeted. For most of the drugs what we discuss, human is the drug destination.
Drug category can be defined as major classification of the drug. For example, an antihistaminic or an antipyretic or anti anginal or pain killer, anti-inflammatory or so.


Alcipro Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

A medicine is classified depending on the organ or system it acts [Anatomical], based on what result it gives on what disease, symptom [Therapeutical], based on chemical composition [Chemical]. It is called as ATC code. The code is based on Active ingredients of the medicine. A medicine can have different codes as sometimes it acts on different organs for different indications. Same way, different brands with same active ingredients and same indications can have same ATC code.


Alcipro pharmaceutical companies:

Pharmaceutical companies are drug manufacturing companies that help in complete development of the drug from the background research to formation, clinical trials, release of the drug into the market and marketing of the drug.
Researchers are the persons who are responsible for the scientific research and is responsible for all the background clinical trials that resulted in the development of the drug.


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References

  1. Dailymed."CIPROFLOXACIN; DEXAMETHASONE: 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).
  2. "ciprofloxacin". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  3. "ciprofloxacin". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB0053... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Alcipro?

Depending on the reaction of the Alcipro after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Alcipro 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 Alcipro 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.

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Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Alcipro, 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 Alcipro 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.

Visitor reports

One visitor reported useful

How is the drug Alcipro useful in reducing or relieving the symptoms? How useful is it?
According to the survey conducted by the website sdrugs.com, there are variable results and below are the percentages of the users that say the medicine is useful to them and that say it is not helping them much. It is not ideal to continue taking the medication if you feel it is not helping you much. Contact your healthcare provider to check if there is a need to change the medicine or if there is a need to re-evaluate your condition. The usefulness of the medicine may vary from patient to patient, depending on the other diseases he is suffering from and slightly depends on the brand name.
Visitors%
Useful1
100.0%

Visitor reported side effects

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported price estimates

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported frequency of use

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported doses

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported time for results

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported administration

No survey data has been collected yet

Two visitors reported age

Visitors%
16-291
50.0%
6-151
50.0%

Visitor reviews


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


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