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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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ZITHROMAX (NDA-050670)

(AZITHROMYCIN)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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11/22/2021 (SUPPL-36)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.5 Cardiovascular Death

Newly added information:

Some observational studies have shown an approximately two-fold increased shortterm potential risk of acute cardiovascular death in adults exposed to azithromycin relative to other antibacterial drugs, including amoxicillin. The five-day cardiovascular mortality observed in these studies ranged from 20 to 400 per million azithromycin treatment courses. This potential risk was noted to be greater during the first five days

of azithromycin use and does not appear to be limited to those patients with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. The data in these observational studies are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between acute cardiovascular death and azithromycin use. Consider balancing this potential risk with treatment benefits when prescribing ZITHROMAX.

6 Adverse Reactions

Newly added information:

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in

labeling:

• Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

• Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

• QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

• Cardiovascular Death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see Warnings and Precautions

(5.6)]

• Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and hypotension. There

have been reports of QT prolongation, and torsades de pointes, and cardiovascular

death.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

Patient Information

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

What are the possible side effects of ZITHROMAX?

Serious heart rhythm changes that can be life-threatening, including heart

stopping (cardiac arrest), QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, feeling that your

heart is pounding or racing (palpitations), chest discomfort, or irregular

heartbeat.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your child feel a fast or irregular

heartbeat, get dizzy or faint.

04/24/2019 (SUPPL-34)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

7 Drug Interactions

7.3 Potential Drug-Drug Interaction with Macrolides

Addition of colchicine following digoxin throughout subsection. 

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

PLLR conversion; please refer to label for complete information.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Addition of the following statement:

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

PATIENT INFORMATION

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

Newly added:

  • Colchicine

03/30/2017 (SUPPL-32)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Hypersensitivity

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and dermatologic reactions including Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported in patients on azithromycin therapy ...

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience with Other Azithromycin Products

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Skin/appendages: Pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, serious skin reactions including erythema multiforme, AGEP, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS ...