Quinomax

Quinomax is indicated for the treatment of:

- Community acquired pneumonia (CAP)

- Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI)

Moxifloxacin should be used only when it is considered inappropriate to use antibacterial agents that are commonly recommended for the initial treatment of these infections.

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

Quinomax® solution is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms:

Corynebacterium species*
Micrococcus luteus*
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Staphylococcus hominis
Staphylococcus warneri*
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus viridans group
Acinetobacter lwoffii*
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus parainfluenzae*
Chlamydia trachomatis

*Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

Posology

The recommended dose is 400 mg moxifloxacin, infused once daily.

Initial intravenous treatment may be followed by oral treatment with moxifloxacin 400 mg tablets, when clinically indicated.

In clinical studies most patients switched to oral therapy within 4 days (CAP) or 6 days (cSSSI). The recommended total duration of intravenous and oral treatment is 7 - 14 days for CAP and 7 - 21 days for cSSSI.

Renal/hepatic impairment

No adjustment of dosage is required in patients with mild to severely impaired renal function or in patients on chronic dialysis i.e. haemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

There is insufficient data in patients with impaired liver function.

Other special populations

No adjustment of dosage is required in the elderly and in patients with low bodyweight.

Paediatric population

Moxifloxacin is contraindicated in children and growing adolescents. Efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin in children and adolescents have not been established.

Method of administration

If medically indicated the solution for infusion can be administered via a T-tube, together with compatible infusion solutions.

Instill one drop in the affected eye 3 times a day for 7 days.

- Pregnancy and lactation.

- Patients below 18 years of age.

- Patients with a history of tendon disease/disorder related to quinolone treatment.

Both in preclinical investigations and in humans, changes in cardiac electrophysiology have been observed following exposure to moxifloxacin, in the form of QT prolongation.).

Due to limited clinical data, moxifloxacin is also contraindicated in patients with impaired liver function (Child Pugh C) and in patients with transaminases increase > 5fold ULN.

Quinomax® solution is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to moxifloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the components in this medication.

The benefit of moxifloxacin treatment especially in infections with a low degree of severity should be balanced with the information contained in the warnings and precautions section.

Prolongation of QTc interval and potentially QTc-prolongation-related clinical conditions

Treatment with moxifloxacin should be stopped if signs or symptoms that may be associated with cardiac arrhythmia occur during treatment, with or without ECG findings.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients with any condition pre-disposing to cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. acute myocardial ischaemia) because they may have an increased risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias (incl. torsade de pointes) and cardiac arrest.5.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients who are taking medications that can reduce potassium levels.5.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients who are taking medications associated with clinically significant bradycardia.

Female patients and elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of QTc-prolonging medications such as moxifloxacin and therefore special caution is required.

Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions

Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions have been reported for fluoroquinolones including moxifloxacin after first administration. Anaphylactic reactions can progress to a life-threatening shock, even after the first administration. In cases of clinical manifestations of severe hypersensitivity reactions moxifloxacin should be discontinued and suitable treatment (e.g. treatment for shock) initiated.

Severe liver disorders

Cases of fulminant hepatitis potentially leading to liver failure (including fatal cases) have been reported with moxifloxacin. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor prior to continuing treatment if signs and symptoms of fulminant hepatic disease develop such as rapidly developing asthenia associated with jaundice, dark urine, bleeding tendency or hepatic encephalopathy.

Liver function tests/investigations should be performed in cases where indications of liver dysfunction occur.

Serious bullous skin reactions

Cases of bullous skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with moxifloxacin. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if skin and/or mucosal reactions occur.

Patients predisposed to seizures

Quinolones are known to trigger seizures. Use should be with caution in patients with CNS disorders or in the presence of other risk factors which may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold. In case of seizures, treatment with moxifloxacin should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted.

Peripheral neuropathy

Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting in paraesthesias, hypoaesthesias, dysaesthesias, or weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones including moxifloxacin. Patients under treatment with moxifloxacin should be advised to inform their doctor prior to continuing treatment if symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness develop in order to prevent the development of an irreversible condition.

Psychiatric reactions

Psychiatric reactions may occur even after the first administration of quinolones, including moxifloxacin. In very rare cases depression or psychotic reactions have progressed to suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behaviour such as suicide attempts. In the event that the patient develops these reactions, moxifloxacin should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted. Caution is recommended if moxifloxacin is to be used in psychotic patients or in patients with history of psychiatric disease.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea incl. colitis

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and antibiotic-associated colitis (AAC), including pseudomembranous colitis and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, has been reported in association with the use of broad spectrum antibiotics including moxifloxacin and may range in severity from mild diarrhoea to fatal colitis. Therefore it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop serious diarrhoea during or after the use of moxifloxacin. If AAD or AAC is suspected or confirmed, ongoing treatment with antibacterial agents, including moxifloxacin, should be discontinued and adequate therapeutic measures should be initiated immediately. Furthermore, appropriate infection control measures should be undertaken to reduce the risk of transmission. Drugs inhibiting peristalsis are contraindicated in patients who develop serious diarrhoea.

Patients with myasthenia gravis

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis because the symptoms can be exacerbated.

Tendon inflammation, tendon rupture

Tendon inflammation and rupture (especially Achilles tendon), sometimes bilateral, may occur with quinolone therapy including moxifloxacin, even within 48 hours of starting treatment and have been reported up to several months after discontinuation of therapy. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in elderly patients and in those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. At the first sign of pain or inflammation, patients should discontinue treatment with moxifloxacin, rest the affected limb(s) and consult their doctor immediately in order to initiate appropriate treatment (e.g. immobilisation) for the affected tendon.

Patients with renal impairment

Elderly patients with renal disorders should use moxifloxacin with caution if they are unable to maintain adequate fluid intake, because dehydration may increase the risk of renal failure.

Vision disorders

If vision becomes impaired or any effects on the eyes are experienced, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately.

Dysglycemia

As with all fluoroquinolones, disturbances in blood glucose, including both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have been reported with moxifloxacin. In moxifloxacin-treated patients, dysglycemia occurred predominantly in elderly diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycemic agent (e.g. sulfonylurea) or with insulin. In diabetic patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended.

Prevention of photosensitivity reactions

Quinolones have been shown to cause photosensitivity reactions in patients. However, studies have shown that moxifloxacin has a lower risk to induce photosensitivity. Nevertheless patients should be advised to avoid exposure to either UV irradiation or extensive and/or strong sunlight during treatment with moxifloxacin.

Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Patients with a family history of or actual glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are prone to haemolytic reactions when treated with quinolones. Therefore, moxifloxacin should be used with caution in these patients.

Peri-arterial tissue inflammation

Moxifloxacin solution for infusion is for intravenous administration only. Intra-arterial administration should be avoided since preclinical studies demonstrated peri-arterial tissue inflammation following infusion by this route.

Patients with special cSSSI

Clinical efficacy of moxifloxacin in the treatment of severe burn infections, fasciitis and diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis has not been established.

Patients on sodium diet

This medicinal product contains 787 mg (approximately 34 mmol) sodium per dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

Interference with biological tests

Moxifloxacin therapy may interfere with the Mycobacterium spp. culture test by suppression of mycobacterial growth causing false negative results in samples taken from patients currently receiving moxifloxacin.

Patients with MRSA infections

Moxifloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of MRSA infections. In case of a suspected or confirmed infection due to MRSA, treatment with an appropriate antibacterial agent should be started.

Paediatric population

Due to adverse effects on the cartilage in juvenile animals the use of moxifloxacin in children and adolescents < 18 years is contraindicated.

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Topical Ophthalmic Use Only

NOT FOR INJECTION. Quinomax® solution is for topical ophthalmic use only and should not be injected subconjunctivally or introduced directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Hypersensitivity Reaction

In patients receiving systemically administered quinolones, including moxifloxacin, serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported, some following the first dose. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, angioedema (including laryngeal, pharyngeal or facial edema), airway obstruction, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. If an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin occurs, discontinue use of the drug. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require immediate emergency treatment. Oxygen and airway management should be administered as clinically indicated.

Growth Of Resistant Organisms With Prolonged Use

As with other anti-infectives, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy. Whenever clinical judgment dictates, the patient should be examined with the aid of magnification, such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining.

Avoidance Of Contact Lens Wear

Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals to determine the carcinogenic potential of moxifloxacin have not been performed. However, in an accelerated study with initiators and promoters, moxifloxacin was not carcinogenic in rats following up to 38 weeks of oral dosing at 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 21,700 times the highest recommended total daily human ophthalmic dose for a 50 kg person, on a mg/kg basis).

Moxifloxacin was not mutagenic in four bacterial strains used in the Ames Salmonella reversion assay. As with other quinolones, the positive response observed with moxifloxacin in strain TA 102 using the same assay may be due to the inhibition of DNA gyrase. Moxifloxacin was not mutagenic in the CHO/HGPRT mammalian cell gene mutation assay. An equivocal result was obtained in the same assay when v79 cells were used. Moxifloxacin was clastogenic in the v79 chromosome aberration assay, but it did not induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in vivo in a micronucleus test or a dominant lethal test in mice.

Moxifloxacin had no effect on fertility in male and female rats at oral doses as high as 500 mg/kg/day, approximately 21,700 times the highest recommended total daily human ophthalmic dose. At 500 mg/kg orally there were slight effects on sperm morphology (head-tail separation) in male rats and on the estrous cycle in female rats.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C.

Teratogenic Effects

Moxifloxacin was not teratogenic when administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis at oral doses as high as 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 21,700 times the highest recommended total daily human ophthalmic dose); however, decreased fetal body weights and slightly delayed fetal skeletal development were observed. There was no evidence of teratogenicity when pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys were given oral doses as high as 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 4,300 times the highest recommended total daily human ophthalmic dose). An increased incidence of smaller fetuses was observed at 100 mg/kg/day.

Since there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, Quinomax® solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Moxifloxacin has not been measured in human milk, although it can be presumed to be excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Quinomax® solution is administered to a nursing mother.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Quinomax® solution in infants below 1 year of age have not been established.

There is no evidence that the ophthalmic administration of Quinomax® solution has any effect on weight bearing joints, even though oral administration of some quinolones has been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety and effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Adverse reactions observed in clinical trials and derived from post-marketing reports with moxifloxacin 400 mg daily administered by the intravenous or oral route (intravenous only, sequential [IV/oral] and oral administration) sorted by frequencies are listed below:

Apart from nausea and diarrhoea all adverse reactions were observed at frequencies below 3%.

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are defined as:

- common (> 1/100 to < 1/10)

- uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100)

- rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000)

- very rare (< 1/10,000)

The following undesirable effects have a higher frequency category in the subgroup of IV treated patients with or without subsequent oral therapy:

There have been very rare cases of the following side effects reported following treatment with other fluoroquinolones, which might possibly also occur during treatment with moxifloxacin: hypernatraemia, hypercalcaemia, haemolytic anaemia, rhabdomyolysis, photosensitivity reactions..

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

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

The most frequently reported ocular adverse events were conjunctivitis, decreased visual acuity, dry eye, keratitis, ocular discomfort, ocular hyperemia, ocular pain, ocular pruritus, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and tearing. These events occurred in approximately 1-6% of patients.

Nonocular adverse events reported at a rate of 1-4% were fever, increased cough, infection, otitis media, pharyngitis, rash, and rhinitis.

No specific countermeasures after accidental overdose are recommended. In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be implemented. ECG monitoring should be undertaken, because of the possibility of QT interval prolongation. Concomitant administration of charcoal with a dose of 400 mg oral or intravenous moxifloxacin will reduce systemic availability of the drug by more than 80% or 20% respectively. The use of charcoal early during absorption may be useful to prevent excessive increase in the systemic exposure to moxifloxacin in cases of oral overdose.

No information provided.

Absorption and Bioavailability

After a single 400 mg intravenous 1 hour infusion peak plasma concentrations of approximately 4.1 mg/l were observed at the end of the infusion corresponding to a mean increase of approximately 26% relative to those seen after oral administration (3.1 mg/l). The AUC value of approximately 39 mg-h/l after i.v. administration is only slightly higher than that observed after oral administration (35 mg-h/l) in accordance with the absolute bioavailability of approximately 91%.

In patients, there is no need for age or gender related dose adjustment on intravenous moxifloxacin.

Pharmacokinetics are linear in the range of 50 - 1200 mg single oral dose, up to 600 mg single intravenous dose and up to 600 mg once daily dosing over 10 days.

Distribution

Moxifloxacin is distributed to extravascular spaces rapidly. The steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) is approximately 2 l/kg. In vitro and ex vivo experiments showed a protein binding of approximately 40 - 42% independent of the concentration of the drug. Moxifloxacin is mainly bound to serum albumin.

Maximum concentrations of 5.4 mg/kg and 20.7 mg/l (geometric mean) were reached in bronchial mucosa and epithelial lining fluid, respectively, 2.2 h after an oral dose. The corresponding peak concentration in alveolar macrophages amounted to 56.7 mg/kg. In skin blister fluid concentrations of 1.75 mg/l were observed 10 h after intravenous administration. In the interstitial fluid unbound concentration time profiles similar to those in plasma were found with unbound peak concentrations of 1.0 mg/l (geometric mean) reached approximately 1.8 h after an intravenous dose.

Biotransformation

Moxifloxacin undergoes Phase II biotransformation and is excreted via renal (approximately 40%) and biliary/faecal (approximately 60%) pathways as unchanged drug as well as in the form of a sulpho-compound (M1) and a glucuronide (M2). M1 and M2 are the only metabolites relevant in humans, both are microbiologically inactive.

In clinical Phase I and in vitro studies no metabolic pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs undergoing Phase I biotransformation involving cytochrome P450 enzymes were observed. There is no indication of oxidative metabolism.

Elimination

Moxifloxacin is eliminated from plasma with a mean terminal half life of approximately 12 hours. The mean apparent total body clearance following a 400 mg dose ranges from 179 to 246 ml/min. Following a 400 mg intravenous infusion recovery of unchanged drug from urine was approximately 22% and from faeces approximately 26%. Recovery of the dose (unchanged drug and metabolites) totalled to approximately 98% after intravenous administration of the drug. Renal clearance amounted to about 24 - 53 ml/min suggesting partial tubular reabsorption of the drug from the kidneys. Concomitant administration of moxifloxacin with ranitidine or probenecid did not alter renal clearance of the parent drug.

Renal impairment

The pharmacokinetic properties of moxifloxacin are not significantly different in patients with renal impairment (including creatinine clearance > 20 ml/min/1.73 m²). As renal function decreases, concentrations of the M2 metabolite (glucuronide) increase by up to a factor of 2.5 (with a creatinine clearance of < 30 ml/min/1.73 m²).

Hepatic impairment

On the basis of the pharmacokinetic studies carried out so far in patients with liver failure (Child Pugh A, B), it is not possible to determine whether there are any differences compared with healthy volunteers. Impaired liver function was associated with higher exposure to M1 in plasma, whereas exposure to parent drug was comparable to exposure in healthy volunteers. There is insufficient experience in the clinical use of moxifloxacin in patients with impaired liver function.

Plasma concentrations of moxifloxacin were measured in healthy adult male and female subjects who received bilateral topical ocular doses of Quinomax® solution 3 times a day. The mean steady-state Cmax (2.7 ng/mL) and estimated daily exposure AUC (45 ng•hr/mL) values were 1,600 and 1,000 times lower than the mean Cmax and AUC reported after therapeutic 400 mg doses of moxifloxacin. The plasma half-life of moxifloxacin was estimated to be 13 hours.