See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Winzee?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Winzee. You should not use Winzee if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).
There are many other medicines that can interact with Winzee. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Winzee will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Winzee. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Winzee.
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Winzee?
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 rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adults:
The data described below reflect exposure to Winzee in 728 adult patients. All patients received a single 2 g oral dose of Winzee. The population studied had community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis.
In controlled clinical trials with Winzee, the majority of the reported treatment-related adverse reactions were gastrointestinal in nature and mild to moderate in severity.
Overall, the most common treatment-related adverse reactions in adult patients receiving a single 2 g dose of Winzee were diarrhea/loose stools (12%), nausea (4%), abdominal pain (3%), headache (1%), and vomiting (1%). The incidence of treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse reactions was 17% for Winzee and 10% for pooled comparators.
Treatment-related adverse reactions following Winzee treatment that occurred with a frequency of <1% included the following:
Cardiovascular: Palpitations, chest pain
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, oral moniliasis
Genitourinary: Vaginitis
Nervous system: Dizziness, vertigo
General: Asthenia
Allergic: Rash, pruritus, urticaria
Special senses: Taste perversion
Pediatric Patients:
The data described below reflect exposure to Winzee in 907 pediatric patients. The population was 3 months to 12 years of age. All patients received a single 60 mg/kg oral dose of Winzee.
As in adults, the most common treatment-related adverse reactions in pediatric subjects were gastrointestinal in nature. The pediatric subjects all received a single 60 mg/kg dose (equivalent to 27 mg/lb) of Winzee.
In a trial with 450 pediatric subjects (ages 3 months to 48 months), vomiting (11%), diarrhea (10%) loose stools (9%), and abdominal pain (2%) were the most frequently reported treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Many treatment related gastrointestinal adverse reactions with an incidence greater than 1% began on the day of dosing in these subjects [43% (68/160)] and most [53% (84/160)] resolved within 48 hr of onset. Treatment-related adverse events that were not gastrointestinal, occurring with a frequency ≥ 1% were: rash (5%), anorexia (2%), fever (2%), and dermatitis (2%).
In a second trial of 337 pediatric subjects, ages 2 years to 12 years, the most frequently reported treatment-related adverse reactions also included vomiting (14%), diarrhea (7%), loose stools (2%), nausea (4%) and abdominal pain (4%).
A third trial investigated the tolerability of two different concentrations of Winzee oral suspension in 120 pediatric subjects (ages 3 months to 48 months), all of whom were treated with Winzee. The study evaluated the hypothesis that a more dilute, less viscous formulation (the recommended 27 mg/mL concentration of Winzee) is less likely to induce vomiting in young children than a more concentrated suspension used in other pediatric studies. The vomiting rate for subjects taking the dilute concentration Winzee was 3% (2/61). The rate was numerically lower but not statistically different from the vomiting for the more concentrated suspension Across both treatment arms, the only treatment-related adverse events with a frequency of ≥ 1% were vomiting (6%, 7/120) and diarrhea (2%, 2/120).
Treatment-related adverse reactions with a frequency of < 1% following Winzee treatment in all 907 pediatric subjects in the Phase 3 studies were:
Body as a whole: Chills, fever, flu syndrome, headache;
Digestive: Abnormal stools, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorder, hepatitis;
Hematologic and lymphatic: Leukopenia;
Nervous system: Agitation, emotional liability, hostility, hyperkinesia, insomnia, irritability, paresthesia, Somnolence;
Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis;
Skin and appendages: Dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, maculopapular rash, pruritus, urticaria;
Special senses: Otitis media, taste perversion;
Urogenital: Dysuria.
Postmarketing Experience with Other Winzee Products
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, reliably estimating their frequency or establishing a causal relationship to drug exposure is not always possible.
Adverse events reported with Winzee immediate release formulations during the postmarketing period for which a causal relationship may not be established include:
Allergic: Arthralgia, edema, urticaria and angioedema
Cardiovascular: Palpitations and arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and hypotension
There have been reports of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting/diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis, oral candidiasis, pyloric stenosis, and rare reports of tongue discoloration
General: Asthenia, paresthesia, fatigue, malaise and anaphylaxis
Genitourinary: Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure and vaginitis
Hematopoietic: Thrombocytopenia, mild neutropenia
Liver/biliary: Adverse reactions related to hepatic dysfunction have been reported in postmarketing experience with Winzee.
Nervous system: Convulsions, dizziness/vertigo, headache, somnolence, hyperactivity, nervousness, agitation and syncope
Psychiatric: Aggressive reaction and anxiety
Skin/appendages: Pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, serious skin reactions including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS.
Special senses: Hearing disturbances including hearing loss, deafness and/or tinnitus and reports of taste/smell perversion and/or loss
Laboratory Abnormalities
In subjects with normal baseline values, the following clinically significant laboratory abnormalities (irrespective of drug relationship) were reported in Winzee clinical trials in adults and pediatric patients:
Adults:
Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1%: reduced lymphocytes and increased eosinophils; reduced bicarbonate. Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of less than 1%: leukopenia, neutropenia, elevated bilirubin, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, alterations in potassium. Where follow-up was provided, changes in laboratory tests appeared to be reversible.
Pediatric Patients:
Laboratory abnormalities with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1%: elevated eosinophils, BUN, and potassium; decreased lymphocytes; and alterations in neutrophils; with an incidence of less than 1%: elevated SGOT, SGPT and creatinine; decreased potassium; and alterations in sodium and glucose.
Winzee extended-release granules are indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms in the specific conditions listed as follows.
Adults: Acute uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes as an alternative to first-line therapy in individuals who cannot use first-line therapy. (Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis. Winzee is often effective in the eradication of susceptible strains of Streptococcus pyogenes from the nasopharynx. Because some strains are resistant to Winzee, susceptibility tests should be performed when patients are treated with Winzee). Data establishing efficacy of Winzee in subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available.
Pediatrics: Mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia in pediatric patients 6 months of age or older due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Streptococcus pneumoniae, in patients appropriate for oral therapy. Pediatric use in this indication is based on extrapolation of adult efficacy.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Winzee and other antibacterial drugs, Winzee should be used only to treat 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.
Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment to determine the causative organism and its susceptibility to Winzee. Therapy with Winzee may be initiated before results of these tests are known; once the results become available, antimicrobial therapy should be adjusted accordingly.
Winzee injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Winzee belongs to the class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, Winzee will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. Winzee injection may be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.
Winzee is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, Winzee is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Each capsule contains Azithromycin dihydrate 262.05 mg equivalent to Winzee base 250 mg. It also contains anhydrous lactose, maize starch, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate as excipients. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171) and up to 1,000 ppm sulfur dioxide.
Each tablet contains Azithromycin dihydrate 262.05 mg equivalent to Winzee base 250 mg. It also contains pre-gelatinized starch, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate as excipients. The film-coating contains hydroxypropyl cellulose, triacetin and titanium dioxide (E171).
Each 5 mL of powder for oral suspension contains Azithromycin dihydrate 209.64 mg equivalent to Winzee base 200 mg. It also contains sucrose (1.94 g/100 mg dose), anhydrous tribasic sodium phosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, xanthan gum, artificial cherry, creme de vanilla and banana flavors as excipients.
Each sachet contains Azithromycin dihydrate 100.16 mg equivalent to Winzee base 100 mg. It also contains sucrose (1.85 g/Winzee 100-mg dose), anhydrous tribasic sodium phosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, xanthan gum, artificial cherry, creme de vanilla and banana flavors as excipients. It also contains a dry powder which yields, when added to water, a white to off-white suspension, cherry/banana with a slight vanilla odor.
Each vial contains Azithromycin dihydrate 524.1 mg equivalent to Winzee base 500 mg. It also contains anhydrous citric acid and sodium hydroxide as excipients. It is supplied in lyophilized form under a vacuum in a 10-mL vial for IV administration. Upon reconstitution, Winzee powder yields a solution containing the equivalent of Winzee 100 mg/mL.
Winzee is 9-deoxy-9a-aza-9a-methyl-9a-homoerythromycin A. The molecular weight is 749.
Use Winzee drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Winzee drops.
There are specific as well as general uses of a drug or medicine. A medicine can be used to prevent a disease, treat a disease over a period or cure a disease. It can also be used to treat the particular symptom of the disease. The drug use depends on the form the patient takes it. It may be more useful in injection form or sometimes in tablet form. The drug can be used for a single troubling symptom or a life-threatening condition. While some medications can be stopped after few days, some drugs need to be continued for prolonged period to get the benefit from it.Use: Labeled IndicationsOral, IV:Chancroid: Treatment of genital ulcer disease (in men) due to Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute exacerbation: Treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae
Mycobacterium avium complex: Prevention of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced HIV infection; treatment of disseminated MAC (in combination with ethambutol) in patients with advanced HIV infection
Otitis media, acute: Treatment of acute otitis media due to H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, or S. pneumoniae
Pneumonia, community-acquired: Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, M. catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or S. pneumoniae
Skin and skin structure infection, uncomplicated: Treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcal pharyngitis (group A): Treatment of pharyngitis/tonsillitis due to S. pyogenes as an alternative to first-line therapy
Urethritis/cervicitis: Treatment of urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Off Label UsesAcne vulgaris
Data from controlled trials support the use of Winzee in the treatment of acne vulgaris in adults with moderate to severe acne.
Based on the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, Winzee, in combination with topical therapy, may be considered as a treatment option for moderate and severe acne and forms of inflammatory acne that are resistant to topical treatments. However, its use should be limited to patients who cannot receive a tetracycline (ie, pregnant women). Concomitant topical therapy with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid should be administered with systemic antibiotic therapy (eg, Winzee) and continued for maintenance after the antibiotic course is completed.
BabesiosisData from a prospective, nonblinded, randomized trial in patients with non-life-threatening babesiosis, support the use of Winzee (in combination with atovaquone) for the treatment of this condition.
Based on the CDC Yellow Book, the ACG guideline for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute diarrheal infections in adults, and the IDSA practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea, Winzee is effective and recommended treatment for patients with travelers' diarrhea. Due to increased levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones, Winzee may be a recommended first-line treatment, especially in regions with a high prevalence of Campylobacter (eg, Southeast Asia, India) or in geographical areas with suspected fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
Winzee for oral suspension (single dose 1 g packet) can be taken with or without food after constitution. However, increased tolerability has been observed when tablets are taken with food.
Winzee for oral suspension (single dose 1 g packet) is not for pediatric use. For pediatric suspension see the prescribing information for Winzee (Winzee for oral suspension) 100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL bottles.
Directions for administration of Winzee for oral suspension in the single dose packet (1 g): The entire contents of the packet should be mixed thoroughly with two ounces (approximately 60 mL) of water. Drink the entire contents immediately; add an additional two ounces of water, mix, and drink to ensure complete consumption of dosage. The single dose packet should not be used to administer doses other than 1000 mg of Winzee.
Sexually Transmitted DiseasesThe recommended dose of Winzee for the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to C. trachomatis is a single 1 gram (1000 mg) dose of Winzee. This dose can be administered as one single dose packet (1 g).
Mycobacterial InfectionsPrevention of Disseminated MAC InfectionsThe recommended dose of Winzee for the prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease is: 1200 mg taken once weekly. This dose of Winzee may be combined with the approved dosage regimen of rifabutin.
Treatment of Disseminated MAC InfectionsWinzee should be taken at a daily dose of 600 mg, in combination with ethambutol at the recommended daily dose of 15 mg/kg. Other antimycobacterial drugs that have shown in vitro activity against MAC may be added to the regimen of Winzee plus ethambutol at the discretion of the physician or health care provider.
How suppliedDosage Forms And StrengthsWinzee 600 mg tablets (engraved on front with “PFIZER” and on back with “308”) are supplied as white, modified oval-shaped, film-coated tablets containing Winzee dihydrate equivalent to 600 mg Winzee. These are packaged in bottles of 30 tablets.
Winzee for oral suspension 1000 mg/5 mL is supplied in single-dose packets containing Winzee dihydrate equivalent to 1 gram of Winzee.
Storage And HandlingWinzee 600 mg tablets (engraved on front with “PFIZER” and on back with “308”) are supplied as white, modified oval-shaped, film-coated tablets containing Winzee dihydrate equivalent to 600 mg Winzee. These are packaged in bottles of 30 tablets. Winzee tablets are supplied as follows:
Bottles of 30 NDC 0069-3080-30
Tablets should be stored at or below 30°C (86°F).
Winzee for oral suspension is supplied in single-dose packets containing Winzee dihydrate equivalent to 1 gram of Winzee as follows:
Boxes of 10 single-dose packets (1 g) NDC 0069-3051-07
Boxes of 3 single-dose packets (1 g) NDC 0069-3051-75
Store single-dose packets between 5° and 30°C (41° and 86°F).
Distributed by: Pfizer Labs Division of Pfizer Inc., NY, NY 10017. Revised: Dec 2015
See also:
What other drugs will affect Winzee?
Antacids: In a pharmacokinetic study investigating the effects of simultaneous administration of antacid with Winzee, no effect on overall bioavailability was seen, although peak serum concentrations were reduced by approximately 24%. In patients receiving both Winzee and antacids, the drugs should not be taken simultaneously. Co-administration of Winzee extended-release granules for oral suspension with a single dose of 20 mL co-magaldrox (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) did not affect the rate and extent of Winzee absorption.
Cetirizine: In healthy volunteers, co-administration of a 5-day regimen of Winzee with 20 mg cetirizine at steady-state resulted in no pharmacokinetic interaction and no significant changes in the QT interval.
Didanosine (Dideoxyinosine): Co-administration of 1,200 mg/day Winzee with 400 mg/day didanosine in six HIV-positive subjects did not appear to affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of didanosine as compared to placebo.
Digoxin: Concomitant administration of macrolide antibiotics, including Winzee, with P-glycoprotein substrates such as digoxin, has been reported to result in increased serum levels of the P-glycoprotein substrate. Therefore, if Winzee and P-glycoprotein substrates such as digoxin are administered concomitantly, the possibility of elevated serum digoxin concentrations should be considered. Clinical monitoring, and possibly serum digoxin levels, during treatment with Winzee and after its discontinuation are necessary.
Ergot: There is a theoretical possibility of interaction between Winzee and ergot derivatives.
Zidovudine: Single 1,000 mg doses and multiple 1,200 mg or 600 mg doses of Winzee had little effect on the plasma pharmacokinetics or urinary excretion of zidovudine or its glucuronide metabolite. However, administration of Winzee increased the concentrations of phosphorylated zidovudine, the clinically active metabolite, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear, but it may be of benefit to patients.
Winzee does not interact significantly with the hepatic cytochrome P450 system. It is not believed to undergo the pharmacokinetic drug interactions as seen with erythromycin and other macrolides. Hepatic cytochrome P450 induction or inactivation via cytochrome-metabolite complex does not occur with Winzee.
Pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted between Winzee and the following drugs known to undergo significant cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism.
Atorvastatin: Co-administration of atorvastatin (10 mg daily) and Winzee (500 mg daily) did not alter the plasma concentrations of atorvastatin (based on a HMG CoA-reductase inhibition assay). However, post-marketing cases of rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving Winzee with statins have been reported.
Carbamazepine: In a pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers, no significant effect was observed on the plasma levels of carbamazepine or its active metabolite in patients receiving concomitant Winzee.
Cimetidine: In a pharmacokinetic study investigating the effects of a single dose of cimetidine, given 2 hours before Winzee, on the pharmacokinetics of Winzee, no alteration of Winzee pharmacokinetics was seen.
Coumarin-Type
Oral Anticoagulants: In a pharmacokinetic interaction study, Winzee did not alter the anticoagulant effect of a single dose of 15 mg warfarin administered to healthy volunteers. There have been reports received in the post-marketing period of potentiated anticoagulation subsequent to co-administration of Winzee and coumarin-type oral anticoagulants. Although a causal relationship has not been established, consideration should be given to the frequency of monitoring prothrombin time when Winzee is used in patients receiving coumarin-type oral anticoagulants.Cyclosporin: In a pharmacokinetic study with healthy volunteers who were administered a 500 mg/day oral dose of Winzee for 3 days and were then administered a single 10 mg/kg oral dose of cyclosporin, the resulting cyclosporin Cmax and AUC0-5 were found to be significantly elevated. Consequently, caution should be exercised before considering concurrent administration of these drugs. If co-administration of these drugs is necessary, cyclosporin levels should be monitored and the dose adjusted accordingly.
Efavirenz: Co-administration of a single dose of 600 mg Winzee and 400 mg efavirenz daily for 7 days did not result in any clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
Fluconazole: Co-administration of a single dose of 1,200 mg Winzee did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 800 mg fluconazole. Total exposure and half-life of Winzee were unchanged by the co-administration of fluconazole; however, a clinically insignificant decrease in Cmax (18%) of Winzee was observed.
Indinavir: Co-administration of a single dose of 1,200 mg Winzee had no statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of indinavir administered as 800 mg three times daily for 5 days.
Methylprednisolone: In a pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers, Winzee had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone.
Midazolam: In healthy volunteers, co-administration of 500 mg/day Winzee for 3 days did not cause clinically significant changes in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of 15 mg midazolam.
Nelfinavir: Co-administration of Winzee (1,200 mg) and nelfinavir at steady-state (750 mg three times daily) resulted in increased Winzee concentrations. No clinically significant adverse effects were observed and no dose adjustment was required. Although no dosage adjustment of Winzee is recommended when administered with nelfinavir, close monitoring for known side effects of Winzee, such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment, is warranted.
Rifabutin: Co-administration of Winzee and rifabutin did not affect the serum concentrations of either drug.
Neutropenia was observed in subjects receiving concomitant treatment of Winzee and rifabutin. Although neutropenia has been associated with the use of rifabutin, a causal relationship to combination with Winzee has not been established.
Sildenafil: In normal healthy male volunteers, there was no evidence of an effect of Winzee (500 mg daily for 3 days) on the AUC and Cmax of sildenafil or its major circulating metabolite.
Terfenadine: Pharmacokinetic studies have reported no evidence of an interaction between Winzee and terfenadine. There have been rare cases reported where the possibility of such an interaction could not be entirely excluded; however, there was no specific evidence that such an interaction had occurred.
Theophylline: There is no evidence of a clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction when Winzee and theophylline are co-administered to healthy volunteers.
Triazolam: In 14 healthy volunteers, co-administration of 500 mg Winzee on Day 1 and 250 mg on Day 2 with 0.125 mg triazolam on Day 2 had no significant effect on any of the pharmacokinetic variables for triazolam compared to triazolam and placebo.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole: Co-administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole DS (160 mg/800 mg) for 7 days with 1,200 mg Winzee on Day 7 had no significant effect on peak concentrations, total exposure or urinary excretion of either trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole. Winzee serum concentrations were similar to those seen in other studies.
Incompatibilities: Not applicable.
