DRAXXIN- tulathromycin injection, solution 
Pfizer Animal Health

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Draxxin®
(tulathromycin)
Injectable Solution

Antibiotic
100 mg of tulathromycin/mL

For subcutaneous injection in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle and intramuscular injection in swine only.

Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to be processed for veal.

CAUTION

Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DESCRIPTION

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is a ready-to-use sterile parenteral preparation containing tulathromycin, a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic of the subclass triamilide. Each mL of DRAXXIN contains 100 mg of tulathromycin as the free base in a 50% propylene glycol vehicle, monothioglycerol (5 mg/mL), with citric and hydrochloric acids added to adjust pH.

DRAXXIN consists of an equilibrated mixture of two isomeric forms of tulathromycin in a 9:1 ratio. Structures of the isomers are shown below.

Figure 1.

Chemical Structure

The chemical names of the isomers are (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-13-[[2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-Ο-methyl-4-C-[(propylamino) methyl]-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,8,10,12,14-hexamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]-oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one and (2S,3S,6R, 8R,9R,10S,11S,12R)-11-[[2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-Ο-methyl-4-C-[(propylamino)methyl]-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-2-[(1R,2R)-1,2-dihydroxy-1-methylbutyl]-8-hydroxy-3,6,8,10,12-pentamethyl-9-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-4-azacyclotridecan-13-one, respectively.

INDICATIONS

Beef and Non-lactating Dairy Cattle

BRD

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis; and for the control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis.

IBK

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) associated with Moraxella bovis.

Foot Rot

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of bovine foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii.

Swine

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae; and for the control of SRD associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in groups of pigs where SRD has been diagnosed.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Cattle

Inject subcutaneously as a single dose in the neck at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg (1.1 mL/100 lb) body weight (BW). Do not inject more than 10 mL per injection site.

Table 1. DRAXXIN Cattle Dosing Guide
Animal Weight
(Pounds)
Dose Volume
(mL)
 100 1.1
 200 2.3
 300 3.4
 400 4.5
 500 5.7
 600 6.8
 700 8.0
 800 9.1
 900 10.2
 1000 11.4

Swine

Inject intramuscularly as a single dose in the neck at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg (0.25 mL/22 lb) BW. Do not inject more than 2.5 mL per injection site.

Table 2. DRAXXIN Swine Dosing Guide
Animal Weight
(Pounds)
Dose Volume
(mL)
 15 0.2
 30 0.3
 50 0.6
 70 0.8
 90 1.0
 110 1.3
 130 1.5
 150 1.7
 170 1.9
 190 2.2
 210 2.4
 230 2.6
 250 2.8
 270 3.1
 290 3.3

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The use of DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to the drug.

WARNINGS

FOR USE IN ANIMALS ONLY.

NOT FOR HUMAN USE.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS.

RESIDUE WARNINGS

Cattle

Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 18 days from the last treatment. Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

Swine

Swine intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 5 days from the last treatment.

PRECAUTIONS

Cattle

The effects of DRAXXIN on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Subcutaneous injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

Swine

The effects of DRAXXIN on porcine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Intramuscular injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Cattle

In one BRD field study, two calves treated with DRAXXIN at 2.5 mg/kg BW exhibited transient hypersalivation. One of these calves also exhibited transient dyspnea, which may have been related to pneumonia.

Swine

In one field study, one out of 40 pigs treated with DRAXXIN at 2.5 mg/kg BW exhibited mild salivation that resolved in less than four hours.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

At physiological pH, tulathromycin (a weak base) is approximately 50 times more soluble in hydrophilic than hydrophobic media. This solubility profile is consistent with the extracellular pathogen activity typically associated with the macrolides.1 Markedly higher tulathromycin concentrations are observed in the lungs as compared to the plasma. The extent to which lung concentrations represent free (active) drug was not examined. Therefore, the clinical relevance of these elevated lung concentrations is undetermined.

Although the relationship between tulathromycin and the characteristics of its antimicrobial effects has not been characterized, as a class, macrolides tend to be primarily bacteriostatic, but may be bactericidal against some pathogens. 2 They also tend to exhibit concentration independent killing; the rate of bacterial eradication does not change once serum drug concentrations reach 2 to 3 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the targeted pathogen. Under these conditions, the time that serum concentrations remain above the MIC becomes the major determinant of antimicrobial activity. Macrolides also exhibit a post-antibiotic effect (PAE), the duration of which tends to be both drug and pathogen dependent. In general, by increasing the macrolide concentration and the exposure time, the PAE will increase to some maximal duration. Of the two variables, concentration and exposure time, drug concentration tends to be the most powerful determinant of the duration of PAE.

Tulathromycin is eliminated from the body primarily unchanged via biliary excretion.


1
Carbon, C. 1998. Pharmacodynamics of Macrolides, Azalides, and Streptogramins: Effect on Extracellular Pathogens. Clin. Infect. Dis., 27:28-32.
2
Nightingale, C.J. 1997. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Newer Macrolides. Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J., 16:438-443.

Cattle

Following subcutaneous administration into the neck of feeder calves at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg BW, tulathromycin is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed. Peak plasma concentrations generally occur within 15 minutes after dosing and product relative bioavailability exceeds 90%. Total systemic clearance is approximately 170 mL/hr/kg. Tulathromycin distributes extensively into body tissues, as evidenced by volume of distribution values of approximately 11 L/kg in healthy ruminating calves. 3 This extensive volume of distribution is largely responsible for the long elimination half-life of this compound [approximately 2.75 days in the plasma (based on quantifiable terminal plasma drug concentrations) versus 8.75 days for total lung concentrations (based on data from healthy animals)]. Linear pharmacokinetics are observed with subcutaneous doses ranging from 1.27 mg/kg BW to 5.0 mg/kg BW. No pharmacokinetic differences are observed in castrated male versus female calves.


3
Clearance and volume estimates are based on intersubject comparisons of 2.5 mg/kg BW administered by either subcutaneous or intravenous injection.

Swine

Following intramuscular administration to feeder pigs at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg BW, tulathromycin is completely and rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~0.25 hour). Subsequently, the drug rapidly distributes into body tissues, achieving a volume of distribution exceeding 15 L/kg. The free drug is rapidly cleared from the systemic circulation (CLsystemic = 187 mL/hr/kg). However, it has a long terminal elimination half-life (60 to 90 hours) owing to its extensive volume of distribution. Although pulmonary tulathromycin concentrations are substantially higher than concentrations observed in the plasma, the clinical significance of these findings is undetermined. There are no gender differences in swine tulathromycin pharmacokinetics.

MICROBIOLOGY

Cattle

Tulathromycin has demonstrated in vitro activity against Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis, four pathogens associated with BRD; against Moraxella bovis associated with IBK; and against Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii associated with bovine foot rot.

The MICs of tulathromycin against indicated BRD and IBK pathogens were determined using methods recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, M31-A2). The MICs against foot rot pathogens were also determined using methods recommended by the CLSI (M11-A6). All MIC values were determined using the 9:1 isomer ratio of this compound.

BRD

The MICs of tulathromycin were determined for BRD isolates obtained from calves enrolled in therapeutic and at-risk field studies in the U.S. in 1999. In the therapeutic studies, isolates were obtained from pre-treatment nasopharyngeal swabs from all study calves, and from lung swabs or lung tissue of saline-treated calves that died. In the at-risk studies, isolates were obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs of saline-treated non-responders, and from lung swabs or lung tissue of saline-treated calves that died. The results are shown in Table 3.

IBK

The MICs of tulathromycin were determined for Moraxella bovis isolates obtained from calves enrolled in IBK field studies in the U.S. in 2004. Isolates were obtained from pre-treatment conjunctival swabs of calves with clinical signs of IBK enrolled in the DRAXXIN and saline-treated groups. The results are shown in Table 3.

Foot Rot

The MICs of tulathromycin were determined for Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii obtained from cattle enrolled in foot rot field studies in the U.S. and Canada in 2007. Isolates were obtained from pre-treatment interdigital biopsies and swabs of cattle with clinical signs of foot rot enrolled in the DRAXXIN and saline-treated groups. The results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Tulathromycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values* for indicated pathogens isolated from field studies evaluating BRD and IBK in the U.S. and from foot rot field studies in the U.S. and Canada.
Indicated pathogen Date isolated No. of isolates MIC50 (μg/mL) MIC90 (μg/mL) MIC range (μg/mL)
*
The correlation between in vitro susceptibility data and clinical effectiveness is unknown.
The lowest MIC to encompass 50% and 90% of the most susceptible isolates, respectively.
 Mannheimia haemolytica 1999 642 2 2 0.5 to 64
 Pasteurella multocida 1999 221 0.5 1 0.25 to 64
 Histophilus somni 1999 36 4 4 1 to 4
 Mycoplasma bovis 1999 43 0.125 1 ≤ 0.063 to > 64
 Moraxella bovis 2004 55 0.5 0.5 0.25 to 1
 Fusobacterium necrophorum 2007 116 2 64 ≤ 0.25 to > 128
 Porphyromonas levii 2007 103 8 128 ≤ 0.25 to > 128

Swine

In vitro activity of tulathromycin has been demonstrated against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

The MICs of tulathromycin against indicated SRD pathogens were determined using methods recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, M31-A and M31-A3). MICs for Haemophilus parasuis were determined using Veterinary Fastidious Medium and were incubated up to 48 hours at 35 to 37°C in a CO2-enriched atmosphere. All MIC values were determined using the 9:1 isomer ratio of this compound. Isolates obtained in 2000 and 2002 were from lung samples from saline-treated pigs and non-treated sentinel pigs enrolled in Treatment of SRD field studies in the U.S. and Canada. Isolates obtained in 2007 and 2008 were from lung samples from saline-treated and DRAXXIN-treated pigs enrolled in the Control of SRD field study in the U.S. and Canada. The results are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Tulathromycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values* for indicated pathogens isolated from field studies evaluating SRD in the U.S. and Canada.
Indicated pathogen Date isolated No. of isolates MIC50 (μg/mL) MIC90 (μg/mL) MIC range (μg/mL)
*
The correlation between in vitro susceptibility data and clinical effectiveness is unknown.
The lowest MIC to encompass 50% and 90% of the most susceptible isolates, respectively.
 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae 2000-2002
2007-2008
 135
88
 16
16
 32
16
 16 to 32
4 to 32
 Haemophilus parasuis 2000-2002 31 1 2 0.25 to > 64
 Pasteurella multocida 2000-2002
2007-2008
 55
40
 1
1
 2
2
 0.5 to > 64
≤ 0.03 to 2
 Bordetella bronchiseptica 2000-2002 42 4 8 2 to 8

EFFECTIVENESS

Cattle

BRD

In a multi-location field study, 314 calves with naturally occurring BRD were treated with DRAXXIN. Responses to treatment were compared to saline-treated controls. A cure was defined as a calf with normal attitude/activity, normal respiration, and a rectal temperature of ≤ 104°F on Day 14. The cure rate was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in DRAXXIN-treated calves (78%) compared to saline-treated calves (24%). There were two BRD-related deaths in the DRAXXIN-treated calves compared to nine BRD-related deaths in the saline-treated calves.

Fifty-two DRAXXIN-treated calves and 27 saline-treated calves from the multi-location field BRD treatment study had Mycoplasma bovis identified in cultures from pre-treatment nasopharyngeal swabs. Of the 52 DRAXXIN-treated calves, 37 (71.2%) calves were categorized as cures and 15 (28.8%) calves were categorized as treatment failures. Of the 27 saline-treated calves, 4 (14.8%) calves were categorized as cures and 23 (85.2%) calves were treatment failures.

In another multi-location field study with 399 calves at high risk of developing BRD, administration of DRAXXIN resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of BRD (11%) compared to saline-treated calves (59%). Effectiveness evaluation was based on scored clinical signs of normal attitude/activity, normal respiration, and a rectal temperature of ≤ 104°F on Day 14. There were no BRD-related deaths in the DRAXXIN-treated calves compared to two BRD-related deaths in the saline-treated calves. Fifty saline-treated calves classified as non-responders in this study had Mycoplasma bovis identified in cultures of post-treatment nasopharyngeal swabs or lung tissue.

Two induced infection model studies were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of DRAXXIN against Mycoplasma bovis. A total of 166 calves were inoculated intratracheally with field strains of Mycoplasma bovis. When calves became pyrexic and had abnormal respiration scores, they were treated with either DRAXXIN (2.5 mg/kg BW) subcutaneously or an equivalent volume of saline. Calves were observed for signs of BRD for 14 days post-treatment, then were euthanized and necropsied. In both studies, mean lung lesion percentages were statistically significantly lower in the DRAXXIN-treated calves compared with saline-treated calves (11.3% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.0001 and 15.0% vs. 30.7%, P < 0.0001).

IBK

Two field studies were conducted evaluating DRAXXIN for the treatment of IBK associated with Moraxella bovis in 200 naturally-infected calves. The primary clinical endpoint of these studies was cure rate, defined as a calf with no clinical signs of IBK and no corneal ulcer, assessed on Days 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21. Time to improvement, defined as the first day on which a calf had no clinical signs of IBK in both eyes, provided that those scores were maintained at the next day of observation, was assessed as a secondary variable. At all time points, in both studies, the cure rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for DRAXXIN-treated calves compared to saline-treated calves. Additionally, time to improvement was significantly less (P < 0.0001) in both studies for DRAXXIN-treated calves compared to saline-treated calves.

Foot Rot

The effectiveness of DRAXXIN for the treatment of bovine foot rot was evaluated in 170 cattle in two field studies. Cattle diagnosed with bovine foot rot were enrolled and treated with a single subcutaneous dose of DRAXXIN (2.5 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of saline. Cattle were clinically evaluated 7 days after treatment for treatment success, which was based on defined decreases in lesion, swelling, and lameness scores. In both studies, the treatment success percentage was statistically significantly higher in DRAXXIN-treated calves compared with saline-treated calves (60% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001 and 83.3% vs. 50%, P = 0.0088).

Swine

In a multi-location field study to evaluate the treatment of naturally occurring SRD, 266 pigs were treated with DRAXXIN. Responses to treatment were compared to saline-treated controls. Success was defined as a pig with normal attitude, normal respiration, and rectal temperature of < 104°F on Day 7. The treatment success rate was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DRAXXIN-treated pigs (70.5%) compared to saline-treated pigs (46.1%). M. hyopneumoniae was isolated from 106 saline-treated and non-treated sentinel pigs in this study.

Two induced infection model studies were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of DRAXXIN against M. hyopneumoniae. Ten days after inoculation intranasally and intratracheally with a field strain of M. hyopneumoniae, 144 pigs were treated with either DRAXXIN (2.5 mg/kg BW) intramuscularly or an equivalent volume of saline. Pigs were euthanized and necropsied 10 days post-treatment. The mean percentage of gross pneumonic lung lesions was statistically significantly lower (P < 0.0001) for DRAXXIN-treated pigs than for saline-treated pigs in both studies (8.52% vs. 23.62% and 11.31% vs. 26.42%).

The effectiveness of DRAXXIN for the control of SRD was evaluated in a multi-location natural infection field study. When at least 15% of the study candidates showed clinical signs of SRD, all pigs were enrolled and treated with DRAXXIN (226 pigs) or saline (227 pigs). Responses to treatment were evaluated on Day 7. Success was defined as a pig with normal attitude, normal respiration, and rectal temperature of < 104°F. The treatment success rate was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in DRAXXIN-treated pigs compared to saline-treated pigs (59.2% vs. 41.2%).

ANIMAL SAFETY

Cattle

Safety studies were conducted in feeder calves receiving a single subcutaneous dose of 25 mg/kg BW, or 3 weekly subcutaneous doses of 2.5, 7.5, or 12.5 mg/kg BW. In all groups, transient indications of pain after injection were seen, including head shaking and pawing at the ground. Injection site swelling, discoloration of the subcutaneous tissues at the injection site and corresponding histopathologic changes were seen in animals in all dosage groups. These lesions showed signs of resolving over time. No other drug-related lesions were observed macroscopically or microscopically.

An exploratory study was conducted in feeder calves receiving a single subcutaneous dose of 10, 12.5, or 15 mg/kg BW. Macroscopically, no lesions were observed. Microscopically, minimal to mild myocardial degeneration was seen in one of six calves administered 12.5 mg/kg BW and two of six calves administered 15 mg/kg BW.

A safety study was conducted in calves 13 to 27 days of age receiving 2.5 mg/kg BW or 7.5 mg/kg BW once subcutaneously. With the exception of minimal to mild injection site reactions, no drug-related clinical signs or other lesions were observed macroscopically or microscopically.

Swine

Safety studies were conducted in pigs receiving a single intramuscular dose of 25 mg/kg BW, or 3 weekly intramuscular doses of 2.5, 7.5, or 12.5 mg/kg BW. In all groups, transient indications of pain after injection were seen, including restlessness and excessive vocalization. Tremors occurred briefly in one animal receiving 7.5 mg/kg BW. Discoloration and edema of injection site tissues and corresponding histopathologic changes were seen in animals at all dosages and resolved over time. No other drug-related lesions were observed macroscopically or microscopically.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store at or below 25°C (77°F)

HOW SUPPLIED

DRAXXIN Injectable Solution is available in the following package sizes:

  •  50 mL vial
  •  100 mL vial
  •  250 mL vial
  •  500 mL vial

U.S. Patents: See US 6,329,345; US 6,420,536; US 6,514,945; US 6,583,274; US 6,777,393

NADA 141-244, Approved by FDA

Distributed by:
Pfizer Animal Health
Div. of Pfizer Inc, NY, NY 10017

To report a suspected adverse reaction call 1-800-366-5288

To request a material safety data sheet call 1-800-733-5500

For additional DRAXXIN product information call:
1-888-DRAXXIN
or go to
www.DRAXXIN.com

Take Time Graphic

Made in France

June 2009
87 1205 3

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100 mL Vial Label

Draxxin®
(tulathromycin)
Injectable Solution

Antibiotic

100 mg of tulathromycin/mL

For use in beef cattle, non-lactating dairy
cattle, and swine. Not for use in female dairy
cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to
be processed for veal.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this
drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
veterinarian.

Net Contents: 100 mL

NADA 141-244, Approved by FDA

Pfizer

Principal Display Panel - 100 mL Vial Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100 mL Vial Carton

Draxxin®
(tulathromycin)
Injectable Solution

Antibiotic

100 mg of tulathromycin/mL

For subcutaneous injection in beef and
non-lactating dairy cattle and intramuscular
injection in swine only.
Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months
of age or older or in calves to be processed
for veal.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts
this drug to use by or on the order of
a licensed veterinarian.

Net Contents: 100 mL

NADA 141-244, Approved by FDA

Pfizer

Principal Display Panel - 100 mL Vial Carton
DRAXXIN 
tulathromycin injection, solution
Product Information
Product TypePRESCRIPTION ANIMAL DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:61106-8174
Route of AdministrationINTRAMUSCULAR, SUBCUTANEOUSDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
TULATHROMYCIN (UNII: Q839I13422) (TULATHROMYCIN - UNII:Q839I13422) TULATHROMYCIN100 mg  in 1 mL
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:61106-8174-1100 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS
2NDC:61106-8174-2250 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS
3NDC:61106-8174-3500 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS
4NDC:61106-8174-450 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NADANADA14124405/24/200507/01/2015
Labeler - Pfizer Animal Health (039055157)

Revised: 10/2015
 
Pfizer Animal Health