AZLIN
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for AZLIN (AZLIN).
Azlin is a penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis.
| Metabolism | Minimally metabolized; primarily excreted unchanged in urine via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. |
| Excretion | Renal excretion of unchanged drug (approximately 60-70% via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); biliary/fecal excretion accounts for <10%. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 1.0–1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 3–5 hours in moderate renal impairment (CrCl 10–50 mL/min) and up to 10 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min). |
| Protein binding | Approximately 30–40%, primarily to albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2–0.3 L/kg, indicating distribution mainly in extracellular fluid; higher in neonates (0.4 L/kg) and critically ill patients with increased capillary permeability. |
| Bioavailability | Not orally bioavailable; administered intravenously (100% bioavailability by IV route). |
| Onset of Action | Immediate (within minutes) after intravenous administration; no oral absorption. |
| Duration of Action | Duration of antimicrobial effect is 4–6 hours after IV administration, corresponding to time above MIC; continuous infusion may be used to optimize exposure. |
1-2 grams intravenously every 4-6 hours; total daily dose up to 12 grams for serious infections.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-49 mL/min: 1-2 grams every 6-8 hours. GFR 10-29 mL/min: 1-2 grams every 8-12 hours. GFR <10 mL/min: 1-2 grams every 12 hours. Hemodialysis: 2 grams after dialysis. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment recommended for Child-Pugh A or B. Child-Pugh C: use with caution, monitor liver function; dose reduction not formally established. |
| Pediatric use | Neonates: 50 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours if <7 days old, every 8 hours if 7-28 days old. Infants and children: 50-75 mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours, maximum 12 g/day. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly patients may require lower doses due to decreased renal function; base dose on creatinine clearance. Monitor for nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for AZLIN (AZLIN).
| Breastfeeding | Excretion into human milk unknown; caution advised. M/P ratio not established. Consider developmental benefits of breastfeeding vs potential adverse effects. |
| Teratogenic Risk | No well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects. Risk cannot be ruled out; use only if clearly needed. First trimester: minimal data; avoid unless essential. Second/third trimesters: no known fetal harm. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including Azlin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, or beta-lactam antibiotics. Also contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with Azlin.
| Precautions | Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, history of seizures, or electrolyte imbalances. Monitor renal function and electrolyte levels during therapy. |
| Food/Dietary | No specific food interactions. However, alcohol should be avoided due to potential increased gastrointestinal and CNS side effects. Take with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. |
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| Monitor maternal renal function, hepatic function, and complete blood count. Fetal monitoring not specifically required but standard obstetric care recommended. |
| Fertility Effects | No human data on fertility. Animal studies show no impairment of fertility at doses up to 2.5 times human dose. |
| Clinical Pearls | Azlocillin is a ureidopenicillin with enhanced activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Monitor renal function and adjust dose in renal impairment. Administer intravenously due to poor oral bioavailability. Check for cross-allergy in penicillin-allergic patients. |
| Patient Advice | Take azlocillin exactly as prescribed; complete the full course even if you feel better. · Report any signs of allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing) immediately. · May cause diarrhea; notify your doctor if severe or persistent. · Do not skip doses; if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is near the next dose. · Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase side effects. |