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KOVANAZE
(tetracaine HCl and oxymetazoline HCl) Nasal Spray
KOVANAZE (tetracaine HCl and oxymetazoline HCl) Nasal Spray is a clear aqueous solution in a pre-filled, single-dose intranasal sprayer. The solution pH is 6.0 ± 1.0. The product contains two active ingredients: 30 mg/mL tetracaine HCl (equivalent to 26.4 mg/mL tetracaine) and 0.5 mg/mL oxymetazoline hydrochloride (equivalent to 0.44 mg/mL oxymetazoline). Each spray delivers 0.2 mL of solution containing 6 mg tetracaine hydrochloride (equivalent to 5.27 mg tetracaine) and 0.1 mg of oxymetazoline hydrochloride (equivalent to 0.088 mg oxymetazoline). The product also contains citric acid, sodium citrate, hydroxyethylcellulose, benzyl alcohol, and water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid are added for pH adjustment as needed. Tetracaine hydrochloride is an ester local anesthetic. Chemically it is 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4- (butylamino)benzoate hydrochloride. Its molecular weight is 300.8 for the hydrochloride salt and 264.4 for the free base. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in ethanol. Its structural formula is:
 |
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is a vasoconstrictor. Chemically it is 3-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]- 6-(1,1,-dimethylethyl)-2,4-dimethylphenol mono-hydrochloride. Its molecular weight is 296.8 for the hydrochloride salt and 260.4 for the free base. It is freely soluble in water and ethanol and has a partition coefficient of 0.1 in octanol/water. Its structural formula is:
 |
KOVANAZE™ is indicated for regional anesthesia when performing a restorative procedure on Teeth 4-13 and A-J in adults and children who weigh 40 kg or more.
| Age Group | Dose |
| Adults (≥ 18 years old) |
|
| Children who weigh 40 kg or more |
|
Nasal spray in pre-filled, single-dose sprayer: 6 mg tetracaine HCl and 0.1 mg oxymetazoline HCl (equivalent to 5.27 mg tetracaine and 0.088 mg oxymetazoline) in each 0.2 mL spray.
KOVANAZE Nasal Spray is supplied as pre-filled, single-use sprayers containing a clear aqueous solution of 30 mg/mL of tetracaine hydrochloride (equivalent to 26.4 mg/mL tetracaine) and 0.5 mg/mL of oxymetazoline hydrochloride (equivalent to 0.44 mg/mL oxymetazoline). Each sprayer delivers 0.2 mL.
The product is available as:
NDC 69803-100-10: Box of 30 sprayers
Store between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F); excursions permitted between 0° and 15°C (32° and 59°F) [see USP controlled cold temperature].
Discard any unused solution. DO NOT use if drug is left out at room temperature for more than 5 days.
Manufactured for: St. Renatus, LLC, Fort Collins, CO 80526, KOVANAZE is a trademark of St. Renatus, LLC. Revised: Nov 2018
The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
The adverse reactions information described below is from Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies]. These data reflect exposure to KOVANAZE in 154 adult dental patients and 20 pediatric dental patients (aged 7 to 17 years) with a need for an operative restorative dental procedure requiring local anesthesia for a single vital maxillary tooth (other than a maxillary first, second, or third molar) with no evidence of pulpal pathology. [see Clinical Studies].
The most common adverse reactions to occur in Phase 3 trials with KOVANAZE in adult dental patients and pediatric dental patients weighing 40 kg or more were rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal discomfort, oropharyngeal pain, and lacrimation increased [Table 1].
No serious adverse events with KOVANAZE have occurred [see Clinical Studies].
Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions in ≥ 2%
of Phase 3 Adult Dental Patients and Pediatric Patients Weighing 40 kg or More
| SOC / Preferred Term | KOVANAZE (N=174) |
Active Comparator* (N=54) |
Placebo (N=88) |
| Respiratory System Disorders | 141 (81%) | 50 (93%) | 18 (21%) |
| Rhinorrhea (runny nose) | 91 (52%) | 20 (37%) | 3 (3%) |
| Nasal congestion | 56 (32%) | 34 (63%) | 6 (7%) |
| Nasal discomfort | 45 (26%) | 7 (13%) | 5 (6%) |
| Oropharyngeal pain (sore throat) | 25 (14%) | 5 (9%) | 0 (0%) |
| Intranasal hypoesthesia | 18 (10%) | 8 (15%) | 5 (6%) |
| Pharyngeal hypoesthesia (numb throat) | 17 (10%) | 10 (19%) | 0 (0%) |
| Throat Irritation | 15 (9%) | 1 (2%) | 0 (0%) |
| Rhinalgia | 10 (6%) | 3 (6%) | 2 (2%) |
| Sneezing | 7 (4%) | 2 (4%) | 1 (1%) |
| Epistaxis | 4 (2%) | 2 (4%) | 0 (0%) |
| Nasal Dryness | 4 (2%) | 0 (0%) | 1 (1%) |
| Nervous System Disorders | 39 (22%) | 5 (9%) | 6 (7%) |
| Headache | 18 (10%) | 3 (6%) | 4 (5%) |
| Dysgeusia | 14 (8%) | 1 (2%) | 1 (1%) |
| Sinus headache | 5 (3%) | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) |
| Dizziness | 5 (3%) | 0 (0%) | 1 (1%) |
| Sensory Disturbance | 4 (2%) | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) |
| Eye Disorders | 29 (17%) | 8 (15%) | 4 (5%) |
| Lacrimation increased (watery eye) | 23 (13%) | 6 (11%) | 4 (5%) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | 16 (9%) | 5 (9%) | 3 (3%) |
| Oral Discomfort | 4 (2%) | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) |
| Investigations | 12 (7%) | 0 (0%) | 4 (5%) |
| BP systolic increased | 8 (5%) | 0 (0%) | 2 (2%) |
| BP diastolic increased | 6 (3%) | 0 (0%) | 1 (1%) |
| Cardiac Disorders | 8 (5%) | 5 (9%) | 1 (1%) |
| Bradycardia | 5 (3%) | 3 (6%) | 1 (1%) |
| Vascular Disorders | 6 (3%) | 2 (4%) | 1 (1%) |
| Hypertension | 5 (3%) | 1 (2%) | 1 (1%) |
| * Active Comparator was tetracaine only spray used in two clinical studies in adults. | |||
Intranasal ulcerations, some of which were transient, were noted to have occurred following treatment with KOVANAZE. In Phase 3 trials, 6 (3%) patients who received KOVANAZE, but no patients who received placebo, developed nasal ulcers that were present on exam the same day as KOVANAZE dosing. Three (2%) KOVANAZE and 2 (2%) placebo-treated patients without nasal ulcerations on the day of KOVANAZE or placebo dosing were observed to have nasal ulcerations at the next day follow-up visit.
Dysphagia (i.e., the sensation of difficult swallowing) is a notable adverse reaction reported in Phase 3 trials, occurring in 1.15% of patients.
For medical advice about adverse reactions, contact your medical professional. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact St. Renatus, LLC at 1-800-865-4925 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch/.
Patients who are administered local anesthetics may be at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:
Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia:
| Class | Examples |
| Nitrates/Nitrites | nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide |
| Local anesthetics | articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine |
| Antineoplastic agents | cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase |
| Antibiotics | dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamides |
| Antimalarials | chloroquine, primaquine |
| Anticonvulsants | phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate, |
| Other drugs | acetaminophen, metoclopramide, quinine, sulfasalazine |
Use of KOVANAZE in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), nonselective beta adrenergic antagonists, or tricyclic antidepressants may cause hypertension and is not recommended. Alternative anesthetic agents should be chosen for patients who cannot discontinue use of MAOIs, nonselective beta adrenergic antagonists, or tricyclic antidepressants.
Concomitant use with other oxymetazoline-containing products (such as Afrin®) has not been adequately studied. Use of KOVANAZE with other products containing oxymetazoline may increase risk of hypertension, bradycardia, and other adverse events associated with oxymetazoline. Discontinue use 24 hours prior to administration of KOVANAZE.
Oxymetazoline has been known to slow the rate, but not affect the extent of absorption of concomitantly administered intranasal products. Do not administer other intranasal products with KOVANAZE.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
KOVANAZE has not been studied in Phase 3 trials in adult dental patients with blood pressure greater than 150/100 or in those with inadequately controlled active thyroid disease. KOVANAZE has been shown to increase blood pressure in some patients in clinical trials. Monitor patients for increased blood pressure. Use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or inadequately controlled active thyroid disease of any type is not advised [see Clinical Studies].
In clinical trials, epistaxis occurred more frequently with KOVANAZE than placebo. Either do not use KOVANAZE in patients with a history of frequent nose bleeds ( ≥ 5 per month) or monitor patients with frequent nose bleeds more carefully if KOVANAZE is used. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In clinical trials, dysphagia occurred more frequently with KOVANAZE than placebo. Carefully monitor patients for this adverse reaction.
Tetracaine may cause methemoglobinemia (metHB), particularly in conjunction with methemoglobin-inducing agents. Based on the literature, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia are more susceptible to drug-induced methemoglobinemia. Use of KOVANAZE in patients with a history of congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia is not advised.
Patients taking concomitant drugs associated with drug-induced methemoglobinemia, such as sulfonamides, acetaminophen, acetanilide, aniline dyes, benzocaine, chloroquine, dapsone, naphthalene, nitrates and nitrites, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, pamaquine, p-aminosalicylic acid, phenacetin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine, and quinine, may be at greater risk for developing methemoglobinemia.
Initial signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia (which may be delayed for up to several hours following exposure) are characterized by a slate grey cyanosis seen in, e.g., buccal mucous membranes, lips and nail beds. In severe cases, symptoms may include central cyanosis, headache, lethargy, dizziness, fatigue, syncope, dyspnea, CNS depression, seizures, dysrythmia and shock. Methemoglobinemia should be considered if central cyanosis unresponsive to oxygen therapy occurs, especially if metHb-inducing agents have been used. Calculated oxygen saturation and pulse oximetry are inaccurate in the identification of methemoglobinemia. Confirm diagnosis by measuring methemoglobin level with co-oximetry. Normally, metHb levels are < 1%, and cyanosis may not be evident until a level of at least 10% is present.
Treat clinically significant symptoms of methemoglobinemia with a standard clinical regimen such as a slow intravenous infusion of methylene blue at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg given over a 5 minute period.
Allergic or anaphylactic reactions have been associated with tetracaine, and may occur with other components of KOVANAZE. They are characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek emergency help immediately.
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of tetracaine or oxymetazoline.
Tetracaine base was negative in the in vitro Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. In the in vitro chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, tetracaine base was negative in the absence of metabolic activation, and equivocal in the presence of metabolic activation. No studies have been conducted to evaluate the mutagenic potential of oxymetazoline.
Male and female rats were given subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl alone at 0.1 mg/kg/day, tetracaine HCl alone at 7.5 mg/kg/day, or the combination of oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl prior to and during mating. Oxymetazoline HCl at ≥ 0.03 mg/kg/day reduced the percentage of motile sperm and sperm counts at 2 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE. There were no effects on male mating behavior at any dose tested. The no-effect level for sperm effects was 0.01 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE).
In female rats, a reduction in the number of viable embryos was observed at oxymetazoline AUC exposures equivalent to 0.7 times the MRHD and higher, given alone or in combination with tetracaine HCl. Reduced numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites were observed at 7.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD in animals given oxymetazoline HCl alone or in combination with tetracaine HCl. These effects were attributed to oxymetazoline HCl because similar effects were not observed in rats given tetracaine HCl alone. A no-effect level for fertility in female rats was not established in this study.
No effects on male or female fertility were attributed to tetracaine HCl at 7.5 mg/kg/day (28 and 33 times the AUC exposure for males and females, respectively, as measured by PBBA [major tetracaine metabolite] at the MRHD of KOVANAZE).
Limited published data on tetracaine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform any risks. Published epidemiologic studies of nasal oxymetazoline used as a decongestant during pregnancy do not identify a consistent association with any specific malformation or pattern of malformations [see Data]. In animal reproduction and development studies, oxymetazoline given subcutaneously to rats during the period of organogenesis caused structural abnormalities at a dose approximately 7.6 times the exposure of oxymetazoline HCl at the 0.3 mg maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of KOVANAZE. In a pre-and post-natal development study, oxymetazoline given subcutaneously to rats caused embryo-fetal toxicity manifested by reduced implantation sites and live litter sizes at approximately 1.5 times the MRHD and increased pup mortality at 6 times the MRHD. No adverse developmental effects were observed following subcutaneous administration of tetracaine HCl only to rats and rabbits during organogenesis at 32 and 6 times, respectively, the estimated exposure of tetracaine HCl at the 18 mg MRHD of KOVANAZE [see Data].
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 and to 20%, respectively.
Human Data
Published epidemiologic studies of nasal oxymetazoline used as a decongestant during pregnancy do not identify a consistent association with any specific malformation or pattern of malformations. These data are limited by the small number of cases exposed, multiple comparisons which may have resulted in chance findings, and analyses based on decongestants as a group.
Animal Data
In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats were administered subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl only at 0.1 mg/kg, tetracaine HCl only at 7.5 mg/kg, or oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day in combination with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl during the period of organogenesis (Gestational Days [GD] 7-17). Oxymetazoline HCl treatment at 0.1 mg/kg/day (7.6 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of KOVANAZE [3 mg oxymetazoline HCl and 18 mg tetracaine HCl]) caused reduced fetal weight and structural abnormalities including external and skeletal malformations (e.g., short forelimb digits, fused arches in thoracic vertebrae, fused ribs, and irregular number of ribs), and variations (e.g., irregularly shaped arches and increased bifid centra in thoracic vertebrae, and unossified forelimb phalanx) in the presence of maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption, body weight gain, and absolute body weight); however, the structural abnormality findings cannot be clearly attributed to the maternal toxicity. Adverse developmental effects were not observed when pregnant rats were co-administered the same dose of oxymetazoline HCl in combination with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl, or with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl alone. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal effects was 0.03 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline HCl (1.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) and 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl (30 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA [major tetracaine metabolite] at the MRHD).
In other embryo-fetal development studies, tetracaine base alone administered subcutaneously did not cause structural abnormalities in rats at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 6.1 times the MRHD level of 18 mg tetracaine HCl by body surface area (BSA) comparison) or in rabbits at subcutaneous doses up to 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 6.1 times the MRHD level by BSA comparison).
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant rats were given subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl only at 0.1 mg/kg/day, tetracaine HCl only at 7.5 mg/kg/day, and oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day in combination with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl from GD 7 to Lactation Day [LD] 20 (corresponding to the beginning of organogenesis through parturition and subsequent pup weaning). Oxymetazoline HCl treatment decreased the mean number of implant sites/litter at ≥ 0.03 mg/kg ( ≥ 1.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) when administered with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl (approximately 9%) and without tetracaine HCl (5.5%), which resulted in a reduction in live litter sizes in these groups. At the end of the lactation period, fetal body weights were significantly decreased at 0.1 mg/kg oxymetazoline HCl (6 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) when administered alone (19%) and co-administered with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl (11%). In addition, a decrease in pup survival was observed at the 0.1/7.5 mg/kg oxymetazoline HCl/tetracaine HCl dose (91.9%) compared to the control (99.6%), but no effects in any other groups. Maternal toxicity (e.g., mortality and reduced body weight gain, absolute body weight and food consumption) occurred in groups administered 0.1 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline HCl; however, the adverse developmental findings observed at this dose cannot clearly be attributed to the maternal toxicity. There were no adverse effects on sexual maturation, neurobehavioral, or reproductive function in the offspring at any maternal dose. The no-effect level for oxymetazoline HCl for maternal reproduction was 0.01 mg/kg/day (0.5 times oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) and for pup growth and development was 0.03 mg/kg/day (1.5 times oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD). The no-effect level for tetracaine HCl for maternal reproduction and pup growth and development was 7.5 mg/kg/day (12 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA at the MRHD).
There are no data on the presence of tetracaine, oxymetazoline, or their metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Detectable levels of oxymetazoline, tetracaine and the major metabolite of tetracaine, p-butylaminobenzoic acid (PBBA), were found in the milk of lactating rats following subcutaneous administration of oxymetazoline HCl in combination with tetracaine HCl during the period of organogenesis through parturition and subsequent pup weaning [see Data]. Due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KOVANAZE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KOVANAZE or from the underlying maternal condition.
In a pre-and post-natal development study, rats were given oxymetazoline HCl subcutaneously at doses of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.6, 1.5, and 7.6 times, respectively, the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD ) in combination with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl (12 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA at the MRHD) from Gestational Day [GD] 7 to Lactation Day [LD] 20. Concentrations of oxymetazoline, tetracaine, and PBBA were measured in the milk of lactating rats at approximately 2 hours postdose on LD 15. The concentrations of oxymetazoline were generally dose dependent (2.5, 7.0, and 33.8 ng/mL at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day, respectively). The concentrations of tetracaine and PBBA were generally similar across all 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl dosing groups regardless of the presence of oxymetazoline (54.2 – 72.9 ng/mL for tetracaine, and 100.5 – 131.2 ng/mL for PBBA).
No information is available on fertility effects in humans.
Females
Based on animal data, KOVANAZE may reduce fertility in females of reproductive potential. In female rats, decreased fertility noted as a decrease in litter size occurred at 0.7 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE. It is not known if the effects on fertility are reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Males
Based on animal data, KOVANAZE may reduce male fertility. In male rats, decreased sperm motility and sperm concentration occurred at approximately 2 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
KOVANAZE has not been studied in pediatric patients under 3 years of age and is not advised for use in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg because efficacy has not been demonstrated in these patients [see Study in Children].
Clinical studies of KOVANAZE did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Monitor geriatric patients for signs of local anesthetic toxicity, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Of note, comparisons of KOVANAZE safety and efficacy results were generally similar among dental patients who were > 50 years old (n=66) and ≤ 50 years old (n=148). However, a trend toward a higher incidence of notable increases in systolic blood pressure was observed in dental patients > 50 years of age compared with patients ≤ 50 years of age (16.6% vs 1.4, respectively) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. These increases in blood pressure measurements were generally asymptomatic and transient in nature, and all spontaneously resolved without the need for medical intervention [see Clinical Studies].
Because of an inability to metabolize local anesthetics, those patients with severe hepatic disease may be at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of tetracaine. Monitor patients with hepatic disease for signs of local anesthetic toxicity.
Because of an inability to metabolize local anesthetics, those patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency may be at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of tetracaine. Monitor patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency for signs of local anesthetic toxicity.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.
Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and/or abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue KOVANAZE and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. A more severe clinical presentation may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.
KOVANAZE has not been studied in Phase 3 trials in adult dental patients with blood pressure greater than 150/100 or in those with inadequately controlled active thyroid disease. KOVANAZE has been shown to increase blood pressure in some patients in clinical trials. Monitor patients for increased blood pressure. Use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or inadequately controlled active thyroid disease of any type is not advised [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In clinical trials, epistaxis occurred more frequently with KOVANAZE than placebo. Either do not use KOVANAZE in patients with a history of frequent nose bleeds (≥ 5 per month) or monitor patients with frequent nose bleeds more carefully if KOVANAZE is used. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In clinical trials, dysphagia occurred more frequently with KOVANAZE than placebo. Carefully monitor patients for this adverse reaction.
Allergic or anaphylactic reactions have been associated with tetracaine, and may occur with other components of KOVANAZE. They are characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek emergency help immediately.
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of tetracaine or oxymetazoline.
Tetracaine base was negative in the in vitro Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. In the in vitro chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, tetracaine base was negative in the absence of metabolic activation, and equivocal in the presence of metabolic activation. Â No studies have been conducted to evaluate the mutagenic potential of oxymetazoline.
Male and female rats were given subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl alone at 0.1 mg/kg/day, tetracaine HCl alone at 7.5 mg/kg/day, or the combination of oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl prior to and during mating. Oxymetazoline HCl at ≥ 0.03 mg/kg/day reduced the percentage of motile sperm and sperm counts at 2 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE. There were no effects on male mating behavior at any dose tested. The no-effect level for sperm effects was 0.01 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE).
In female rats, a reduction in the number of viable embryos was observed at oxymetazoline AUC exposures equivalent to 0.7 times the MRHD and higher, given alone or in combination with tetracaine HCl. Reduced numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites were observed at 7.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD in animals given oxymetazoline HCl alone or in combination with tetracaine HCl. These effects were attributed to oxymetazoline HCl because similar effects were not observed in rats given tetracaine HCl alone. A no-effect level for fertility in female rats was not established in this study.
No effects on male or female fertility were attributed to tetracaine HCl at 7.5 mg/kg/day (28 and 33 times the AUC exposure for males and females, respectively, as measured by PBBA [major tetracaine metabolite] at the MRHD of KOVANAZE).
Limited published data on tetracaine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform any risks. Published epidemiologic studies of nasal oxymetazoline used as a decongestant during pregnancy do not identify a consistent association with any specific malformation or pattern of malformations [see Data]. In animal reproduction and development studies, oxymetazoline given subcutaneously to rats during the period of organogenesis caused structural abnormalities at a dose approximately 7.6 times the exposure of oxymetazoline HCl at the 0.3 mg maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of KOVANAZE. In a pre- and post-natal development study, oxymetazoline given subcutaneously to rats caused embryo-fetal toxicity manifested by reduced implantation sites and live litter sizes at approximately 1.5 times the MRHD and increased pup mortality at 6 times the MRHD. No adverse developmental effects were observed following subcutaneous administration of tetracaine HCl only to rats and rabbits during organogenesis at 32 and 6 times, respectively, the estimated exposure of tetracaine HCl at the 18 mg MRHD of KOVANAZE [see Data].
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 and to 20%, respectively.
Human Data
Published epidemiologic studies of nasal oxymetazoline used as a decongestant during pregnancy do not identify a consistent association with any specific malformation or pattern of malformations. These data are limited by the small number of cases exposed, multiple comparisons which may have resulted in chance findings, and analyses based on decongestants as a group.
Animal Data
In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats were administered subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl only at 0.1 mg/kg, tetracaine HCl only at 7.5 mg/kg, or oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day in combination with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl during the period of organogenesis (Gestational Days [GD] 7-17). Oxymetazoline HCl treatment at 0.1 mg/kg/day (7.6 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of KOVANAZE [3 mg oxymetazoline HCl and 18 mg tetracaine HCl]) caused reduced fetal weight and structural abnormalities including external and skeletal malformations (e.g., short forelimb digits, fused arches in thoracic vertebrae, fused ribs, and irregular number of ribs), and variations (e.g., irregularly shaped arches and increased bifid centra in thoracic vertebrae, and unossified forelimb phalanx) in the presence of maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption, body weight gain, and absolute body weight); however, the structural abnormality findings cannot be clearly attributed to the maternal toxicity. Adverse developmental effects were not observed when pregnant rats were co-administered the same dose of oxymetazoline HCl in combination with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl, or with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl alone. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal effects was 0.03 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline HCl (1.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) and 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl (30 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA [major tetracaine metabolite] at the MRHD).
In other embryo-fetal development studies, tetracaine base alone administered subcutaneously did not cause structural abnormalities in rats at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 6.1 times the MRHD level of 18 mg tetracaine HCl by body surface area (BSA) comparison) or in rabbits at subcutaneous doses up to 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 6.1 times the MRHD level by BSA comparison).
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant rats were given subcutaneous doses of oxymetazoline HCl only at 0.1 mg/kg/day, tetracaine HCl only at 7.5 mg/kg/day, and oxymetazoline HCl at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day in combination with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl from GD 7 to Lactation Day [LD] 20 (corresponding to the beginning of organogenesis through parturition and subsequent pup weaning). Oxymetazoline HCl treatment decreased the mean number of implant sites/litter at ≥ 0.03 mg/kg (≥ 1.5 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) when administered with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl (approximately 9%) and without tetracaine HCl (5.5%), which resulted in a reduction in live litter sizes in these groups. At the end of the lactation period, fetal body weights were significantly decreased at 0.1 mg/kg oxymetazoline HCl (6 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) when administered alone (19%) and co-administered with 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl (11%). In addition, a decrease in pup survival was observed at the 0.1/7.5 mg/kg oxymetazoline HCl/tetracaine HCl dose (91.9%) compared to the control (99.6%), but no effects in any other groups. Maternal toxicity (e.g., mortality and reduced body weight gain, absolute body weight and food consumption) occurred in groups administered 0.1 mg/kg/day oxymetazoline HCl; however, the adverse developmental findings observed at this dose cannot clearly be attributed to the maternal toxicity. There were no adverse effects on sexual maturation, neurobehavioral, or reproductive function in the offspring at any maternal dose. The no-effect level for oxymetazoline HCl for maternal reproduction was 0.01 mg/kg/day (0.5 times oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) and for pup growth and development was 0.03 mg/kg/day (1.5 times oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD). The no-effect level for tetracaine HCl for maternal reproduction and pup growth and development was 7.5 mg/kg/day (12 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA at the MRHD).
There are no data on the presence of tetracaine, oxymetazoline, or their metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Detectable levels of oxymetazoline, tetracaine and the major metabolite of tetracaine, p-butylaminobenzoic acid (PBBA), were found in the milk of lactating rats following subcutaneous administration of oxymetazoline HCl in combination with tetracaine HCl during the period of organogenesis through parturition and subsequent pup weaning [see Data]. Due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KOVANAZE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KOVANAZE or from the underlying maternal condition.
In a pre- and post-natal development study, rats were given oxymetazoline HCl subcutaneously at doses of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.6, 1.5, and 7.6 times, respectively, the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD) in combination with 7.5 mg/kg tetracaine HCl (12 times the AUC exposure as measured by PBBA at the MRHD) from Gestational Day [GD] 7 to Lactation Day [LD] 20. Concentrations of oxymetazoline, tetracaine, and PBBA were measured in the milk of lactating rats at approximately 2 hours postdose on LD 15. The concentrations of oxymetazoline were generally dose dependent (2.5, 7.0, and 33.8 ng/mL at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/day, respectively). The concentrations of tetracaine and PBBA were generally similar across all 7.5 mg/kg/day tetracaine HCl dosing groups regardless of the presence of oxymetazoline (54.2 – 72.9 ng/mL for tetracaine, and 100.5 – 131.2 ng/mL for PBBA).
No information is available on fertility effects in humans.
Females
Based on animal data, KOVANAZE may reduce fertility in females of reproductive potential. In female rats, decreased fertility noted as a decrease in litter size occurred at 0.7 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE. It is not known if the effects on fertility are reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Males
Based on animal data, KOVANAZE may reduce male fertility. In male rats, decreased sperm motility and sperm concentration occurred at approximately 2 times the oxymetazoline AUC exposure at the MRHD of KOVANAZE [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
KOVANAZE has not been studied in pediatric patients under 3 years of age and is not advised for use in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg because efficacy has not been demonstrated in these patients [see Clinical Studies].
Clinical studies of KOVANAZE did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Monitor geriatric patients for signs of local anesthetic toxicity, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Of note, comparisons of KOVANAZE safety and efficacy results were generally similar among dental patients who were > 50 years old (n=66) and ≤ 50 years old (n=148). However, a trend toward a higher incidence of notable increases in systolic blood pressure was observed in dental patients > 50 years of age compared with patients ≤ 50 years of age (16.6% vs 1.4, respectively) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. These increases in blood pressure measurements were generally asymptomatic and transient in nature, and all spontaneously resolved without the need for medical intervention [see Clinical Studies].
Because of an inability to metabolize local anesthetics, those patients with severe hepatic disease may be at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of tetracaine. Monitor patients with hepatic disease for signs of local anesthetic toxicity.
Because of an inability to metabolize local anesthetics, those patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency may be at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of tetracaine. Monitor patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency for signs of local anesthetic toxicity.
No addictive properties have been reported in the literature for either tetracaine or oxymetazoline, but there have been numerous case reports of unintended overdose for both compounds. Side effects in adults and children associated with oxymetazoline overdose include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, myocardial infarction, stroke, visual disturbances, arrhythmia, hypertension, or hypotension. Side effects of tetracaine overdose include rapid circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, and cerebral events.
Possible rebound nasal congestion, irritation of nasal mucosa, and adverse systemic effects (particularly in children), including serious cardiac events, have been associated with overdosage and/or prolonged or too frequent intranasal use of oxymetazoline containing agents.
Accidental ingestion of imidazoline derivatives (i.e., oxymetazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline) in children has resulted in serious adverse events requiring hospitalization (e.g., coma, bradycardia, decreased respiration, sedation, and somnolence).
Patients should be instructed to avoid using oxymetazoline-containing products (such as Afrin®) and other α-adrenergic agonists within 24 hours prior to their scheduled dental procedure [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Management of an overdose includes close monitoring, supportive care, and symptomatic treatment.
KOVANAZE is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to or intolerance of tetracaine, benzyl alcohol, other ester local anesthetics, p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), oxymetazoline, or any other component of the product [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Tetracaine is a local anesthetic of the ester type and exerts its activity by blocking sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses. Oxymetazoline is an imidazoline derivative with sympathomimetic activity. It is believed to be a mixed α1/α2-adrenoceptor agonist and, by stimulating adrenergic receptors, it elicits vasoconstriction of dilated arterioles and reduces nasal blood flow.
Following nasal administration of 0.6 mL KOVANAZE in adult subjects (n=24), oxymetazoline attained maximum concentrations within approximately 10 minutes following the end of dosing. The observed mean oxymetazoline Cmax and AUC0-inf value were 1.78 ng/mL and 4.24 ng.h/mL, respectively. The observed median Tmax was 5 minutes.
Plasma concentrations of tetracaine in all subjects were at or below the limit of assay quantification (0.05 ng/mL). Of all plasma samples analyzed, only one quantifiable tetracaine concentration was observed in a single sample from one subject, which was at the limit of assay quantification. The primary metabolite of tetracaine, p-butylaminobenzoic acid (PBBA) achieved peak concentrations within approximately 25 minutes following the end of KOVANAZE dosing. The observed mean PBBA Cmax and AUC0-inf value were 465 ng/mL and 973 ng.h/mL, respectively. The observed median Tmax was 20 minutes.
Protein binding and distribution of oxymetazoline and PBBA have not been determined. Plasma protein binding of tetracaine has been reported to be 75% to 85%.
The terminal half-life of oxymetazoline in plasma following nasal administration of KOVANAZE to adult subjects is approximately 5.2 hours.
The elimination half-life and apparent clearance of tetracaine could not be determined after KOVANAZE administration because it is rapidly and thoroughly hydrolyzed in plasma. The plasma half-life of PBBA is approximately 2.6 hours in adult subjects.
Metabolism
Oxymetazoline is converted to a glucuronide conjugate in vitro by UGT1A9.
Tetracaine is rapidly and thoroughly cleaved by esterases in plasma and other tissues to PBBA and dimethylaminoethanol. These metabolites have an unspecified activity.
Excretion
The apparent clearance of oxymetazoline after nasal administration of KOVANAZE has not been determined. It is thought that the primary route of oxymetazoline elimination at clinically relevant concentrations is by renal excretion.
PBBA clearance cannot be determined after administration of tetracaine.
In subjects 4-15 years of age (n=18) that received KOVANAZE doses of 0.1 mL (10 to < 20 kg body weight), 0.2 mL (20 to < 40 kg), or 0.4 mL (≥ 40 kg), oxymetazoline attained maximum concentrations within approximately 10 minutes to 30 minutes (median time) following the end of dosing. The observed oxymetazoline mean Cmax values were 0.37 ± 0.43, 0.85 ± 0.45, and 1.2 ± 0.39 ng/mL in the 0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, and 0.4 mL dose groups, respectively. The observed oxymetazoline mean AUC0-inf values were 0.99 (AUC can be calculated only in one subject), 2.53 ± 1.08, and 2.64 ± 0.41 ng.h/mL in the 0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, and 0.4 mL dose groups, respectively. Mean elimination half-life values for oxymetazoline were approximately 1.6 to 4.3 hours across pediatric dose groups.
Plasma concentrations of tetracaine were below the limit of assay quantification (0.05 ng/mL) in all subjects. PBBA attained maximum concentrations within approximately 20 minutes to 30 minutes (median time) following the end of dosing. The observed PBBA mean Cmax values were 166 ± 71, 345 ± 172, and 365 ± 30 ng/mL in the 0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, and 0.4 mL dose groups, respectively. The observed PBBA mean AUC0-inf values were 529 ± 222, 826 ± 606, and 665 ± 86 ng.h/mL in the 0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, and 0.4 mL dose groups, respectively. Mean elimination half-life values for PBBA were approximately 1.6 to 2.8 hours across pediatric dose groups.
The pharmacokinetics of KOVANAZE were not evaluated in subjects greater than 50 years of age.
The pharmacokinetics of oxymetazoline, tetracaine, and PBBA were not evaluated after nasal administration of KOVANAZE in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment.
There were insufficient data to evaluate the effect of race on oxymetazoline, tetracaine, and PBBA pharmacokinetics after nasal administration of KOVANAZE.
The efficacy of KOVANAZE Nasal Spray for regional anesthesia when performing a restorative procedure on Teeth 4-13 and A-J has been evaluated in three adult dental patient studies, as well as one pediatric dental patient study. The primary endpoint for all four studies was the successful completion of a restorative operative dental procedure without the need for a rescue injection. One adult dental study was terminated early for reasons related to the administration of KOVANAZE. Unlike the other studies conducted, in this study all three sprays were delivered horizontally.
Study 1 was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-groups study designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intranasally administered KOVANAZE to both tetracaine HCl alone and placebo, for providing dental anesthesia sufficient to allow completion of the standard dental procedure on a single maxillary tooth (#4-13) in adults.
A total of 110 patients were enrolled in two clinical centers and randomized to receive three 0.2 mL intranasal sprays of either KOVANAZE (n=44), tetracaine alone (n=44), or placebo (n=22). All randomized patients completed the study dental procedure.
Fifty-three percent (53%) of randomized patients were female and 76% were White, with a mean age of 35 years (range 18 to 73 years).
Eighty-four percent (95% CI: 70%, 93%) of KOVANAZE patients were able to complete the dental procedure without the need for rescue medication compared to 27% (95% CI: 15%, 43%) who received tetracaine alone and 27% (95% CI: 11%, 50%) who received placebo.
KOVANAZE had a lower success rate for dental procedures on the 2nd pre-molar (teeth #4 and #13) compared with more anterior teeth (#5 through #12): 63% for the 2nd pre-molars vs 96% for more anterior teeth.
In this trial, the median duration of a dental procedure successfully completed with KOVANAZE was 11 minutes, although one successfully completed dental procedure was as long as 43 minutes. Of the people that needed rescue medication in the KOVANAZE arm, they required it within the first 6 minutes following the start of the dental procedure.
Study 2 was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-groups study designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intranasally administered KOVANAZE to placebo, for providing dental anesthesia sufficient to allow completion of the standard dental procedure on a single maxillary tooth (#4-13) in adults.
A total of 150 adult patients were enrolled at three study centers and received either KOVANAZE (n=100) or placebo (n=50) as a dose of two or three 0.2 mL intranasal sprays. All except two randomized patients (one each in the KOVANAZE and placebo groups) completed the study dental procedure.
Fifty-five percent (55%) of randomized patients were female and 63% were White, with a mean age of 41 years (range 18 to 78 years).
Eighty-eight percent (95% CI: 80%, 94%) of KOVANAZE patients were able to complete the dental procedure without the need for rescue medication compared to 28% (95% CI: 16%, 43%) of patients who received placebo.
KOVANAZE had a lower success rate for dental procedures on the 2nd pre-molar (teeth #4 and #13) compared with more anterior teeth (#5 through #12): 64% for the 2nd pre-molars vs 96% for more anterior teeth.
Study 3 was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-groups study designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intranasally administered KOVANAZE to placebo for providing dental anesthesia sufficient to allow completion of the standard dental procedure on a single maxillary tooth (permanent teeth 4- 13 or primary teeth A-J) for pediatric patients aged 3 through 17.
A total of 90 patients, 3 through 17 years of age inclusive, were enrolled at two study centers. Patients received one or two intranasal sprays of either KOVANAZE (n=60) or placebo (n=30) based on body weight: one 0.1 mL spray for patients weighing 10 kg to less than 20 kg; two 0.1 mL sprays for 20 kg to less than 40 kg; or two 0.2 mL sprays for patients weighing 40 kg or more. All except one randomized patient in the KOVANAZE group completed the study dental procedure.
Fifty-one percent (51%) of randomized patients were male and 89% were White, with a mean age of 8 years (range 3 to 17 years).
Even though a greater percentage of patients were able to complete the dental procedure without the need for rescue anesthesia for KOVANAZE: 77% for KOVANAZE (95% CI: 64%, 87%) compared to 53% for placebo (95% CI: 34%, 72%) an analysis by weight indicated that efficacy was only established for patients weighing 40 kg or more [see Table 3].
Table 3: Success Rates by Weight Group in the
Pediatric Dental Patients (Study 3)
| Successful Anesthetic Response by Weight N (%) | KOVANAZE (N = 60) |
Placebo (N = 30) |
| 40 kg or more | 18/20 (90%) | 4/10 (40%) |
| 20 to less than 40 kg | 14/24 (58%) | 5/12 (42%) |
| 10 to less than 20 kg | 14/16 (88%) | 7/8 (88%) |
