WHAT IS SPARFLOXACIN?
Sparfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug prescribed for the treatment of several bacterial infections. Sparfloxacin is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Zagam and Sparquin (made by Aristo).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SPARFLOXACIN:
You should not take Sparfloxacin (Zagam, Sparquin) if you allergic to it or to other similar antibiotics like norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, or others. You must also not take this medication if have a history of myasthenia gravis.
Before taking Sparfloxacin, let your doctor know if you have a heart rhythm problem, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, joint problems, muscle weakness, breathing trouble, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, head injury or tumor in the past, low levels of blood potassium, and a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
While taking Sparfloxacin, do not use antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, didanosine(Videx), or sucralfate(Carafate) powder or chewable tablets before 8 hours of taking Sparfloxacin or within 4 hours after taking this medication.
Sparfloxacin may lead to swelling or tearing of a tendon (fibers that bind the muscles to the bones), especially the Achilles’ tendon of the heel. This condition is more likely to occur in people over 60, people who take steroidal medication, or people who have had a kidney, heart, or a lung transplant. Stop taking Sparfloxacin and seek medical help immediately if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, or movement problems in your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
Sparfloxacin medication can cause diarrhea which may indicate another infection. If you witness watery or bloody diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention. Don’t use diarrhea medication without your doctor’s advice.
It is of utmost importance that you complete the full course of the Sparfloxacin medication. Your condition may completely vanish even before completing the full dosage. If you stop taking the doses and don’t complete the course, chances of a relapse of your infection increase many fold and you may suffer from a more potent infection which may be drug resistant. Sparfloxacin will not work against viral infections like cold or flu.
Always store Sparfloxacin in a cool and dry place, preferably at room temperature. Keep away from heart, moisture, children and pets.
BEFORE TAKING SPARFLOXACIN:
Prior to taking Sparfloxacin (Zagam, Sparquin), let your doctor know if you have a heart rhythm problem, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, joint problems, muscle weakness, breathing trouble, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, head injury or tumor in the past, low levels of blood potassium, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting a Sparfloxacin course as it may harm your baby though any such case has not been heard off. Sparfloxacin may pass into breast milk and harm your baby. Consult your doctor first if you are breast feeding and if is safe to take this medication without affecting your child.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE SPARFLOXACIN?
Take Sparfloxacin strictly as prescribed by your doctor. Never alter the dosage by any amount or use it for longer than prescribed period. All medications come with a patient leaflet that contains complete information about the drug. Read it carefully for more details.
Take Sparfloxacin with a glass of water (8oz.). It is always better to consume several extra glasses of water or liquids each day while taking this medication. Sparfloxacin should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal, or as advised by your doctor.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE OF SPARFLOXACIN?
Don’t miss even a single dose of Sparfloxacin or any medication, especially antibiotics. However if you miss a dose of Sparfloxacin for any reasons, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Don’t take two doses very close to each other to make up for the missed dose.
WHAT TO DO IF I OVER DOSE?
If you overdose on Sparfloxacin, get emergency medical help or contact the Doctor immediately. You may experience symptoms like seizure, weakness, urination problems, or blue lips with anemic skin.
THINGS TO AVOID WHILE TAKING SPARFLOXACIN:
You might be taking some other medications that are not compatible with Sparfloxacin. Some of those drugs may make Sparfloxacin less potent when taken at the same time. Don’t take these medications within 6 hours before or 2 hours after taking Sparfloxacin: antacids that have calcium, magnesium, or aluminum(Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids); ulcer medication sucralfate (Carafate); calcium, iron, zinc or other multi-vitamins and multi-minerals; didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets.
Don’t consume food items containing caffeine while taking Sparfloxacin as the medication can elevate caffeine effects. Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Sparfloxacin intake can make you more prone to sunburn. Remember to wear proper covering clothes and apply appropriate sunscreen with at least 30 SPF on exposed portion when outdoors. Also avoid doing things which require more attention and alertness while taking Sparfloxacin as it impairs your thinking or reflexes.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SPARQUIN 200MG:
COMMON
• Hives,
• Breathing Difficulty,
• Swelling On Face,
• Lips, Or Tongue.
RARE
• Fainting;
• Severe Giddiness;
• Irregular Heartbeat;
• Unexplained Pain;
• Vision Problems Like Pain In Eye;
• Snapping Or Popping Sound,
• Swelling,
• Tenderness,
• Stiffness In Joints;
• Watery Or Bloody Diarrhea;
• Confusion;
• Hallucinations;
• Depression;
• Unusual Behavior;
• Seizures;
• Severe Headache;
• Ringing In Ears;
• Decreased Or Dark Colored Urination;
• Easy Bruising Or Bleeding;
• Severe Skin Reaction;
• Fever;
• Sore Throat;
• Red Or Purple Rash That Leads To Blistering And Peeling;
• Pale Or Yellow Skin.
SERIOUS
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Giddiness,
• Dullness;
• Blurred Vision;
• Nervousness;
• Anxiety;
• Aggressive Behavior;
• Changes In Sleep Patterns Including Insomnia Or Nightmare.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:
Some medications with which Sparfloxacin may interact are tizanidine(Zanaflex),blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); clozapine(Clozaril, Fazaclo); cyclosporine; glyburid; methotrexate; metoclopramide; phenytoin; probenecid; ropinirole; theophylline; ibuprofen; dicloefenac; meloxicam; or steroids. Do not take the above mentioned drugs together with Sparfloxacin without your doctor’s advice and let your doctor know if you are using any of them.
The list of drugs above with which Sparfloxacin can interact is not a complete one. There may be other drugs which can interact with it. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication and before stopping or altering the course of any existing one.
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