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Sparfloxacin

Why it's used

Sparfloxacin is used to treat community-acquired pneumonia and worsening of the lung disease (acute bacterial exacerbations of severe bronchitis). This medicine works by blocking a bacterial enzyme which is essential for the survival of bacteria. This medicine helps by killing the bacteria.
Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial
Sparfloxacin is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial. Fluoroquinolones are medicines used for the treatment and prevention of certain types of bacterial infections. These medicines are commonly used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections.

How to use

Read the directions on the product label, patient guide, or medicine guide provided by the medicine company or your pharmacist before starting to use Sparfloxacin. If you have any questions related to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Eat this medicine as recommended by your doctor.
Sparfloxacin is eaten with or without food. Sparfloxacin can be taken with milk, food, or caffeine-containing products.
The typical dose of Sparfloxacin is 400 mg on day 1 and after that, one dose of 200 mg every 24 hours for 10 days. This medicine is typically used for a period of 11 days for community-acquired pneumonia, and 11 days for worsening of the lung disease.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis.
Talk to your doctor if you develop new symptoms. Tell your doctor if inflammation of a tendon, rupture of a tendon, and pain of a tendon. If you have any kidney disease, the dose adjustment is required in patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min.
The safety and effectiveness of using Sparfloxacin in children has not been established. This medicine should not be used in children under the age of 18 years.
Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Sparfloxacin. You may need to have Antibiotic Susceptibility test. Antibiotic susceptibility test is required to help in selecting an appropriate antibacterial drug for treatment.
You should store Sparfloxacin at room temperature 20 to 25°C (68-77°F). Store the medicine away from the reach of children and pets.
Medicines may be prescribed for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Sparfloxacin for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Sparfloxacin to other people who might have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. Self-medication may harm them.

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How to take Sparfloxacin

The dose and frequency of using Sparfloxacin will depend on the following factors:
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver

Sparfloxacin Dosage

Dosage for community-acquired pneumonia

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg on day 1 and after that, 200 mg for 10 days every 24 hours

Dosage for worsening of the lung disease

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg on day 1 and after that, 200 mg for 10 days every 24 hours

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 200 mg
Film-Coated Tablet
Strength: 200 mg

Special Instructions

Kidney dysfunction with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min
Such patients should take 400 mg on day 1 and after that, 200 mg every 48 hours for 9 days.
Patient using antacids
Sparfloxacin should be taken 4 hours before using antacids containing aluminum and magnesium or didanosine, chewable tablets or sucralfate or powder for oral solution for children.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Sparfloxacin?
In case of overdose, close supervision and supportive care should be provided. The monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG) is advised due to possibility of prolonged heartbeat. The exposure to the sun should be avoided for five days.
If you think you have overdosed on Sparfloxacin, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Sparfloxacin

Before you use Sparfloxacin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information.
Before you use Sparfloxacin, tell your doctor of your medical history including prolonged heartbeat (QT prolongation), allergic reactions to the sunlight, or convulsions.
The use of this medicine may change liver enzymes level. An increase in the alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and aspartate transaminase level is seen in patients using this medicine.
The use of Sparfloxacin may change blood cell count. An abnormal change in the platelet and white blood cell (eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocyte) and the decrease in red blood cell count is seen in patients using Sparfloxacin.
The use of this medicine may change blood urea nitrogen. Patients using Sparfloxacin may experience an increase in the blood urea nitrogen.
The use of this medicine may change calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium levels. An abnormal change in potassium level, an increase in the calcium level and a decrease in phosphorus and sodium levels are seen in patients using Sparfloxacin.
The use of Sparfloxacin may change blood levels. A decrease in the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total blood volume (hematocrit) and hemoglobin levels are seen in patients using Sparfloxacin.
Consult with your doctor on the use of Sparfloxacin during pregnancy. There are no adequate studies of Sparfloxacin in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit of this medicine is more than the risk. Sparfloxacin should be used while breastfeeding only when required. Sparfloxacin may pass into human milk. Serious side effects may occur in the babies who are breastfed by mothers while using this medicine. Therefore, a decision should be made on using or stopping the use of this medicine in such patients.
Sparfloxacin can make you feel sleepy. Be careful while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that needs you to be alert. The consumption of alcohol with Sparfloxacin can make you feel more sleepy. Sparfloxacin may cause seizures in some people. Discuss with your doctor if you perform activities where a loss of consciousness may cause you or others harm.
This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens, limit your time outdoors and do not tan to prevent sunburns. Cover your skin when you are outdoors or use a sunscreen. In case you get a sunburn, consult with your doctor.
Sparfloxacin may increase side-effects in older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation), and heart and blood vessels disease.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Sparfloxacin to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: There are no adequate studies of Sparfloxacin in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit of this medicine is more than the risk.

Breastfeeding

Only When Necessary
Warning: Sparfloxacin may pass into human milk. Serious side effects may occur in the babies who are breastfed by mothers while using this medicine. Therefore, a decision should be made on using or stopping the use of this medicine in such patients.

Younger Adults Population

Contraindication
Warning: This medicine should not be used in children under the age of 18 years.

Older Adults Population

Possibly safe
Warning: Sparfloxacin is excreted through kidneys. Therefore, the dosage should be carefully selected in elderly patients with decreased functioning of the kidney.

Sparfloxacin Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Sparfloxacin. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Sparfloxacin. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
  • heart and blood vessels disease
  • prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation)
Rarely, the use of Sparfloxacin may cause the following side-effects:
  • a feeling of pride (ebrious feeling)
  • abnormal dreams
  • abnormal heart functioning test (ECG)
  • abnormal sensation of the skin
  • abnormal thinking
  • abnormal walk (abnormal gait)
  • accidental injury
  • acidosis
  • altered sense of smell (anosmia)
  • altered sense of taste
  • back pain
  • bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
  • boil (furunculosis)
  • breast pain
  • cancer of the skin's outermost layer
  • chest pain (angina pectoris)
  • chills
  • cloudy urine (crystalluria)
  • darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
  • discoloration of the skin (ecchymosis)
  • disorder related to the secretion of tears (lacrimation disorder)
  • double vision (diplopia)
  • dry skin
  • ear disorder
  • excessive urination at night (nocturia)
  • excessive urine production
  • experience of pleasure or excitement (euphoria)
  • eye pain
  • fear of a subject or situation (phobia)
  • first-degree heart block (first degree AV block)
  • fungal infection of the mouth (oral moniliasis)
  • generalized pain
  • gum inflammation (gingivitis)
  • hiccup
  • hives
  • increased appetite
  • increased cough
  • increased skin sensitivity (hyperesthesia)
  • inflammation of eyelids (blepharitis)
  • inflammation of the joints
  • inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uveitis)
  • inflammation of the skin due to fungal growth (fungal dermatitis)
  • inflammation of the tendon (tendonitis)
  • inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)
  • inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
  • involuntary eye movement (nystagmus)
  • joint disease due to the build-up of uric acid (gout)
  • joint disorder
  • joint pain (arthralgia)
  • language disorder (dysphasia)
  • lazy eye (amblyopia)
  • lightheadedness
  • migraine
  • mouth ulceration
  • muscle pain
  • muscle spasm (hyperkinesia)
  • neck pain
  • nervousness
  • nosebleed (epistaxis)
  • numbness
  • pain of oral mucosa
  • painful or difficult urination
  • painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • painful swelling and sores inside the mouth
  • palpitation
  • patchy hair loss
  • poor blood circulation to limbs
  • presence of a type of protein in the urine (albuminuria)
  • reduced body movements (hypokinesia)
  • ringing in the ear
  • scaling of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)
  • sensory disturbance
  • severe inflammation of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis)
  • skin discoloration
  • skin rash (maculopapular rash)
  • skin rash caused by contact with a foreign substance (contact dermatitis)
  • slurred speech
  • stomach pain (gastralgia)
  • stuffy nose (rhinitis)
  • sudden spasm of the larynx (laryngismus)
  • sweating
  • swelling of the legs
  • tender bumps under the skin (erythema nodosum)
  • tendon rupture
  • thirst
  • tiny red, purple, or brown spots on the skin (petechial rash)
  • tongue disorder
  • tooth disorder
  • tremor
  • twitching
  • uncontrollable laughing or crying
  • vertigo
  • visual disturbances
  • white or yellow discharge from the vagina (leukorrhea)
  • yeast infection in urine (candiduria)
  • yeast infection of the vagina (vaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginal disorder)
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Sparfloxacin:
  • liver disorders
    Symptoms: liver failure, hepatitis, jaundice liver cell death (hepatic necrosis)
  • allergic reaction (can be possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: allergy (allergic reaction/anaphylactoid reaction) facial swelling
  • Symptoms: depression, anxiety, confusion, nervousness (agitation), hallucinations, periods of abnormally elevated mood (manic reaction) substance-induced mental disorder (toxic psychosis)
  • stomach and intestinal disorders
    Symptoms: constipation, eating disorder (anorexia), vomiting, rupture of the small intestine (intestinal perforation), stomach flu (gastroenteritis) inflammation of large intestine caused by a bacteria (pseudomembranous colitis)
  • urinary tract disorders
    Symptoms: urinary tract infection, the presence of red blood cells in the urine (hematuria) an inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Symptoms: slow or fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, irregular, rapid, and prolonged heartbeat, complete heart block, second-degree heart block, a decrease in blood pressure when quickly standing up from a sitting or lying position premature electrical impulse in the heart
  • Symptoms: low white blood cell count, abnormally low levels of platelets, a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the blood (hemolytic anemia) a decrease in all three blood cell types (pancytopenia)
  • respiratory tract disorders
    Symptoms: shortness of breath (dyspnea), pneumonia, inflammation of airways in the lungs (bronchitis), a disorder of the membrane that covers the lungs (pleural disorder), inflammation of the cavities around nasal passages (sinusitis), tightening of the airways (asthma) interstitial pneumonia
  • kidney disorders
    Symptoms: kidney stone, swelling of kidney tubules (interstitial nephritis), muscle breakdown causing kidney disease (rhabdomyolysis), kidney failure kidney pain
  • skin disorders
    Symptoms: fluid accumulation under the skin, swelling of the throat, swelling of the lungs, severe skin allergic reaction bacterial skin infection (cellulitis)
Your doctor has prescribed Sparfloxacin because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Sparfloxacin.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Sparfloxacin by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:
  • QT interval prolongation
  • cardiovascular disease

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • a decrease in all three blood cell types (pancytopenia)
  • a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the blood (hemolytic anemia)
  • acute kidney injury and failure (acute renal insufficiency or failure)
  • acute liver injury or failure (acute hepatic necrosis or failure)
  • allergic pneumonitis
  • aplastic anemia
  • blockage of airways (airway obstruction)
  • collapsed blood vessels due to low blood pressure (cardiovascular collapse)
  • collection of fluid in the lungs (acute respiratory distress)
  • fever
  • fluid accumulation under the skin (angioedema)
  • hives (urticaria)
  • inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
  • inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
  • itching
  • jaundice
  • joint pain (arthralgia)
  • loss of consciousness
  • low blood pressure
  • low level of platelets (thrombocytopenia)
  • low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis/leukopenia)
  • muscle pain (myalgia)
  • narrowing or spasm of airways (bronchospasm)
  • purple or red discolored spots on the skin due to low white blood cell count (thrombocytopenic purpura)
  • rash
  • seizure
  • serum sickness
  • severe skin reactions
  • shock
  • shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • swelling of kidney tubules (interstitial nephritis)
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling of the larynx
  • swelling of the throat
  • swelling of the tongue
  • tingling sensation
If such symptoms appear, stop using this medicine. The treatment with epinephrine and other supportive measures such as oxygen, pressor amines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, and airway management should be provided immediately.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Colon inflammation caused by the bacteria

Patients with diarrhea are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients may suffer from inflammation or pain of a tendon, rupture of hand, shoulder, and Achilles tendons. If this happens, this medicine should be discontinued. Management with protein supplementation, fluids and electrolytes should be provided in these patients. The treatment with the antibacterial drug which is effective against C. difficile colitis is also recommended. Patients should stop the exercise and take rest until the diagnosis confirms the absence of a tendon rupture.

Moderate to severe skin allergy to sunlight

Patients exposed to artificial UV light such as sunlamps or to light, who use Sparfloxacin are at an increased risk. These patients may suffer from skin allergic reactions to sunlight. It is advised to the patients to stop using Sparfloxacin if any signs of skin reactions such as redness, swelling, rash, blisters, itching, burning, or dermatitis occurs.

Prolonged heartbeat (increased QTc interval)

Elderly patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients may suffer from a prolonged or irregular heartbeat. Sparfloxacin should not be used in patients with known heartbeat prolongation.

Special population

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children are at an increased risk when using this medicine. In these patients, the safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been studied. This medicine should be used in pregnancy only if the benefit of Sparfloxacin is greater than the risk to the fetus.

CNS disorder

Patients with known or suspected CNS disorder are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients may suffer from increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) and stimulation of central nervous system which may lead to tremors, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, confusion, lightheadedness, hallucinations, depression, nightmares, anxious or fearful thoughts and feelings (paranoia), insomnia, and suicidal thoughts or acts. If this happens, this medicine should be discontinued and proper measures should be taken.

Allergic reaction

Patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients may suffer from shock due to low blood pressure, heart failure, loss of consciousness, seizure, swelling of the tongue, throat, facial, or larynges, tingling, airway obstruction, hives, shortness of breath, or itching. These patients may also experience rash, fever, severe skin reactions, inflammation of the blood vessels, joint pain, muscle pain, allergic reaction to the foreign protein, inflammation of lung tissue due to allergy, swelling in between the kidney tubules, kidney failure, hepatitis, jaundice, liver dysfunction, or deficiency of all types of blood cells. If this happens, this medicine should be discontinued. Epinephrine should be used as an immediate treatment for serious allergic reactions. The emergency measures such as airway management with oxygen and fluids into the veins should be provided. The treatment with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and pressor amines is also recommended.

Interactions with Sparfloxacin

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
Sparfloxacin interacts with Mycobacterium tuberculosis test, which is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The use of Sparfloxacin may cause false negative culture results of a tuberculosis test.
There may be an interaction of Sparfloxacin with zinc or iron salts, which are used as dietary supplements. The absorption of Sparfloxacin in the body is decreased when zinc or iron salts are taken with Sparfloxacin. These medicines should be taken after 4 hours of the intake of Sparfloxacin.
Sparfloxacin may interact with antacids and sucralfate, which are used to treat acidity, heartburn, and stomach upset. The absorption of Sparfloxacin in the body is decreased when aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids and sucralfate are given between 2 hours after and 2 hours before taking Sparfloxacin. Aluminum-magnesium suspension should be taken 4 hours after taking Sparfloxacin.
Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with didanosine, which is used to treat HIV/AIDS. The absorption of Sparfloxacin in the body is decreased when aluminum and magnesium-containing didanosine is given between 2 hours after and 2 hours before taking Sparfloxacin. Aluminum-magnesium suspension should be taken after 4 hours of the intake Sparfloxacin.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Sparfloxacin. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Interactions of Sparfloxacin by Severity

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Sparfloxacin be not used?

History of allergy or allergic reactions to sunlight

The use of Sparfloxacin in patients with the history of allergy or allergic reactions to sunlight is not recommended. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • collapsed blood vessels due to low blood pressure
  • low blood pressure
  • shock
  • seizure
  • loss of consciousness
  • tingling sensation
  • fluid accumulation under the skin
  • swelling of the tongue
  • swelling of the larynx
  • swelling of the throat
  • swelling of the face
  • blockage of airways
  • narrowing or spasm of airways
  • collection of fluid in the lungs
  • shortness of breath
  • hives
  • itching
  • fever
  • rash
  • severe skin reactions
  • inflammation of the blood vessels
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain
  • allergic reaction to an injection of foreign protein
  • allergic pneumonitis
  • swelling of kidney tubules (interstitial nephritis)
  • kidney injury and failure
  • inflammation of the liver
  • jaundice
  • liver injury or failure
  • a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the blood (hemolytic anemia)
  • aplastic anemia
  • low level of platelets
  • purple or red discolored spots on the skin due to low white blood cell count
  • low white blood cell count
  • a decrease in all three blood cell types (pancytopenia)

Patients using antiarrhythmic agents

The use of Sparfloxacin in patients using antiarrhythmic agents such as disopyramide, amiodarone, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol, or bepridil is not recommended. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • prolonged heartbeat
  • abnormally rapid heart rate

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Sparfloxacin is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Sparfloxacin .

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