Sparfloxacin tablets

What are sparfloxacin tablets?

SPARFLOXACIN (Zagam®) is a quinolone antibiotic. Sparfloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. It also treats sinus infections and some other types of infection.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I take sparfloxacin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal heart rhythm

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• low potassium blood levels

• prolonged exposure to sunlight or severe sunburn

• seizures (convulsions)

• slow heart beat

• stroke

• an unusual or allergic reaction to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take sparfloxacin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Sparfloxacin may be taken with or without food. Do not take with magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, or with other products containing iron or zinc. These products may be taken 4 hours after taking sparfloxacin. Take your doses at regular intervals; preferably at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with sparfloxacin?

• aluminum or magnesium salts

• astemizole

• antacids

• bepridil

• calcium salts

• cisapride

• clarithromycin

• doxercalciferol

• erythromycin

• iron preparations

• certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol)

• certain medications for depression or other mental problems (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, amoxapine, maprotiline, phenothiazines, haloperidol, pimozide, risperidone, and sertindole)

• magnesium salts

• manganese

• medicines for diabetes

• multivitamins containing iron or zinc

• NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen

• pentamidine

• quinapril

• sevelamer

• sucralfate

• terfenadine

• warfarin

• zinc salts

Tell your physician or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your physician or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking sparfloxacin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how sparfloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

It is important that you stay out of the sun (even during cloudy weather) while taking sparfloxacin and for five days after treatment. You should also avoid sunlight coming through windows. Do not go out in the sun even if you are using a sunscreen. Also, do not use artificial light such as sunlamps. If you must be in the sun for a brief time, make sure you cover as much of your skin as possible with clothing. Stop taking sparfloxacin and contact your physician if you develop a skin rash, burning, redness, swelling, blisters, or itching.

Antacids can stop sparfloxacin from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 4 hours since you last took sparfloxacin.

Iron and zinc preparations can also stop sparfloxacin from working properly. If you are taking mineral supplements or vitamins containing zinc or iron, make sure there is an interval of at least 4 hours since you last took sparfloxacin.

Discontinue sparfloxacin and contact your physician if you notice pain or swelling of a tendon or around a joint. If you notice any of these symptoms while taking sparfloxacin, do not exercise until you have been checked by a prescriber or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from taking sparfloxacin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• confusion

• convulsions (seizures)

• difficulty breathing

• hallucinations

• joint, muscle or tendon pain

• nightmares

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe or watery diarrhea

• skin rash or hives

• swelling of the face or neck

• tremor

• weakness

• vomiting

• yellowing of the skin

More common:

• increased sensitivity to the sun

• skin redness, swelling, or burning

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• dizziness or drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• heartburn

• intestinal gas

• nausea or stomach upset

• nervousness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.