Sparfloxacin is given to treat infections of the lower respiratory system, urinary tract, sinuses, the skin, bones and joints, and prostate. Sparfloxacin is also used for inhalational anthrax, STDs, severe bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and pneumonia.
Sparfloxacin belongs to the family of Flouroquinolone, which are effective against many organisms that traditional antibiotics fail to resist. Sparfloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and prevent them from reproducing and is often used to treat infections all over the body. However, they are not considered good to treat viral infections like flu.
Sparfloxacin is available as a tablet and an oral suspension and as eardrops.
CAUTION
Stop taking Sparfloxacin and seek medical help right away at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Though rare, serious and seldom fatal allergic reactions have been reported, even after the first dose.
These reactions include loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and
throat,
shortness of breath, hives, tingling, and rash.
You should not take Sparfloxacin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Sparfloxacin or other antibiotics of this type such as Floxin, Noroxin and Trovan.
You should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Sparfloxacin affects you.
Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection.
If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, inform your physician before taking Sparfloxacin.
You should consult your doctor before taking Sparfloxacin if you have liver or kidney disease.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SPARFLOXACIN
Most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common side effects of Sparfloxacin are abdominal pain, headache, rash, restlessness.
Rare side effects of Sparfloxacin may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives, irritability, liver and kidney failures.
DRUG INTERACTION
The following can interfere with the absorption of Sparfloxacin:
Antacids
Carafate
Iron Supplements and other multivitamins
containing calcium, or zinc (also avoid taking milk or yogurt)
Videx
Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Sparfloxacin was taken in combination with theophylline, Probeneacid and Cimetidine.
Sparfloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine.
If Sparfloxacin is taken with these drugs, the effects of either could be increased or decreased:
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Warfarin
DOSES
CHILDREN:
Not recommended, unless for treating Anthrax. Their dose is calculated at the rate of 15mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight.
ADULTS:
First day two 200mg tablets; after that one 200mg a day.
Doses of Sparfloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney problems.
SPARFLOXACIN OVERDOSE
Symptoms of Sparfloxacin overdose include confusion, delusion, headache, upset stomach, and convulsions. In rare cases Sparfloxacin overdose may cause kidney failure. In case of Sparfloxacin overdose seek medical help right away.
SPARFLOXACIN AND PREGNANCY
Animal studies have shown birth defects by Sparfloxacin. Inform your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using this drug.
Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Sparfloxacin.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
© 2000-2006 TheMedicine.NET