GENERIC NAME: SPARFLOXACIN - ORAL (spar-FLOX-uh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Zagam
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, usually of the respiratory tract (lungs).
HOW TO USE: This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This drug may be taken with or without food, usually once daily with plenty of fluids. Follow directions exactly. Take this medication 4 hours before taking any medications containing magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with sparfloxacin preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most side effects are mild to moderate in intensity and disappear during treatment. Diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, or stomach pain may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Report immediately: skin irritation/swelling, rash, redness, itching (possible sun sensitivity reaction or allergy). Unlikely but report: vaginal discomfort. Very unlikely but report: seizures, mood/mental changes, eye problems, unusual change in amount of urine, fever, rash, muscle/joint pain, trouble breathing, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual bleeding/bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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