Sparfloxacin has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.
Sparfloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.
Sparfloxacin is used to treat various types of bacterial infections.
seizures or epilepsy.
You may not be able to take sparfloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Sparfloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether sparfloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Sparfloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It may affect bone development. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Sparfloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. Sparfloxacin may interfere with bone development.
Take sparfloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent the formation of sparfloxacin crystals in your urine.
Sparfloxacin may be taken with or without food.
Take sparfloxacin at evenly spaced intervals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Seek emergency medical attention.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sparfloxacin increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sparfloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sparfloxacin and seek emergency medical attention:
muscle or joint pain.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking sparfloxacin and talk to your doctor:
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 4 hours after a dose of sparfloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of sparfloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic. Do not take sparfloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
cisapride (Propulsid).
Sparfloxacin and the drugs listed above may affect the rhythm of your heartbeats. You may not be able to take sparfloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.