Introduction
Sparoxen is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms.
Sparoxen should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time of the day. Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine, as this reduces the efficacy of this medicine. You should not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned.
You may have dizziness, stomach pain, nausea and bitter taste as side effects of this medicine. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own, but please consult your doctor if they bother you or persist for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Rarely, some people may have a severe allergic reaction which needs urgent medical attention. Signs of this include rash, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, shortness of breath or breathing problems. Special care should be taken in people with kidney problems while taking this medicine.
Side effects of Sparoxen
Common
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Bitter taste
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
How to use Sparoxen
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Sparoxen may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Sparoxen works
Sparoxen is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.
What if you forget to take Sparoxen?
If you miss a dose of Sparoxen, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Chronic bronchitis, Community-acquired pneumonia
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Adult
2 tablets (400 mg) on 1st day as a loading dose, followed by 1 tablet (200 mg) daily as a maintenance dose.
Duration of maintenance treatment is 10 days.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment (Creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min) is 2 tablets (400 mg) taken on the first day as a loading dose. Thereafter, 1 tablet of 200 mg should be taken every 48 hours for total 9 days of therapy.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; pregnancy and lactation; children <18 yr.
Mode of Action
Sparfloxacin inhibits the supercoiling activity of DNA gyrase which is an enzyme essential for DNA replication thus promoting the breakage of DNA structures. It has activity against S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis and Mycobacterium spp.
Precaution
History of CNS disorders, pseudomembranous colitis, superinfection, severe renal dysfunction, epilepsy, G6PD deficiency, myasthenia gravis, patients with QT prolongation, uncorrected electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, or pre-existing cardiac disease. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight or sunlamps during treatment. Discontinue treatment if patients experience tendon pain, inflammation or rupture; subsequent use of fluoroquinolones in these patients is not recommended. Avoid in MRSA infections due to high risk of resistance. Ensure adequate fluid intake to reduce risk of crystalluria.
Side Effect
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting; jaundice, renal failure, elevation of liver enzymes, BUN and creatinine; anaphylactoid reaction, headache, dizziness, convulsions; tremors, myalgia; rhabdomyolysis, thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia.
Potentially Fatal: AV block; anaphylaxis.
Interaction
Cations such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc and iron may reduce the bioavailability of sparfloxacin. May increase the plasma concentrations of theophylline and tizanidine. May enhance the effect of warfarin and glibenclamide. May decrease the renal clearance of methotrexate. Excretion may be reduced by probenecid. May alter serum levels of phenytoin.
Potentially Fatal: Corticosteroids may increase risk of tendon rupture. Increased risk of seizures with NSAIDs. Risk of additive QT prolongation effect when used with class Ia or III antiarrhythmic drugs, astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, erythromycin, pentamidine, phenothiazines or TCAs.