Generic
Sparfloxacin
28 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sparfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections.
Description
Sparfloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, stopping bacterial DNA replication. It is more effective than other fluoroquinolones against Gram-positive organisms (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus), Mycobacteria, and Chlamydia.
Indications
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (ABECB)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Acute maxillary sinusitis (AMS)
- Urinary tract infections (gonococcal and nongonococcal urethritis, chancroid)
- Bacterial prostatitis
- Bacterial diarrhea
- Osteomyelitis
- Tuberculosis (with rifampicin and isoniazid)
Therapeutic class
4-Quinolone Preparations
Pharmacological class
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Sparfloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, preventing DNA supercoiling, which breaks DNA structures and stops bacterial cell division and repair.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits DNA gyrase to stop bacterial DNA replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Loading dose: 400 mg (2 tablets) on the first day
- Maintenance: 200 mg (1 tablet) daily for 10 days
- Renal impairment (CrCl <50): Loading 400 mg; then 200 mg every 48 hours (9 days)
Administration
- Take with or without food (fixed time is better)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Do not take within 2 hours before or after aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Photosensitivity reaction
- Diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia
- Headache, dizziness, insomnia
- Abdominal pain, pruritus, taste perversion
- QTc interval prolongation
Precautions & warnings
- Phototoxic reactions: Avoid direct or indirect sunlight or artificial UV light
- QTc prolongation: Caution with drugs that prolong QTc
- Do not use in pregnancy and lactation
- Safety not established in children <18 years
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children <18 years
- G6PD deficiency
- History of Achilles tendinitis following fluoroquinolone use
Drug interactions
- Aluminum, magnesium, zinc, iron: Reduce sparfloxacin bioavailability
- Theophylline, tizanidine: Increase plasma concentrations
- Warfarin, glibenclamide: Enhance effect
- Methotrexate: Decrease renal clearance
- Probenecid: Reduce excretion
- Corticosteroids: Risk of tendon rupture (potentially fatal)
Food interactions
Alcohol is safe with Sparfloxacin.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; limited data suggests drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby (diarrhea or rash); consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients (monitor renal function)
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: CrCl <50: Loading 400 mg; then 200 mg every 48 hours; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; excessive doses may increase side effects; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Keep out of reach of children; store away from heat and direct light; store below 30°C.
Chemical structure
Sparfloxacin