Zagam (Sparfloxacin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zagam

Pneumonia »

Pneumonia facts

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum production, fever, and sharp chest pain on inspiration (breathing in).
Pneumonia is suspected when a doctor hears abnormal sounds in the chest, and the diagnosis is confirmed by a chest X-ray.
Bacteria causing pneumonia can be identified by sputum culture.
A pleural effusion is a fluid collection around the inflamed lung.
Bacterial and fungal (but not viral) pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died fro...

Read the Pneumonia article »

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Zagam

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Zagam Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sparfloxacin (Zagam)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease;
any kind of heart disease or heart problem; or
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.

How should I take sparfloxacin (Zagam)?

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.

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.

Take all of the sparfloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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