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Tablet

Spark 200 mg Tablet

Generic: Sparfloxacin

Manufacturer: Navana Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Therapeutic class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

What is Spark used for?

Spark 200 mg tablet by Navana Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a prescription antibiotic medicine that contains Sparfloxacin. In Bangladesh, it may be used when a doctor considers it appropriate for certain susceptible bacterial respiratory tract in…

What is Spark?

Spark 200 mg tablet by Navana Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a prescription antibiotic medicine that contains Sparfloxacin. In Bangladesh, it may be used when a doctor considers it appropriate for certain susceptible bacterial respiratory tract infections.

Sparfloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA enzymes needed for bacterial growth and replication. A key caution is that it can cause significant photosensitivity and may prolong the QT interval, so it should be used only when clearly prescribed.

Indications

  • Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria.
  • Treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
  • It is not effective for viral infections such as colds or influenza.

Dosage & Administration

The adult dose, dosing schedule, and duration must be decided by the prescribing doctor based on the infection, likely organism, kidney function, other medicines, and patient risk factors. It is usually taken by mouth with water, and some regimens use an initial higher dose followed by once-daily dosing. Take exactly as prescribed and complete the course unless a doctor advises stopping.

Side Effects

  • Common effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, insomnia, and altered taste.
  • Photosensitivity reactions, including severe sunburn-like reactions, can occur.
  • Serious effects may include tendon inflammation or tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, seizures or other central nervous system effects, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, liver injury, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea.
  • It may prolong the QT interval and rarely cause serious abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Changes in blood glucose may occur, especially in people with diabetes.

Precautions & Warnings

Use caution in people with heart rhythm problems, known QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, significant heart disease, kidney problems, seizure disorders, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, tendon disorders, or a history of serious reaction to quinolone antibiotics. Older adults and people taking corticosteroids have a higher risk of tendon injury. Avoid strong sunlight and tanning lamps during treatment and for several days after stopping. Use Sparfloxacin under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

  • Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, magnesium, aluminium, calcium supplements, and some multivitamins can reduce absorption; separate administration as advised by a healthcare professional.
  • Medicines that prolong the QT interval, including some antiarrhythmics, macrolide antibiotics, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain other medicines, may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
  • Corticosteroids increase the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture.
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants may have increased effect; monitoring may be needed.
  • Antidiabetic medicines or insulin may increase the risk of abnormal blood glucose.
  • NSAIDs may increase the risk of central nervous system stimulation or seizures in susceptible patients.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to sparfloxacin, other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or any component of the product.
  • History of tendon disorder related to quinolone use.
  • Known QT prolongation, uncorrected low potassium, or use with certain medicines known to significantly prolong the QT interval, unless a specialist specifically determines otherwise.
  • Generally avoided in children and adolescents because fluoroquinolones may affect developing cartilage, unless no suitable alternative exists and a specialist prescribes it.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Sparfloxacin is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safer alternatives are usually preferred and fluoroquinolones have potential risks to developing joints/cartilage. It should be used only if a doctor decides the expected benefit outweighs the risk. Breastfeeding mothers should seek medical advice before use.

Storage Conditions

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Spark for a cold or flu?

No. Spark is an antibiotic for certain bacterial infections and does not work against viral infections such as colds or influenza. Use it only if prescribed by a doctor.

Why should I avoid sunlight while taking Spark?

Sparfloxacin can cause significant photosensitivity, meaning your skin may react strongly to sunlight and may burn more easily. Avoid strong sunlight and tanning lamps during treatment and for several days after stopping, as advised by your doctor.

What should I do if I get tendon pain while taking Spark?

Stop strenuous activity and contact a doctor promptly if you develop tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation, especially around the ankle, shoulder, hand, or other joints. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can rarely cause tendon rupture.

Can I take antacids or vitamins with Spark?

Some antacids, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, aluminium products, sucralfate, and multivitamins can reduce absorption of Spark. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to separate the doses safely.

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