Sparfloxacin
ZAGAM
What it isSparfloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
Why this oneIt offered enhanced activity against gram-positive respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae for community-acquired pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
What limits itIts use was largely abandoned because of pronounced QT-interval prolongation and severe phototoxicity.
Sparfloxacin prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Quinolone antibacterials (1964–2026). Sparfloxacin enters in 1997 (estimated).
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskNo active FDA boxed warning; sparfloxacin was withdrawn/discontinued owing to QT prolongation and severe phototoxicity.
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
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Self-check
- Which bacterial enzymes does sparfloxacin inhibit?
DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. - Why was sparfloxacin largely abandoned?
Pronounced QT prolongation and severe phototoxicity.