alaska tablet - Sparfloxacin (NA) medicine

Sparfloxacin (Alaska Tablet): Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Gujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 16, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Moderate for specific indications, but limited by safety concerns.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 16, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Sudden severe pain, swelling, or popping sensation in a tendon (e.g., Achilles tendon)
  • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or fainting
  • Seizures or severe confusion
  • Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet
  • Severe or bloody diarrhea

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is alaska tablet used for?

Sparfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and skin infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA enzymes. However, it carries risks of QT prolongation, tendon rupture, and photosensitivity, so it is not a first-line treatment.

  • Generic Name: Sparfloxacin
  • Manufacturer: Gujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 alaska tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा स्पारफ्लोक्सासिन नामक एंटीबायोटिक है, जिसका उपयोग बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों जैसे निमोनिया, ब्रोंकाइटिस और त्वचा संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह बैक्टीरिया के डीएनए को नष्ट करके उन्हें मार देती है। हालांकि, इसके गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं, इसलिए इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना न लें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, दस्त, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और धूप से एलर्जी शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में टेंडन टूटना, दिल की धड़कन अनियमित होना, दौरे पड़ना और तंत्रिका क्षति शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं के बारे में बताएं, खासकर दिल की धड़कन, टेंडन विकार, गुर्दे की बीमारी या मायस्थेनिया ग्रेविस। धूप में जाने से बचें और सनस्क्रीन का उपयोग करें। एंटासिड, दूध, आयरन या जिंक सप्लीमेंट के साथ इस दवा को न लें। शराब से बचें। यदि टेंडन में दर्द या सूजन हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 alaska tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Community-acquired pneumonia","description":"Used to treat bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms, but not typically first-line due to safety concerns.","evidence":"Established but limited by safety profile"},{"condition":"Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis","description":"May be used when other antibiotics are not suitable, but fluoroquinolones are generally reserved.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Skin and soft tissue infections","description":"Effective against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria causing skin infections.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Gonorrhea","description":"Previously used but no longer recommended due to resistance.","evidence":"Limited due to resistance"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Mycobacterial infections","description":"Sometimes used in combination regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis or atypical mycobacteria, but not standard.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Bacterial infections

Also treats: Community-acquired pneumonia, Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, Skin and soft tissue infections

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Sparfloxacin
Brand NameAlaska Tablet
ManufacturerGujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassOPHTHAL
Action ClassQuinolones/ Fluroquinolones
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container.
Shelf LifeTypically 2 years from the date of manufacture, but check the expiry date on the package.
WHO GuidelineSparfloxacin is not recommended as first-line therapy by WHO for any infection due to safety concerns. It may be used when other options are not available and susceptibility is confirmed.
ICMR GuidelineICMR does not routinely recommend sparfloxacin due to its safety profile and the availability of safer alternatives. Use should be guided by culture and sensitivity results.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always prescribe sparfloxacin only when culture and sensitivity results support its use, and no safer alternative is available.
2
Warn patients about the risk of tendon rupture and advise them to stop the drug and seek immediate care if they experience tendon pain or swelling.
3
Perform an ECG before starting sparfloxacin in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, and avoid concomitant QT-prolonging drugs.
4
Advise patients to use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure due to the risk of phototoxicity.
5
Monitor renal function and adjust the dose in patients with renal impairment.
6
Instruct patients to separate sparfloxacin from antacids, dairy, or mineral supplements by at least 2 hours to ensure absorption.
7
Educate patients to complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Fever with productive cough
This medicine may be prescribed for bacterial pneumonia.
Likely Use
✅
Skin infection with redness and pus
This medicine is effective against many skin pathogens.
Likely Use
❌
Common cold
This medicine is not effective against viral infections.
Not Primary
❌
Urinary tract infection
Other antibiotics are preferred for UTI.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionSparfloxacin is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, with an oral bioavailability of approximately 92%. Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.
DistributionSparfloxacin is widely distributed throughout the body, including lung tissue, skin, and soft tissues. It penetrates into macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Protein binding is approximately 37-45%.
Protein BindingApproximately 37-45% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismSparfloxacin undergoes limited metabolism in the liver, primarily by glucuronidation. It does not significantly induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of sparfloxacin is approximately 16 to 20 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
ExcretionSparfloxacin is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (about 50%) and in the feces (about 50%). Renal clearance is significant, so dose adjustment is needed in renal impairment.
BioavailabilityApproximately 92% after oral administration.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is typically within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration, but clinical improvement may take 24 to 48 hours.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations are reached approximately 3 to 5 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action is prolonged due to the long half-life, allowing once-daily dosing. Antibacterial effects persist for at least 24 hours after a single dose.

How It Works

Sparfloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that are essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. By binding to these enzymes, it stabilizes the enzyme-DNA complex, preventing the resealing of the DNA strand, which leads to double-strand breaks and ultimately bacterial cell death. This mechanism is bactericidal and concentration-dependent.

Mechanism Steps

1
Entry into bacterial cell: Sparfloxacin penetrates the bacterial cell wall and membrane to reach the cytoplasm.
2
Inhibition of DNA gyrase: It binds to the DNA gyrase enzyme, blocking its ability to supercoil DNA, which is necessary for replication.
3
Inhibition of topoisomerase IV: It also inhibits topoisomerase IV, preventing the separation of daughter DNA strands during replication.
4
DNA damage and cell death: The inhibition leads to double-strand DNA breaks and accumulation of DNA fragments, resulting in bacterial cell death.

💡 How to Take alaska tablet

Strength: Sparfloxacin is available as 200 mg immediate-release tablets. The strength may vary by manufacturer.

1Take this medicine orally with a full glass of water.
2You may take it with or without food, but taking with food may reduce stomach upset.
3Do not take antacids, sucralfate, or supplements containing iron, zinc, or calcium within 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking this medicine.
4Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
5Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
6Complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better.
7If you miss a dose, follow the missed dose instructions.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of sparfloxacin is 200 mg to 400 mg once daily on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily for the remaining days of therapy. The duration depends on the type and severity of infection, typically 5 to 14 days. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Take with plenty of water, with or without food, but avoid taking with antacids, dairy, or iron supplements within 2 hours.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. Sparfloxacin is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years due to risk of cartilage damage.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may have reduced renal function and are at higher risk of tendon rupture, QT prolongation, and CNS effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Use with caution and monitor closely.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min), the dose of sparfloxacin should be adjusted. For creatinine clearance 30-50 mL/min, a reduced dose is recommended. For creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, the dose should be further reduced or the drug avoided. Consult a clinician for specific dosing.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is provided for hepatic impairment, but caution is advised and liver function should be monitored.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is 400 mg on the first day, then 200 mg daily thereafter. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Dairy products
Avoid within 2 hours
Calcium binds to sparfloxacin and reduces absorption.
Iron/zinc fortified foods
Avoid within 2 hours
Minerals chelate sparfloxacin and reduce absorption.
Caffeine
Limit intake
May increase nervousness and insomnia.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of alaska tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Diarrhea (Common (5-10%))
Stay hydrated. If severe or bloody, contact your doctor immediately.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Consult doctor if severe.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Photosensitivity (Common (5-10%))
Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Tendon rupture (Rare (<0.1%))
Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience tendon pain, swelling, or rupture.
QT prolongation and arrhythmias (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience palpitations, fainting, or irregular heartbeat.
Peripheral neuropathy (Rare (<0.1%))
Report symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet to your doctor.
Central nervous system effects (seizures, confusion) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience seizures or severe confusion.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek emergency help if you experience rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain to your doctor.
Blood dyscrasias
Report unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection to your doctor.
Interstitial nephritis
Report decreased urine output or swelling to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Amiodarone Major
Antacids Major
NSAIDs Major
Theophylline Major
Corticosteroids Moderate
Oral hypoglycemics Moderate
Probenecid Moderate
Caffeine Minor
Cyclosporine Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Class IA and III antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol)
  • Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, multivitamins
  • Warfarin
  • NSAIDs
  • Theophylline

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Corticosteroids
  • Oral hypoglycemics
  • Probenecid

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and central nervous system effects. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to sparfloxacin or other fluoroquinolones","History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use","Myasthenia gravis","Pregnancy and breastfeeding","Children and adolescents (under 18 years)","Patients with uncorrected hypokalemia","Patients with significant bradycardia or heart block","Concomitant use with other QT-prolonging drugs"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Tendon rupture: May occur during or after therapy; risk increased in elderly, corticosteroid users, and transplant recipients.","Peripheral neuropathy: May be irreversible; discontinue if symptoms occur.","CNS effects: Seizures, confusion, and hallucinations have been reported; use caution in patients with CNS disorders.","Photosensitivity: Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen.","QT prolongation: Avoid in patients with risk factors; monitor ECG.","Hypoglycemia: Monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients.","Superinfection: May cause overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.","Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Sparfloxacin is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for sparfloxacin overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation. Ensure adequate hydration. Activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent. Hemodialysis does not effectively remove sparfloxacin.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart rhythm problems, tendon disorders, kidney disease, or myasthenia gravis. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds because this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Do not take this medicine with antacids, sucralfate, or multivitamins containing iron or zinc within 2 hours before or after dosing, as they can reduce absorption. Avoid alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness. If you experience pain, swelling, or rupture of a tendon, stop taking this medicine and seek medical attention immediately. Do not use this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically directed by your doctor.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are at higher risk of tendon rupture, QT prolongation, and CNS effects. Dose adjustment based on renal function is often necessary. Monitor closely for any adverse effects.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Sparfloxacin is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided if you are planning to become pregnant. Discuss alternative antibiotics with your doctor before conception.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with anesthetics and increase the risk of QT prolongation. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medicine before surgery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may interact with certain antibiotics or anesthetics used during dental work. Your dentist may recommend postponing elective procedures until you complete the course.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
🥗
Stay well hydrated to help flush the kidneys.
😴
Avoid alcohol to reduce dizziness and CNS effects.
💧
Engage in gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility, but avoid high-impact activities.
🧘
Report any tendon pain or swelling immediately.
🌞
Maintain good hygiene to prevent secondary infections.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise, high-impact activities, and heavy lifting while taking this medicine due to the risk of tendon rupture. Gentle walking and stretching may be safe, but consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Take the medicine with a full glass of water.
Avoid dairy products, antacids, and mineral supplements within 2 hours of dosing.
Limit caffeine intake to reduce nervousness.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support recovery.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you. It may also cause photosensitivity, so take precautions if you work outdoors. Inform your employer if you need to adjust your work environment.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience tendon pain, swelling, rupture, irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe allergic reactions, or signs of liver damage. Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor unless advised to do so due to a serious side effect.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of sparfloxacin is not recommended due to the risk of serious adverse effects such as tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and QT prolongation. Prolonged therapy may also lead to bacterial resistance and superinfections. Regular monitoring of renal, hepatic, and cardiac function is advised if extended use is necessary.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other antibiotics

Safer alternatives such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, or levofloxacin may be used depending on the infection and susceptibility.

Evidence: Well-established
Supportive care

Rest, hydration, and symptomatic treatment can help while the infection resolves.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between sparfloxacin and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✅ DO

Keep out of reach of children

❌ DON'T

Do not use after expiry date

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label. Bring a copy of your prescription in case of customs checks. Store it at room temperature and protect it from extreme heat or moisture. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times gradually to maintain consistent intervals. Do not pack it in checked luggage; keep it in your carry-on. Consult your doctor before travel if you have any concerns.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 58-year-old man with community-acquired pneumonia
He was prescribed sparfloxacin after culture confirmed susceptibility. He was advised to avoid sunlight and take the medicine with water, not milk. After 3 days, his fever subsided and breathing improved. He completed the 10-day course without major side effects, but experienced mild nausea that was managed by taking the tablet with food.
💡 Lesson: Adhering to dietary restrictions and completing the full course led to successful treatment. Mild side effects can be managed with simple measures.
👤 A 45-year-old woman with a skin infection
She started sparfloxacin but developed a rash after sun exposure. She stopped the medicine and consulted her doctor, who confirmed photosensitivity. The antibiotic was changed to a safer alternative, and her infection resolved. She was advised to always use sunscreen with such antibiotics.
💡 Lesson: Photosensitivity is a real risk with sparfloxacin. Patients should be counseled to avoid sun exposure and report any skin reactions immediately.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: You may start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take it with food, but avoid dairy products, antacids, and mineral supplements within 2 hours of dosing.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Q: Is it safe to exercise while taking this medicine?

A: Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, as this medicine can increase the risk of tendon rupture. Consult your doctor before resuming intense activities.

Q: Can I take this medicine if I am pregnant?

A: No, this medicine is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Consult your doctor for alternative treatment.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?
  • Is it safe during pregnancy?
  • What are the chances of tendon rupture?

🔄 Substitutes for alaska tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Sparfloxacin can cure viral infections like the flu.
    Fact: Sparfloxacin is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections.
  • Myth: Sparfloxacin is safe for everyone.
    Fact: Sparfloxacin has significant risks including QT prolongation and tendon rupture. It is contraindicated in certain populations.
  • Myth: You can stop taking sparfloxacin once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to prevent bacterial resistance and recurrence of infection.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Sparfloxacin

Brand Alternatives

  • Alaska Tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Sparfloxacin","class":"Fluoroquinolone","half_life":"16-20 hours","qt_risk":"High","photosensitivity":"High","typical_dose":"200-400 mg once daily"},{"medicine":"Levofloxacin","class":"Fluoroquinolone","half_life":"6-8 hours","qt_risk":"Moderate","photosensitivity":"Low","typical_dose":"250-750 mg once daily"},{"medicine":"Moxifloxacin","class":"Fluoroquinolone","half_life":"12 hours","qt_risk":"High","photosensitivity":"Low","typical_dose":"400 mg once daily"}]

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