General information

Zagam is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone (fluoridated quinolone) bacteriocidal antibiotic. It is used to treat urinary tract infections, skin infections and respiratory infections such as sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis. Zagam inhibits bacteria by interfering with their ability to produce DNA.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. Determine a proper dosage that best suits your condition. You must carefully follow all directions given to you. Avoid exceeding your dose or taking the medication longer than it was advised by your doctor. This medication is not chewed, crushed or broken while taking. Generally the standard recommended dosage of Zagam for patients that have normal kidney functioning covers two 200 mg capsules taken on the first day as a loading dose, followed by one tablet every 25 hours thereafter. The duration of the therapy may last for 10 days depending on the infection as well as the patient’s general health conditions.

Precautions

This medication is prescribed cautiously in case patients suffer from severe kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, epilepsy. Consult your health care practitioner if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding. This drug may excrete into breast milk. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Follow all instructions about the type and amount of liquids, meals, food supplements and other medications you are allowed to take simultaneously with this product.

Contraindications

Zagam is contraindicated in patients showing hypersensitivity to any component of the medicine and other Fluoroquinolones.

Drug interactions

This medicine can interact with Sucralfate (a cytoprotective agent) indicated to treat active duodenal ulcer. Theophylline, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids enhance the toxicity of fluoroquinolones. Aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids and medicines that contain calcium, iron, and zinc, reduce the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist a list of other medications and food supplements you are allowed to take consentaneously with this product.

Missed dose

In case you have missed to take a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If you are already supposed to take the next dose, do not take the dose you forgot and keep your ordinary dosing schedule. Do not take two dosages right away.

Overdose

If you suspect you have used too much of this medication, seek emergency medical attention right away. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. Never double the recommended dosage as it may cause a lethal outcome. Most regular symptoms of overdose include convulsions and palpitations. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Storage

This medication is stored in a cool dry place at temperature between 15-25 C (59-77 F), away from sources of sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not store this drug in the bathroom. Keep this product out of the reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Possible side effect

Generally fluoroquinolones are well tolerated. The most common and mild side effects related to Zagam include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. More serious side effects that are less common may involve acute migraines, dizziness, phototoxicity, convulsions, allergic reactions such as hives, urticaria, itching, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, tongue or lips or narrowing of the throat, chest pain, hallucinations, mental confusion, joint or muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), a feeling of unusual tiredness. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not known yet. In case you have experienced any side effect not listed above, immediately notify your doctor or local poison centre.