GENERIC NAME: loracarbef

BRAND NAME: Lorabid

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Loracarbef is a synthetic cephalosporin type antibiotic, chemically similar to penicillin. It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, and many others.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 200 mg, 400 mg. Suspension: 100 mg per 5 ml teaspoon, 200 mg per 5 ml teaspoon.

STORAGE: Tablets and oral suspension may be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Loracarbef is effective against susceptible bacterias causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. It is also used in treating urinary tract and skin infections.

DOSING: Should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Loracarbef should be avoided by patients with a known allergy to cephalosporin type antibiotics. Since loracarbef is chemically related to penicillin, an occasional patient can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even anaphylaxis) to both medications. Treatment with loracarbef and other antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C. difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock. Probenecid may increase the blood levels of loracarbef. It can be used in children, although safety in infants younger than 6 months has not been established. Loracarbef is not habit forming.

PREGNANCY: Safe use during pregnancy has not been established.

NURSING MOTHERS: Safe use in nursing mothers has not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: Loracarbef is generally well tolerated, side effects are usually transient. Reported side effects include diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis (can occur even after loracarbef is stopped) nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin rash, abnormal liver tests, vaginitis, itching, headaches, and dizziness.

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

Printer-Friendly Format

|

Email to a Friend

Back to Medications Index