Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: loracarbef
BRAND NAME: (Lorabid: This brand no longer is available in the U.S.)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Loracarbef is a synthetic (man-made) oral
antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family
includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef),
cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and many injectable antibiotics. Like
other cephalosporins, loracarbef stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing
bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to
protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the
bacterial cell together; bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Loracarbef
is effective against a wide variety of bacteria such as
Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes,
Haemophilus influenzae,
E.
coli, and many others. Loracarbef was approved in December 1991.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 200 and 400 mg. Suspension: 100 and 200 mg/5 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and oral suspension may be stored at room temperature, 59°
to 86°F (15° to 30°C) in a tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Loracarbef is effective against susceptible bacteria
responsible for infections of the middle ear,
tonsils,
throat, larynx
(laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), and
sinuses as well as pneumonia.
It also is used for treating urinary tract and skin infections.
DOSING: The recommended dose for adults is 200-400 mg every 12 hours.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Probenecid
(Benemid) may increase the concentration of loracarbef in
the blood by decreasing excretion of loracarbef by the kidney. This interaction
is sometimes used to enhance the effect of cephalosporins.
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, and side effects are
usually transient. More common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain,
vomiting,
skin rash,
abnormal liver tests, vaginitis, itching,
headaches, and
dizziness.
Loracarbef should be avoided by patients with a known allergy to other
cephalosporin antibiotics. Since loracarbef is chemically related to penicillin,
an occasional patient can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even life
threatening anaphylaxis) to both medications. Treatment with loracarbef and
other antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit
overgrowth of the bacterium, Clostridium difficile, in the colon. This may lead
to inflammation of the colon known as
C. difficile or pseudo-membranous colitis.
Patients who develop pseudo-membranous colitis as a result of antibiotic
treatment can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even
shock.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/12/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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