Loracarbef
Loracarbef capsules
What are loracarbef capsules?
LORACARBEF (Lorabid®) is an antibiotic very similar to the cephalosporins. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin (impetigo), respiratory tract (bronchitis, tonsillitis or pneumonia), sinuses (sinusitis), and ear (otitis media). Generic loracarbef capsules are not yet available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)
other chronic illness
an unusual or allergic reaction to loracarbef, cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillins, other foods, dyes or preservatives.
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take loracarbef capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take loracarbef 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Loracarbef is regularly prescribed to children 6 months and older.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with loracarbef?
medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots
probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking loracarbef?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from using loracarbef?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
fever or chills, sore throat
dizziness
headache
severe or watery diarrhea
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
skin rash, itching
swollen joints
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
vaginal itching
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out if the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store the capsules at room temperature, 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from heat. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Loracarbef oral suspension
What is loracarbef oral suspension?
LORACARBEF (Lorabid®) is an antibiotic that is very similar to the cephalosporins. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin (impetigo), respiratory tract (bronchitis, tonsillitis or pneumonia), sinuses (sinusitis), and ear (otitis media). Generic loracarbef oral suspension is not yet available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)
other chronic illness
an unusual or allergic reaction to loracarbef, cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillins, other foods, dyes or preservatives.
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take loracarbef oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take loracarbef 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Loracarbef is regularly prescribed to children 6 months and older.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with loracarbef?
probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking loracarbef?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from using loracarbef?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
fever or chills, sore throat
dizziness
headache
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
severe or watery diarrhea
skin rash, itching
swollen joints
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
vaginal itching
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
After the pharmacist mixes the bottle of suspension for you, you should store the medication at room temperature between 15 degrees to 30 degrees C (59 degrees to 86 degrees F). Protect from heat. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused loracarbef suspension after 14 days.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert