LORACARBEF

Brand & Generic Names

Lorabid

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antibacterial (antibiotic)

Uses

Treatment for bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and skin structure.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid. Instructions to take on an empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Oral suspension--Follow label instructions for mixing the powder with water. Instructions to take on an empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Kills bacteria susceptible to loracarbef.

Time lapse before drug works:
May require several days to affect infection.

Don't take with:
Any other prescription or non-prescription drug without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal cramps.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency treatment immediately. itching, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis); difficulty in breathing.

Common:

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite.

Infrequent:

Itching, skin rash.

Rare:

Dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nervousness, vaginal itching and discharge.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to loracarbef, penicillins* or cephalosporins*.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have a history of colitis.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on risk to unborn child. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Effect not documented. Consult your doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended for patients under 6 months of age.

Prolonged use:

• Kills beneficial bacteria that protect body against other germs. Unchecked germs may cause secondary infections.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for followup medical examinations or laboratory studies.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy or drowsy. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect the results in some medical tests.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Probenecid	Increased loracarbef effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.