Loracarbef (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

Loracarbef is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking loracarbef, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Why this medication is prescribed

Loracarbef is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia; bronchitis; and ear, nose, skin, throat, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Loracarbef comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loracarbef exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.

Continue to take loracarbef even if you feel well. Do not stop taking loracarbef without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking loracarbef:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loracarbef, cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephalexin (Keflex), penicillin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loracarbef, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking loracarbef.

Special dietary instructions

Take loracarbef at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Loracarbef may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• vaginal infection

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and liquid at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to loracarbef.

If you are diabetic, call your doctor before changing diet or dosage of medicine. Use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the loracarbef, call your doctor.

Brand names

• Lorabid®
• Lorabid® Pulvules®