Loracarbef

Loracarbef,
antibiotic drug used in the treatment of illnesses including bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, skin infection, urinary tract infection, and kidney infection—all of which are caused by specific bacteria. Loracarbef prevents the cell division and growth of bacteria by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls.

This drug is available by prescription in tablets and a dissolvable powder. The typical adult dosage is 200 to 400 mg every 12 hours for seven days. A reduced dosage based on body weight is prescribed for infants and children under the age of 12. The drug begins to take effect in about one hour.

Loracarbef should be taken at least one hour prior to eating or two hours after eating. Its use should continue for the full seven-day course to prevent reinfection. It should not be taken by persons with a known allergy to loracarbef or to cephalosporin-class antibiotics. It should be used with caution, at a reduced dosage, by persons with impaired kidney function, a history of colitis, penicillin allergies, and persons taking potent diuretics to increase the volume of urine excreted.

This drug has not been proven safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women or for children under six months of age. The most common side effects of loracarbef are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. Less common side effects are colitis, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, and dizziness. Use of loracarbef with potent diuretics increases the risk of kidney disease. Use with probenecid, an antigout drug, increases the levels of loracarbef in the bloodstream.