Lorabid

Generic name: LoracarbefBrand names: Lorabid

Why is Lorabid prescribed?

Lorabid is used to treat mild-to-moderate bacterial infections of the lungs, ears, throat, sinuses, skin, urinary tract, and kidneys.

Most important fact about Lorabid

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Lorabid, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other drug, be sure your doctor is aware of it before you take Lorabid. You may experience a severe reaction if you are sensitive to penicillin-type medications.

How should you take Lorabid?

Take Lorabid at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. It is best to take your medication at evenly spaced intervals, day and night.

Do not stop taking your medication even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. If you have a "strep" infection, you should take your medication for at least 10 days.

• If you miss a dose...Take it as soon as possible. This will help keep a constant amount of medicine in your system. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...Lorabid can be stored at room temperature. The liquid form can be kept in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. Discard any unused portion.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lorabid.

• Side effects in children may include:Diarrhea, inflamed, runny nose, vomiting

• Side effects in adults may include:Diarrhea, headache

• Side effects for other drugs of this class may include:Allergic reactions (sometimes severe), anemia, blood disorders, hemorrhage, kidney problems, seizures, serum sickness (fever, skin rash, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes), skin peeling

Why should Lorabid not be prescribed?

If you are allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins, or other medications, you should not take Lorabid. Make sure you tell your doctor about any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Lorabid

As with many antibiotics, Lorabid can cause colitis—an inflammation of the bowel. This condition can range from mild to life-threatening. If you develop diarrhea while taking Lorabid, notify your doctor, and do not take any diarrhea medication without your doctor's approval.

Prolonged use of Lorabid may result in development of bacteria that do not respond to the medication, leading to a second infection. Because of this danger, you should not use any left-over Lorabid for later infections, even if they have similar symptoms. Take Lorabid only when your doctor prescribes it for you.

If you have known or suspected kidney problems, your doctor will perform blood tests to check your urine and kidney function before and during Lorabid therapy.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lorabid

If Lorabid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lorabid with the following:

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Lorabid during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Lorabid should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether Lorabid appears in human breast milk. Your doctor will determine whether it is safe for you to take Lorabid while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Lorabid

ADULTS (13 YEARS AND OLDER)

Bronchitis

The usual dose is 200 to 400 milligrams every 12 hours for 7 days.

Pneumonia

The usual dose is 400 milligrams every 12 hours for 14 days.

Sinusitis

The usual dose is 400 milligrams every 12 hours for 10 days.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

The usual dose is 200 milligrams every 12 hours for 7 days.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis ("strep throat") and Tonsillitis

The usual dose is 200 milligrams every 12 hours for 10 days. For strep throat, take Lorabid for at least 10 days.

Bladder Infections

The usual dose is 200 milligrams every 24 hours for 7 days.

Kidney Infections

The usual dose is 400 milligrams every 12 hours for 14 days.

If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will adjust the dosage according to your needs.

CHILDREN (6 MONTHS TO 12 YEARS OF AGE)

Otitis Media

This infection of the middle ear should be treated with the suspension. Do not use the pulvules.

The dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 30 milligrams of liquid per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day in divided doses (half the dose every 12 hours), for 10 days.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis (strep throat) and Tonsillitis

The dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day in divided doses (half the dose every 12 hours), for at least 10 days.

Impetigo (Skin Infection)

The dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 15 milligrams of liquid per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day in divided doses (half the dose every 12 hours), for 7 days.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Lorabid overdose may include:Diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting