Loracarbef is a synthetic b-lactam antibiotic of the carbacephem class for oral administration. Chemically, carbacephems differ from cephalosporin-class antibiotics in the dihydrothiazine ring where a methylene group has been substituted for a sulfur atom.

The chemical name for loracarbef is: (6R,7S)-7-[(R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido]-3-chloro-8-oxo-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2- carboxylic acid, monohydrate.

It is a white to off-white solid with a molecular weight of 367.8. The empirical formula is C₁₆H₁₆ClN₃O₄·H₂O.

Lorabid Pulvules and Lorabid for Oral Suspension are intended for oral administration only.

Each Pulvule contains loracarbef equivalent to 200 mg (0.57 mmol) or 400 mg (1.14 mmol) anhydrous loracarbef activity. They also contain cornstarch, dimethicone, F Dy & C blue No. 2, gelatin, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and other inactive ingredients.

After reconstitution, each 5 ml of Lorabid for Oral Suspension contains loracarbef equivalent to 100 mg (0.286 mmol) or 200 mg (0.57 mmol) anhydrous loracarbef activity. The suspensions also contain cellulose, F Dy & C red No. 40, flavors, methylparaben, propylparaben, simethicone emulsion, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

Loracarbef is indicated in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below. (As recommended dosages, durations of therapy, and applicable patient populations vary among these infections, please see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for specific recommendations.)

Lower Respiratory Tract: Secondary Bacterial Infection of Acute Bronchitis caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae(including b-lactamase-producing strains), or M. catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains).

Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis: caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (including b-lactamase-producing strains), or M. catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains).

Pneumonia: caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae (non-b-lactamase-producing strains only). Data are insufficient at this time to establish efficacy in patients with pneumonia caused by b-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae.

Upper Respiratory Tract: Otitis Media† caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (including b-lactamase-producing strains), M. catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains), or S. pyogenes.

Acute Maxillary Sinusitis:† caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (non-b-lactamase-producing strains only), or M. catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains). Data are insufficient at this time to establish efficacy in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis caused by b-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae.

† NOTE: In a patient population with significant numbers of b-lactamase-producing organisms, loracarbef's clinical cure and bacteriological eradication rates were somewhat less than those observed with a product containing a b-lactamase inhibitor. Loracarbef's decreased potential for toxicity compared to products containing b-lactamase inhibitors along with the susceptibility patterns of the common microbes in a given geographic area should be taken into account when considering the use of an antimicrobial (see CLINICAL STUDIES.)

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: caused by S. pyogenes. (The usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever, is penicillin administered by the intramuscular route. Loracarbef is generally effective in the eradication of S. pyogenes from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of loracarbef in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.) For information on use in pediatric patients, see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use.

Skin and Skin Structure: Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by S. aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains) or S. pyogenes. Abscesses should be surgically drained as clinically indicated.

Urinary Tract: Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (cystitis) caused by E. coli or S. saprophyticus*.

NOTE: In considering the use of loracarbef in the treatment of cystitis, loracarbef's lower bacterial eradication rates and lower potential for toxicity should be weighed against the increased eradication rates and increased potential for toxicity demonstrated by some other classes of approved agents (see CLINICAL STUDIES.)

Uncomplicated Pyelonephritis: caused by E. coli.

*Although treatment of infections due to this organism in this organ system demonstrated a clinically acceptable overall outcome, efficacy was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

Culture and susceptibility testing should be performed when appropriate to determine the causative organism and its susceptibility to loracarbef. Therapy may be started while awaiting the results of these studies. Once these results become available, antimicrobial therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

Loracarbef is administered orally either at least 1 hour prior to eating or at least 2 hours after eating. The recommended dosages, durations of treatment, and applicable patient populations are described in TABLE 13.

TABLE 13
Population/ Infection	Dosage (mg)	Duration (days)
Adults (13 years and older)
Lower Respiratory Tract
Secondary Bacterial Infection of Acute Bronchitis	200-400 q12h	7
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic  Bronchitis	400 q12h	7
Pneumonia	400 q12h	14
Upper Respiratory Tract
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis	200 q12h	10*
Sinusitis‡	400 q12h	10
Skin and Skin Structure
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections	200 q12h	7
Urinary Tract
Uncomplicated cystitis‡	200 q24h	7
Uncomplicated pyelonephritis	400 q12h	14
Pediatric Patients (6 months to 12 years)
Upper Respiratory Tract
Acute Otitis Media†‡	30 mg/kg/day in divided doses q12h	10
Acute maxillary sinusitis‡	30 mg/kg/day in divided doses q12h	10
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis	15 mg/kg/day in divided doses q12h	10*
Skin and Skin Structure
Impetigo	15 mg/kg/day in divided doses q12h	7
* In the treatment of infections due to S. pyogenes, Lorabid should be administered for at least 10 days.
† Otitis media should be treated with the suspension. Clinical studies of otitis media were conducted with the suspension formulation only. The suspension is more rapidly absorbed than the capsules, resulting in higher peak plasma concentrations when administered at the same dose. Therefore, the capsule should not be substituted for the suspension in the treatment of otitis media (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
‡ (See CLINICAL STUDIES and INDICATIONS AND USAGE for further information.)

TABLE 14 Pediatric Dosage Chart Daily Dose 15 mg/kg/day
		100 mg/5 ml Suspension		200 mg/5 ml Suspension
Weight		Dose given twice daily		Dose given twice daily
lb	kg	ml	tsp	ml	tsp
15	7	2.6	0.5	---	---
29	13	4.9	1.0	2.5	0.5
44	20	7.5	1.5	3.8	0.75
57	26	9.8	2.0	4.9	1.0

TABLE 15 Pediatric Dosage Chart Daily Dose 30 mg/kg/day
		100 mg/5 ml Suspension		200 mg/5 ml Suspension
Weight		Dose given twice daily		Dose given twice daily
lb	kg	ml	tsp	ml	tsp
15	7	5.2	1.0	2.6	0.5
29	13	9.8	2.0	4.9	1.0
44	20	---	---	7.5	1.5
57	26	---	---	9.8	2.0

Renal Impairment: Loracarbef may be administered to patients with impaired renal function. The usual dose and schedule may be employed in patients with creatinine clearance levels of 50 ml/min or greater. Patients with creatinine clearance between 10 and 49 ml/min may be given half of the recommended dose at the usual dosage interval, or the normal recommended dose at twice the usual dosage interval. Patients with creatinine clearance levels less than 10 ml/min may be treated with the recommended dose given every 3 to 5 days; patients on hemodialysis should receive another dose following dialysis.

When only the serum creatinine is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance (CL_cr, ml/min). The equation assumes the patient's renal function is stable.

Males = [(weight in kg) ´ (140 - age)] ¸ [72 ´ serum creatinine (mg/100 ml)] Females = (0.85) ´ (above value) Reconstitution Directions for Oral Suspension

• 50 ml: Add 30 ml of water in 2 portion to the dry mixture in the bottle. Shake well after each addition.
• 75 ml: Add 45 ml of water in 2 portions to the dry mixture in the bottle. Shake well after each addition.
• 100 ml: Add 60 ml of water in 2 portions to the dry mixture in the bottle. Shake well after each addition.

After mixing, the suspension may be kept at room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C), for 14 days without significant loss of potency. Keep tightly closed. Discard unused portion after 14 days.

Lorabid Pulvules: 200 mg, is blue and gray with 3170.

Lorabid Pulvules: 400 mg, is blue and pink with 3171.

Keep tightly closed. Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C). Protect from heat.

Pulves oral suspension is strawberry bubble gum flavor.

PRODUCT LISTING

Capsule - Oral - 200 mg
30's	$94.35	Lorabid Pulvules, Lilly	00002-3170-30
Capsule - Oral - 400 mg
30's	$121.46	Lorabid Pulvules, Lilly	00002-3171-30
Powder For Reconstitution - Oral - 100 mg/5 ml
50 ml	$15.07	Lorabid, Lilly	00002-5135-87
100 ml	$26.84	Lorabid, Lilly	00002-5135-48
Powder For Reconstitution - Oral - 200 mg/5 ml
50 ml	$25.16	Lorabid, Lilly	00002-5136-87
75 ml	$35.22	Lorabid, Lilly	00002-5136-18
100 ml	$40.28	Lorabid, Lilly	00002-5136-48

REFERENCES

1. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, M2-A4 performance standards for antimicrobial disk susceptibility tests. ed 4, Villanova, PA, April, 1990.

2. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, M7-A2 methods for dilution antimicrobial susceptibility tests for bacteria that grow aerobically, ed 2, Villanova, PA, April, 1990.

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

The nature of adverse reactions to loracarbef are similar to those observed with orally administered b-lactam antimicrobials. The majority of adverse reactions observed in clinical trials were of a mild and transient nature; 1.5% of patients discontinued therapy because of drug-related adverse reactions. No one reaction requiring discontinuation accounted for >0.03% of the total patient population; however, of those reactions resulting in discontinuation, gastrointestinal events (diarrhea and abdominal pain) and skin rashes predominated.

All Patients

The following adverse events, irrespective of relationship to drug, have been reported following the use of loracarbef in clinical trials. Incidence rates (combined for all dosing regimens and dosage forms) were less than 1% for the total patient population, except as otherwise noted:

Gastrointestinal: The most commonly observed adverse reactions were related to the gastrointestinal system. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions increased in patients treated with higher doses. Individual event rates included diarrhea, 4.1%; nausea, 1.9%; vomiting 1.4%; abdominal pain, 1.4%; and anorexia.

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions including, skin rashes (1.2%), urticaria, pruritus, and erythema multiforme.

Central Nervous System: Headache (2.9%), somnolence, nervousness, insomnia, and dizziness.

Hemic and Lymphatic Systems: Transient thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and eosinophilia.

Hepatic: Transient elevations in AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase.

Renal: Transient elevations in BUN and creatinine.

Cardiovascular System: Vasodilatation.

Genitourinary: Vaginitis (1.3%), vaginal moniliasis (1.1%).

As with other b-lactam antibiotics, the following potentially severe adverse experiences have been reported rarely with loracarbef in worldwide post-marketing surveillance: anaphylaxis, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, prolongation of the prothrombin time with clinical bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Pediatric Patients

The incidences of several adverse events, irrespective of relationship to drug, following treatment with loracarbef were significantly different in the pediatric population and the adult population as follows (TABLE 12):

TABLE 12
Event	Pediatric	Adult
Diarrhea	5.8%	3.6%
Headache	0.9%	3.2%
Rhinitis	6.3%	1.6%
Nausea	0.0%	2.5%
Rash	2.9%	0.7%
Vomiting	3.3%	0.5%
Somnolence	2.1%	0.4%
Anorexia	2.3%	0.3%

b-Lactam Antimicrobial Class Labeling

The following adverse reactions and altered laboratory test results have been reported in patients treated with b-lactam antibiotics:

Adverse Reactions: Allergic reactions, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, agranulocytosis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy. As with other b-lactam antibiotics, serum sickness-like reactions have been reported rarely with loracarbef.

Several b-lactam antibiotics have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures associated with drug therapy should occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

Altered Laboratory Tests: Increased prothrombin time, positive direct Coombs' test, elevated LDH, pancytopenia, and neutropenia.

Probenecid: As with other b-lactam antibiotics, renal excretion of loracarbef is inhibited by probenecid and resulted in an approximate 80% increase in the AUC for loracarbef (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

BEFORE THERAPY WITH LORACARBEF IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO LORACARBEF, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG b-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO LORACARBEF OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE THE USE OF EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES, INCLUDING OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS, INTRAVENOUS ANTIHISTAMINES, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PRESSOR AMINES, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, AS CLINICALLY INDICATED.

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents and may range from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.

Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of "antibiotic-associated colitis."

After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to discontinuation of drug alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug effective against C. difficile-associated colitis.

General: In patients with known or suspected renal impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), careful clinical observation and appropriate laboratory studies should be performed prior to and during therapy. The total daily dose of loracarbef should be reduced in these patients because high and/or prolonged plasma antibiotic concentrations can occur in such individuals administered the usual doses. Loracarbef, like cephalosporins, should be given with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics because these diuretics are suspected of adversely affecting renal function.

As with other broad-spectrum antimicrobials, prolonged use of loracarbef may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Loracarbef, as with other broad-spectrum antimicrobials, should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of colitis.

Information for the Patient: Loracarbef should be taken either at least 1 hour prior to eating or at least 2 hours after eating a meal.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility: Although life-time studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, no mutagenic potential was found for loracarbef in standard tests of genotoxicity, which included bacterial mutation tests and in vitro and in vivo mammalian systems. In rats, fertility and reproductive performance were not affected by loracarbef at doses up to 33 times the maximum human exposure in mg/kg (10 times the exposure based on mg/m²).

Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats, and rabbits at doses up to 33 times the maximum human exposure in mg/kg (4, 10, and 4 times the exposure, respectively, based on mg/m²) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to loracarbef. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Labor and Delivery: Loracarbef has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should be given only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when loracarbef is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Lorabid have been established for children aged six months to twelve years for acute maxillary sinusitis based upon its approval in adults. Use of Lorabid in pediatric patients is supported by pharmacokinetic and safety data in adults and children, and by clinical and microbiologic data from adequate and well-controlled studies of the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis in adults and of acute otitis media with effusion in children. It is also supported by post-marketing adverse events surveillance. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, INDICATIONS AND USAGE, ADVERSE REACTIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and CLINICAL STUDIES).

Geriatric Use: Healthy geriatric volunteers (³65 years old) with normal renal function who received a single 400-mg dose of loracarbef had no significant differences in AUC or clearance when compared to healthy adult volunteers 20 to 40 years of age. In clinical studies, when geriatric patients received the usual recommended adult doses, clinical efficacy and safety were comparable to results in nongeriatric adult patients. Because significant numbers of elderly patients have decreased renal function, evaluation of renal function in this population is recommended (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

Signs and Symptoms: The toxic symptoms following an overdose of b-lactams may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, and diarrhea.

Loracarbef is eliminated primarily by the kidneys. Forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or hemoperfusion have not been established as beneficial for an overdose of loracarbef. Hemodialysis has been shown to be effective in hastening the elimination of loracarbef from plasma in patients with chronic renal failure.

Loracarbef is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to loracarbef or cephalosporin-class antibiotics.

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

Loracarbef, after oral administration, was approximately 90% absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. When capsules were taken with food, peak plasma concentrations were 50% to 60% of those achieved when the drug was administered to fasting subjects and occurred from 30 to 60 minutes later. Total absorption, as measured by urinary recovery and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC), was unchanged. The effect of food on the rate and extent of absorption of the suspension formulation has not been studied to date.

The pharmacokinetics of loracarbef were linear over the recommended dosage range of 200 to 400 mg, with no accumulation of the drug noted when it was given twice daily.

Average peak plasma concentrations after administration of 200-mg or 400-mg single doses of loracarbef as capsules to fasting subjects were approximately 8 to 14 mcg/ml, respectively, and were obtained within 1.2 hours after dosing. The average peak plasma concentration in adults following a 400-mg single dose of suspension was 17 mcg/ml and was obtained within 0.8 hour after dosing (see TABLE 1).

TABLE 1
	Mean Plasma Loracarbef Concentrations (mcg/ml)
Dosage (mg)	Peak Cmax	Time to Peak Tmax
Capsule (single dose)
200 mg	8	1.2 h
400 mg	14	1.2 h
Suspension (single dose)
400 mg (adult)	17	0.8 h
7.5 mg/kg (pediatric)	13	0.8 h
15 mg/kg (pediatric)	19	0.8 h

Following administration of 7.5 and 15 mg/kg single doses of oral suspension to children, average peak plasma concentrations were 13 and 19 mcg/ml, respectively, and were obtained within 40 to 60 minutes.

This increased rate of absorption (suspension > capsule) should be taken into consideration if the oral suspension is to be substituted for the capsule, and capsules should not be substituted for the oral suspension in the treatment of otitis media (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

The elimination half-life was an average of 1.0 h in patients with normal renal function. Concomitant administration of probenecid decreased the rate of urinary excretion and increased the half-life to 1.5 hours.

In subjects with moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 10 to 50 ml/min/1.73 m²), following a single 400-mg dose, the plasma half-life was prolonged to approximately 5.6 hours. In subjects with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min/1.73 m²), the half-life was increased to approximately 32 hours. During hemodialysis the half-life was approximately 4 hours. In patients with severe renal impairment, the C_max increased from 15.4 mcg/ml to 23 mcg/ml (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

In single-dose studies, plasma half-life and AUC were not significantly altered in healthy elderly subjects with normal renal function.

There is no evidence of metabolism of loracarbef in humans.

Approximately 25% of circulating loracarbef is bound to plasma proteins.

Middle-ear fluid concentrations of loracarbef were approximately 48% of the plasma concentration 2 hours after drug administration in pediatric patients. The peak concentration of loracarbef in blister fluid was approximately half that obtained in plasma. Adequate data on CSF levels of loracarbef are not available.

Microbiology: Loracarbef exerts its bactericidal action by binding to essential target proteins of the bacterial cell wall, leading to inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. It is stable in the presence of some bacterial b-lactamases. Loracarbef has been shown to be active against most strains of the following organisms both in vitro and in clinical infections (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).

Gram-positive aerobes:

Staphylococcus aureus(including penicillinase-producing strains)

NOTE: Loracarbef (like most b-lactam antimicrobials) is inactive against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-negative aerobes:

Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae (including b-lactamase-producing strains)
Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains)

The following in vitro data are available; however, their clinical significance is unknown.

Loracarbef exhibits in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 8 mcg/ml or less against most strains of the following organisms; however, the safety and efficacy of loracarbef in treating clinical infections due to these organisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials.

Gram-positive aerobes:

Staphylococcus epidermidis
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci)
Streptococcus bovis
Streptococci groups C, F, and Gy
viridans group streptococci

Gram-negative aerobes:

Citrobacter diversus
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains)
Pasteurella multocida
Proteus mirabilis
Salmonella species
Shigella species
Yersinia enterocolitica

NOTE: Loracarbef is inactive against most strains of Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia, Pseudomonas, and Serratia.

Anaerobic organisms:

Clostridium perfringens
Fusobacterium necrophorum
Peptococcus niger
Peptostreptococcus intermedius
Propionibacterium acnes

Susceptibility Testing

Diffusion Techniques: Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters give the most precise estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial agents. One such standardized method¹ has been recommended for use with the 30-mcg loracarbef disk. Interpretation involves the correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with MIC for loracarbef.

Reports from the laboratory giving results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 30 mcg loracarbef disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria (TABLE 2).

TABLE 2
Zone diameter (mm)	Interpretation
³ 18	(S) Susceptible
15-17	(MS) Moderately Susceptible
£ 14	(R) Resistant

A report of "susceptible" implies that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited by generally achievable blood concentrations. A report of "moderately susceptible" indicates that inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic may be achieved if high dosage is used or if the infection is confined to tissues and fluids (e.g., urine) in which high antibiotic concentrations are attained. A report of "resistant" indicates that achievable concentrations of the antibiotic are unlikely to be inhibitory and other therapy should be selected.

Standardized procedures require the use of laboratory control organisms. The 30-mcg loracarbef disk should give the following zone diameters with the NCCLS approved procedure (TABLE 3).

TABLE 3
Organism	Zone Diameter (mm)
E. coli ATCC 25922	23-29
S. aureus ATCC 25923	23-31

Dilution Techniques: Use a standardized dilution method² (broth, agar, or microdilution) or equivalent with loracarbef powder. The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria (TABLE 4).

TABLE 4
MIC (mcg/ml)	Interpretation
£8	(S) Susceptible
16	(MS) Moderately Susceptible
³32	(R) Resistant

As with standard diffusion methods, dilution procedures require the use of laboratory control organisms. Standard loracarbef powder should give the following MIC values with the NCCLS approved procedure (TABLE 5):

TABLE 5
Organism	MIC Range (mcg/ml)
E. coli ATCC 25922	0.5-2
S. aureus ATCC 29213	0.5-2

CLINICAL STUDIES

Acute Otitis Media

Study 1: In a controlled clinical study of acute otitis media performed in the United States where significant rates of b-lactamase-producing organisms were found, loracarbef was compared to an oral antimicrobial agent that contained a specific b-lactamase inhibitor. In this study, using very strict evaluability criteria and microbiologic and clinical response criteria at the 10- to 16-day post therapy follow-up, the following presumptive bacterial eradication/clinical cure outcomes (i.e., clinical success) and safety results were obtained (see TABLE 6).

TABLE 6 U.S. Acute Otitis Media Study Loracarbef vs b-lactamase inhibitor-containing control drug
Efficacy
Pathogen	% of Cases With Pathogens (n=204)	Outcome
S. pneumoniae	42.6%	Loracarbef equivalent to control
H. influenzae	30.4%	Loracarbef success rate 9% less than control
M. catarrhalis	20.6%	Loracarbef success rate 19% less than control
S. pyogenes	6.4%	Loracarbef equivalent to control
Overall	100.0%	Loracarbef success rate 12% less than control

Safety: The incidences of the following adverse events were clinically and statistically significantly higher in the control arm versus the loracarbef arm (TABLE 7).

TABLE 7
Event	Loracarbef	Control
Diarrhea	15%	26%
Rash*	8%	15%
* The majority of these involved the diaper area in young pediatric patients.

Study 2: In a controlled clinical study of acute otitis media performed in Europe, loracarbef was compared to amoxicillin. As expected in a European population, this study population had a lower incidence of b- lactamase-producing organisms than usually seen in U.S. trials. In this study, using very strict evaluability criteria and microbiologic and clinical response criteria at the 10- to 16-day post therapy follow-up, the following presumptive bacterial eradication/clinical cure outcomes (i.e., clinical success) were obtained (see TABLE 8).

TABLE 8 European Acute Otitis Media Study: Loracarbef vs Amoxicillin
Efficacy
Pathogen	% of Cases With Pathogens (n=291)	Outcome
S. pneumoniae	51.5%	Loracarbef equivalent to amoxicillin
H. influenzae	29.2%	Loracarbef success rate 14% greater than amoxicillin
M. catarrhalis	15.8%	Loracarbef success rate 31% greater than amoxicillin
S. pyogenes	3.4%	Loracarbef equivalent to amoxicillin
Overall	100.0%	Loracarbef equivalent to amoxicillin

Acute Maxillary Sinusitis

In a controlled clinical study of acute maxillary sinusitis performed in Europe, loracarbef was compared to doxycycline. In this study there were 210 sinus-puncture evaluable patients. As expected in a European population, this study population had a lower incidence of b-lactamase-producing organisms than usually seen in U.S. trials. In this study, using very strict evaluability criteria and microbiologic and clinical response criteria at the 1- to 2-week post therapy follow-up, the following presumptive bacterial eradication/clinical cure outcomes (i.e., clinical success) were obtained (see TABLE 9).

TABLE 9 European Acute Maxillary Sinusitis Study: Loracarbef vs Doxycycline
Efficacy
Pathogen	% of Cases With Pathogens (n=210)	Outcome
S. pneumoniae	47.6%	Loracarbef equivalent to doxycycline
H. influenzae	41.4%	Loracarbef equivalent to doxycycline
M. catarrhalis	11.0%	Loracarbef equivalent to doxycycline
Overall	100.0%	Loracarbef equivalent to doxycycline

Cystitis

Study 1: In a controlled clinical study of cystitis performed in the United States, loracarbef was compared to cefaclor. In this study, using very strict evaluability criteria and microbiologic and clinical response criteria at the 5- to 9-day post therapy follow-up, the following bacterial eradication rates were obtained (see TABLE 10 ).

TABLE 10 U.S. Uncomplicated Cystitis Study: Loracarbef vs Cefaclor
Efficacy
Pathogen	% of Cases With Pathogens (n=186)	Outcome
E. coli	77.4%	Loracarbef eradication rate 4% greater than cefaclor (loracarbef eradication rate 80%)
Other major  Enterobacteriaceae	12.5%	Loracarbef equivalent to cefaclor (loracarbef eradication rate 61%)
S. saprophyticus	3.8%	Loracarbef equivalent to cefaclor

Study 2: In a second controlled clinical study of cystitis, performed in Europe, loracarbef was compared to an oral quinolone. In this study, using very strict evaluability criteria and microbiologic and clinical response criteria at the 5- to 9-day post therapy follow-up, the following bacterial eradication rates were obtained (see TABLE 11).

TABLE 11 European Uncomplicated Cystitis Study: Loracarbef vs Quinolone
Efficacy
Pathogen	% of Cases With Pathogens (n=189)	Outcome
E. coli	82.0%	Loracarbef eradication rate 7% less than quinolone (loracarbef eradication rate 81%)
Other major  Enterobacteriaceae	10.1%	Loracarbef eradication rate 32% less than quinolone (loracarbef eradication rate 50%)

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

Loracarbef is an antibiotic used to treat infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and tonsillitis. This drug should not be used by those with allergies to the cephalosporin antibiotics. You should also consult with your pharmacist or physician if you are allergic to penicillin before taking this medication. This medication shold be taken at least one hour prior to eating or at least 2 hours after eating. The most common side effects are rash, diarrhea and abdominal pain. You should discontinue the medication if you develop a skin rash.

Last updated on RxList: 12/8/2004

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

LORACARBEF - ORAL

(lor-uh-KAR-beff)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lorabid

USES: Loracarbef is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a carbacephem (cephalosporin-like) antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating) usually twice a day (every 12 hours) or as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking the liquid suspension form of this medication, shake the container well before pouring each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a special medication-measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Do not substitute the capsule form for the suspension, especially if you are treating an ear infection. The capsule form may not give you high enough drug levels to treat the infection.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and the type of infection being treated.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, seizures, unusual weakness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving treatment or even weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.

Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using loracarbef, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other cephalosporins; or to penicillins; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., colitis).

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), probenecid, live bacterial vaccines, "water pills" (e.g., diuretics such as furosemide).

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details. Discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store the capsules and powder for suspension at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

The liquid suspension form of this medication does not have to be refrigerated. Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Discard any unused portion after 14 days because it may not work as well.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.