Loracarbef

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Loracarbef

Loracarbef is a synthetic antibiotic in the carbacephem class for anti-infective therapy. It is similar to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics in terms of its antibacterial activity. Loracarbef is used to treat bacterial infections in the body. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria.

History

Loracarbef was developed by Eli Lilly and Company and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991. It was marketed under the brand name Lorabid. However, it was discontinued in the United States in 2006.

Medical Uses

Loracarbef is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, and urinary tract. It is also used to treat gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.

Mechanism of Action

Loracarbef works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It binds to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall. This leads to the inhibition of the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, resulting in cell lysis.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Loracarbef include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects can include allergic reactions, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and seizures.

Drug Interactions

Loracarbef can interact with other medications, including probenecid, which can increase the levels of Loracarbef in the body. It can also interact with live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine, which can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.

See Also

• Carbacephem
• Cephalosporin
• Antibiotic resistance