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.

1991