levocabastine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Actions: 

levocabastine is an antihistamine medication primarily used to treat allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis and. It belongs to a class of drugs known as H1 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released in the body during an allergic reaction. 

Spectrum: 

• Allergic Rhinitis: levocabastine helps relieve symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and postnasal drip that occur due to exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc. 
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: levocabastine eye drops can alleviate symptoms like redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by exposure to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or mold.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Urticaria 

Burning in the eyes 

Drowsiness 

Dyspnea 

Nasal irritation 

Fatigue 

Somnolence 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Angle-closure glaucoma 

Cautions: 

• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 
• Children & Elderly 
• Systemic effects 
• Driving and operating machinery 
• Medical conditions 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: C. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

levocabastine is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: Well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the initial or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

levocabastine is a selective antagonist of histamine H1 receptors. When allergens trigger an allergic reaction, histamine is released, leading to symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

levocabastine works by binding to and blocking H1 receptors, which are present in various cells, including those responsible for causing these allergic symptoms. By doing so, levocabastine prevents histamine from binding to these receptors and thus reduces or prevents the allergic response. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

60-80% is absorbed systemically when taken through nasal route 

30-60% is absorbed systemically when taken through the ocular route 

Distribution 

55% of protein is bound  

Metabolism 

levocabastine is minimally metabolized in the body. 

Elimination and Excretion 

70% of unchanged levocabastine and 10% of the metabolites are excreted in the urine 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

levocabastine is administered through the ophthalmic and nasal routes. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the medication packaging. Dosage and frequency can vary based on your condition and the strength of the medication. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: levocabastine 

Pronounced as: lee-voe-CAB-as-teen 

Why do we use levocabastine? 

levocabastine is used primarily to relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions, specifically those related to allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis.