levodropropizine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

levodropropizine is an antitussive medication primarily used to relieve coughing. It acts by suppressing cough reflex in the central nervous system. It is used to alleviate dry, non-productive coughs that can be caused by various respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or the common cold. levodropropizine’s spectrum is specific to its antitussive action and is not used for other purposes. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

drowsiness 

Palpitations 

Nausea 

diarrhoea 

heartburn 

Fatigue 

Dizziness 

numbness 

altered consciousness 

Vomiting 

abdominal distress 

headache 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

levodropropizine does not have a black box warning. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: levodropropizine should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or any of its components. 
• Severe Respiratory Depression: levodropropizine should be used with caution, or avoided altogether, in individuals with severe respiratory depression as it may affect breathing. 
• Children Under 2 Years: levodropropizine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2 years unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional. 
• Pregnancy and Lactation: The use of levodropropizine during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding) should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider.

Caution: 

• Elderly Patients: Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the CNS depressant effects of levodropropizine. Careful monitoring is advised when using this medication in older adults. 
• Liver or Kidney Impairment: levodropropizine is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted by kidneys. Patients with liver or kidney impairment may require dose adjustments or more frequent monitoring when using this medication. 
• Children: levodropropizine should be used in children only as directed by a healthcare provider, and dosing should be calculated based on the child’s age and weight.

Comorbidities: 

• Respiratory Conditions: levodropropizine is used to alleviate cough, which can occur as a symptom of various respiratory conditions, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or respiratory tract infections. If you have a respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, consult your healthcare provider before using levodropropizine or any cough medication. 
• Allergies and Sensitivities: patients may be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients in cough medications, including levodropropizine. If you have a known allergy to this medication or any of its components, you should avoid its use. 
• Alcohol: Concurrent use of alcohol and levodropropizine may increase the central nervous system depressant effects, such as drowsiness and impaired coordination. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• 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: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

levodropropizine is a medication used primarily to relieve cough symptoms. Its pharmacology involves suppressing the cough reflex by acting on the peripheral sensory nerves in the respiratory tract.

It exerts its effect by inhibiting the release of substances like histamine and prostaglandins, which can trigger coughing. levodropropizine does not possess significant sedative or antihistamine properties, making it a well-tolerated cough suppressant.

Its mechanism of action is primarily local, affecting the respiratory tract’s cough reflex without causing significant central nervous system effects. This targeted action helps alleviate coughing while minimizing the risk of drowsiness or other systemic side effects commonly associated with some cough medications.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Cough Reflex Inhibition: levodropropizine works by inhibiting the cough reflex. It acts locally in the respiratory tract to reduce the sensitivity of cough receptors to irritants and stimuli. This helps to alleviate coughing. 
• Reduced Airway Irritation: The drug can decrease irritation and inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, which can be a trigger for coughing. By reducing the irritation, levodropropizine contributes to cough relief. 
• Mucus Production: levodropropizine may also have a mucolytic effect, which means it can help to thin and loosen mucus in the airways. This makes it easier for individuals to clear mucus from their air passages, further reducing coughing. 
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that levodropropizine may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to its cough-suppressing effects by reducing airway inflammation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

levodropropizine is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It is rapidly absorbed, and peak blood concentrations are usually reached within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. The absorption is not affected by food, so it can be taken with or without meals. 

Distribution 

levodropropizine is distributed throughout the body, but it exerts its effects in the respiratory tract. It has a low binding affinity to plasma proteins, which means it can easily move from the bloodstream to the target tissues, such as the respiratory mucosa. This distribution allows it to act locally in the airways to suppress coughing. 

Metabolism 

levodropropizine undergoes hepatic (liver) metabolism. It is metabolized into various metabolites, although the specific enzymes and pathways involved in its metabolism may not be well-documented. The metabolites are less active than the parent drug. 

Elimination and excretion 

The elimination of levodropropizine and its metabolites occurs primarily through the urine. The exact details of the excretion process, including the extent of renal (kidney) excretion and the elimination half-life, may vary among individuals. In general, the drug and its metabolites are eliminated quickly from the body. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: The appropriate dosage of levodropropizine should be determined based on the patient’s age, weight, and the severity of their symptoms. Do not exceed the recommended dose. 
• Oral Administration: levodropropizine is usually administered by mouth. Use the measuring device, such as a dosing cup or syringe, to ensure accurate dosing. 
• Timing: levodropropizine is typically taken two to three times a day. Follow the dosing schedule provided by the healthcare provider or as specified on the medication label. 
• Duration: The duration of levodropropizine treatment is usually limited to a short period, such as a few days to a week. Use the medication for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve before completing the course. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: levodropropizine 

Pronounced: (lee-voe-dro-PRO-pi-zeen)  

Why do we use levodropropizine? 

• Cough: levodropropizine is used to alleviate dry, unproductive coughs caused by respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. It reduces frequency and intensity of coughing. 
• Bronchitis: levodropropizine can be prescribed to individuals with acute or chronic bronchitis, as it helps soothe the irritation in the airways and reduce coughing episodes. 
• Pharyngitis: In cases of sore throat and pharyngitis, levodropropizine may be used to relieve coughing, especially when it is persistent and disruptive. 
• Laryngitis: levodropropizine can also be used when coughing is associated with laryngitis, which causes inflammation and irritation of the voice box.