From the Guidelines
Livostin, also known as levocabastine, is a prescription antihistamine medication indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, providing relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, tearing, and nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies. The medication is available as eye drops or nasal spray, with the typical dosage for the eye drops being one drop in each affected eye 2-4 times daily, and the nasal spray usually administered as 2 sprays in each nostril 2-4 times daily 1.
Indications and Usage
Livostin is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the eyes caused by an allergic reaction, and allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction. The medication works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine from binding to these receptors and thus reducing the allergic response 1.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Livostin include temporary burning or stinging upon application, headache, drowsiness, and dry mouth or nose. Less common side effects may include blurred vision (with eye drops), nasal irritation (with nasal spray), and fatigue 1.
Mechanism of Action
Unlike some older antihistamines, Livostin is less likely to cause significant drowsiness as it doesn't readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Treatment should continue throughout the allergy season or as directed by a healthcare provider, and patients should be advised that full symptom relief may take a few days of regular use 1.
Comparison with Other Treatments
It's worth noting that while Livostin is effective for treating allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, other treatments such as dual-action agents (which possess both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer activities) may be more effective in preventing or treating ocular itching than other ocular agents, including Livostin 1. However, the choice of treatment should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and medical history.
Important Considerations
Patients should be advised to use Livostin as directed and to report any side effects or concerns to their healthcare provider. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions, such as renal impairment, may need to use Livostin with caution or under close medical supervision 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trials Experience Transient nausea and vomiting have been observed. Less frequent adverse reactions are body odor, nausea, and gastritis. The table below lists the adverse events that have been reported in two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The following adverse reactions have been reported: Neurologic Reactions: Seizures have been reported to occur in patients, with or without pre-existing seizure activity, receiving either oral or intravenous levocarnitine In patients with pre-existing seizure activity, an increase in seizure frequency and/or severity has been reported. Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema and bronchospasm (see WARNINGS).
Livostin is not mentioned in the provided drug label, the label is for levocabastine (IN).
- The indications are not explicitly stated in the provided text.
- The side effects include:
- Transient nausea and vomiting
- Body odor
- Nausea
- Gastritis
- Leg cramps
- Myalgia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drug dependence
- Hypertonia
- Insomnia
- Paresthesia
- Vertigo
- Bronchitis
- Cough increase
- Dyspnea
- Pharyngitis
- Respiratory disorder
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Pruritus
- Rash
- Amblyopia
- Eye disorder
- Taste perversion
- Urinary tract infect
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema and bronchospasm 2
From the Research
What is Livostin
- Livostin is another name for levocabastine, a potent and selective H1-receptor antagonist 3
- It is used as a topical antihistamine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis 3
Indications for Livostin
- Livostin is indicated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis 4, 3
- It is also used to treat perennial rhinitis 5
- Additionally, livostin is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis 3, 6