Levocabastine

definition

Levocabastine is a drug from the group of so-called antihistamines. They are mainly used in the treatment of seasonal, allergic complaints such as hay fever. Preparations that contain levocabastine are available as eye drops or nasal sprays, but only rarely as tablets. They are only available from a pharmacy but do not require a prescription.

effect

Histamine is a substance in the body that is primarily more released in allergic reactions becomes. Normally, the substance causes an inflammatory reaction in the body by widening the vessels. The widening of the blood vessels leads to an influx of more blood (reddening of the skin) and inflammation mediators to flood in. Histamine is i.a. always released when pathogens have entered the body and need to be fought.

In the event of an allergy, histamine is released in too large quantities and leads to a excessive reaction in the body. The results are watery eyes, runny noses, itchy skin and, if there is a strong allergic reaction, shortness of breath.

Levocabastine on the one hand inhibits the release of histamine and on the other hand inhibits the effect of the histamine that has already been released. Histamine is also responsible for waking and sleeping rhythms and also has a role in digestive processes. Levocabastine intake leads to one relatively quickly positive effect and makes the nasal mucous membranes swell and soothes the conjunctiva of the eyes. Today, levocabastine is mostly used as eye drops, as nasal drops or as a combination preparation.

Side effects

Since levocabastine reduces the effects of histamine, it also has the opposite effect of histamine. An inhibition of histamine also leads to over the sleep / wake control fatigue. Although this is much more pronounced with antihistamines that are taken in tablet form, these symptoms can also occur with prolonged use of levocabastine eye drops or nasal sprays. Furthermore, it can too local irritation the conjunctiva or the nasal mucous membranes, which usually appear after the first dose. Eye pain and blurred vision may also occur while taking levocabastine. Headache is very common after taking levocabastine. If so, consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment with the drug.

Dosage forms

Levocabastine eye drops

Levocabastine is particularly successful in the seasonal allergic conjunctival irritation. The drug is an antihistamine, which is used during a allergic reaction Histamine released by the body neutralizes and inhibits. Eye drops work locally and relatively quickly. The irritated conjunctiva, which often burns and can be reddened by the released histamine, is quickly healed by the levocabastine. Levocabastine eye drops should be taken when needed.

As a preventive measure, it should not be takenbut only when the first signs of allergic reactions are felt. The eye drops are placed into the conjunctival sac while the eyelid is pulled down slightly and the eye looks up. In the event of an allergic attack, it should be applied twice a day by placing one drop in each eye. If there is no improvement, you must consider taking an antihistamine as a tablet. In the event of hypersensitivity to levocabastine, it should not be taken.

Levocabastine nasal spray

Levocabastine nasal spray also inhibits the histamine released in the event of an allergic reaction. As a nasal spray, it also works locally and binds to histamine receptors or renders the released histamine ineffective. This leads to the fact that after ingestion the nasal mucous membranes swell and the mucus production is inhibited. The nasal spray should not be taken prophylactically, but only when the first signs of an allergic reaction appear.

The standard dosage is 2x2 sprays a day. If there is no significant improvement afterwards, you should either choose a different nasal spray or, in this case perhaps better, even take an antihistamine as a tablet. As a rule, levocabastine nasal drops are well tolerated. However, slight local irritation of the mucous membranes can always occur after ingestion. These then become noticeable in the form of itching or burning of the nasal mucous membrane with sometimes very strong runny nose.

Levocabastine tablets

Levocabastine tablets have a systemic effect throughout the body. These bind after admission everywhere in the body released histamine and make it ineffective. Levocabastine is mainly used when either the dose of eye or nose drops is insufficient, or when the allergic reaction is so strong that strong allergic symptoms are triggered.

Levocabastine will be similar to Cetirizine Mainly used in severe seasonal allergic reactions. The tablets are used daily for an acute attack. A preventive intake is not recommended. Levocabastine tablets have now largely disappeared from the market. Nowadays most is cetirizine or Loratadine, also an antihistamine used to treat an allergic reaction of the eyes and nose.

Dosage of levocabastine

As an eye drop, levocabastine should be given one drop in each eye twice a day. The nasal spray should be taken 2 puffs twice a day, if allergic symptoms occur. Preventive should use antihistamine supplements rather not be taken.

Cortisone as an alternative

If levocabastine is not effective enough, you should consider Cortisone to give instead. Cortisone is stronger and works by generally suppressing the immune system of the entire body. It can be used as a tablet or as a nasal spray. As a nasal spray, it is less dosed. Cortsion is more likely to be used in allergic reactions when the allergic reaction is severe and other local medications such as nasal sprays or eye drops do not have sufficient effect.

It is important to note that when taking cortisone tablets, the intake should be reduced. If you have a pronounced allergic reaction you can start with 40 mg twice a day and then quickly reduce this dosage downwards. The cortisone should then be tapered off within a week. Side effects like the dreaded Cushing Syndrome, are not to be expected at this low dosage. Cortisone requires a prescription, but in almost all cases it is also covered by the statutory health insurance.

Tetryzoline

Tetryzoline is a chemical substance used as a drug to treat conjunctival irritation or allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever) are used. The substance is sold as eye drops and also as a nasal spray and works by activating the sympathetic receptors. Since it is not used as a tablet or infusion, the effects mainly take place on the receptors that are also touched by the drug, such as the nose or eyes.

Vascular constriction causes the nasal mucous membranes to swell, and patients can breathe better while the nose is stopped. Eye drops reduce irritation of the conjunctiva and cause the conjunctiva and eyelid to swell.