LEVOTUSS ® Levodropropizina

LEVOTUSS ® is a drug based on Levodropropizin

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Cough sedatives

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Directions LEVOTUSS ® Levodropropizina

LEVOTUSS ® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of cough, as a cough suppressant.

Mechanism of action LEVOTUSS ® Levodropropizina

Levodropropizina is an active ingredient obtained through chemical synthesis, endowed with a marked antitussive activity performed by local and non-central mechanisms of action.

More precisely, this active ingredient, whose mechanism of action is not yet completely clear and most likely complicated by multiple biological activities including antihistamine and antibronchospastic activities, seems to block the cough, inhibiting the tussive reflex from the present unmyelinated C fibers in the context of the lung parenchyma, controlling the release of activating chemical mediators.

The aforementioned activity is also facilitated by excellent pharmacokinetic properties, which allow Levodropropizin, taken orally, to be absorbed with very high bioavailability from the gastrointestinal tract, to be subsequently distributed through the blood circulation in the various tissues, and in particular in the pulmonary tissue.

After its activity, following a particularly short half-life, Levodropropizine is largely eliminated or in the form of hydrosoluble conjugates through urine.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

LEVODROPROPIZINA IN PULMONARY OBSTRUCTIVE DISEASES

Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1992; 18 (3): 113-8.

Work demonstrating how the use of Levodropropizina, especially if carried out by inhalation, can guarantee a rapid improvement in cough in patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases.

ANAPHILASSES WITH LEVODROPROPIZINA

Allergy. 2010 Mar; 65 (3): 409-10. doi: 10.1111 / j.1398-9995.2009.02185.x. Epub 2009 Oct 1.

Yet another case report that denounces the appearance of an anaphylactic reaction in a patient undergoing therapy with Levodropropizin, underlined by the broad release of histamine by basophils.

LEVODROPROPIZINE IN THE TREATMENT OF TOXIN ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC PATHOLOGIES

J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2011; 25 (3): 209-18.

Very interesting work, which emphasizes the need to investigate, with appropriate clinical trials, the ability of Levodropropizine to quell cough during chronic non-cancer diseases, thus being able to guarantee a clear improvement in the quality of life of affected patients.

Method of use and dosage

LEVOTUSS ®

Oral drops of 60 mg Levodropropizina per ml d product;

Levodropropizina syrup of 30 mg per 5 ml of product;

Levodropropizine 20 mg tablets.

The therapy with LEVOTUSS ® must necessarily be defined by your doctor based on the patient's state of health and the severity of his clinical picture.

Generally in adults, regardless of the pharmaceutical format used, the dose of 60 mg daily, divided into at least 3 intakes, is generally effective in appropriately sedating the cough.

In children the dosages normally used are halved compared to those of adults, while in any case the therapy should not exceed 14 days in duration.

Warnings LEVOTUSS ® Levodropropizina

LEVOTUSS ® is a drug used in the symptomatic treatment of cough, and not in the basic therapy of the determining respiratory pathology.

Therefore it is advisable that the patient undergoes a careful medical examination, before starting to take LEVOTUSS ®, in order to remedy the pathological factor.

In light of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of Levodropropizin, the elderly patient with kidney disease should pay particular caution when using the drug, requiring continuous medical supervision and possible adaptation of the dosages normally used. Given the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the active ingredient, it would be advisable to administer the drug with particular caution, possibly resorting to adjusting the dosages normally used.

LEVOTUSS ® in syrup and oral drops contains parahydroxybenzoates, excipients with a strong allergenic power, and therefore potentially dangerous in atopic subjects.

Although rarely, Levodropropizin may induce drowsiness, making the driving of vehicles and the use of machinery dangerous.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The absence of studies able to better characterize the safety profile of Levodropropizin for the health of the fetus and infant, inevitably extends the contraindications to the use of LEVOTUSS ® also to pregnancy and the subsequent period of breastfeeding.

Interactions

As with any other drug, although pharmacologically relevant interactions have not yet been identified for Levodropropizin, it would be advisable to consult your doctor before undertaking any contextual drug therapies.

Contraindications LEVOTUSS ® Levodropropizina

The use of LEVOTUSS ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, in patients suffering from severe kidney diseases, in patients with respiratory diseases of significant clinical importance, during pregnancy and lactation.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Levodropropizin therapy may expose the patient to the risk of potential side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, asthenia, dizziness and drowsiness.

Fortunately, the incidence of clinically relevant side effects such as hypersensitivity to the active ingredient is rarer.