levocabastine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

levocabastine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Livostin

What is the most important information I should know about levocabastine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

Shake the suspension well before each dose.

What is levocabastine ophthalmic?

Levocabastine is an antiallergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.

Levocabastine ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

Levocabastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use levocabastine ophthalmic?

Do not use levocabastine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

Levocabastine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether levocabastine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Levocabastine passes into breast milk. Its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do not use levocabastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use levocabastine ophthalmic?

Use levocabastine eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store levocabastine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using levocabastine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Levocabastine ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses during therapy with with this medication. Contact lenses can be used again after therapy with levocabastine has ended.

Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.