Monograph: |
Levocloperastine is the levorotatory isomer of DL-cloperastine and fendizoate is its salt. Levocloperastine fendozoate is an antitussive agent that acts both centrally, on the bulbar cough center, and peripherally, on the cough receptors in the tracheobronchial tree. This dual mechanism of action makes levocloperastine fendizoate effective in the treatment of cough associated with many chronic and acute conditions in patients of all ages.
Levocloperastine Fendizoate
Clinical studies
The past clinical studies on levocloperastine fendizoate demonstrated its superior pharmacological effect over other antitussive agents currently used in cough medications. In 1992, a large-scale clinical trial showed the drug's antitussive activity to be similar to the opiate agent, codeine.
In 2004, a clinical trial was conducted in Italy by Aliprandi et al., using children and adults as study participants. The majority of the children who participated had acute bronchial inflammatory conditions at the time, while adult subjects had chronic pulmonary disorders. The antitussive effects were observed as early as the first day of treatment, manifested by improved subjective, objective, and laboratory parameters. Objective measurements used in the study included reduction in cough frequency and intensity, nighttime disturbances, and difficulties in expectoration. Laboratory measurements included improvements on cardiovascular and respiratory parameters.
The same study found out that levocloperastine fendizoate exhibited a faster onset of action with a substantial reduction in the intensity and frequency of cough. It was also generally well-tolerated by the body. Unlike codeine, it did not produce the adverse effects associated with the opiate agent such as sedation, dry mouth, nausea, and drug dependence.
Moreover, levocloperastine fendizoate didn't interact with other drugs which makes it a safe alternative for patients who take medications for other conditions. Given the amount of positive research results, it will only be a matter of time before levocloperastine fendizoate joins the market of antitussive agents currently used in medical practice today.
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