Levocabastine nasal spray belongs to the family of medications called antihistamines. It is used to treat symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, itchy nose, and runny nose.

Levocabastine works by blocking the body's response to allergens (substances that a person may be allergic to). Levocabastine nasal spray starts to work within 10 minutes of spraying the nose.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose for adults and children 12 years of age and over is 2 sprays in each nostril two times daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 2 sprays in each nostril 3 to 4 times daily. If there is no improvement after 3 days, call your doctor.

Shake the bottle of levocabastine nasal spray before each use. Before using the nasal spray for the first time, pump it a few times in the air away from your body until a fine spray appears.

To use the spray:

• Gently blow your nose to clear your nasal passages before using the nasal spray.
• Tilt your head slightly forward.
• Keep one nostril tightly closed and insert the nozzle into the other nostril.
• Spray twice, while breathing in through the same nostril.
• Repeat for the other nostril.

Read the package insert and check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that you are using the medication correctly.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to levocabastine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• general feeling of being unwell
• headache
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• nosebleed
• nose irritation, dryness, burning
• throat pain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• eyelid swelling
• inflamed sinuses
• hard, fast, or irregular heartbeat

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Levocabastine nasal spray generally does not interfere with the ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, if you do experience drowsiness, do not drive a car or perform any other activities that require alertness.

Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Levocabastine nasal spray can pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for people over 65 years of age.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.