Levopront – composition, action, indications, contraindications, dosage

Proven content

Levopront is an antitussive drug that counteracts bronchospasm. Due to the content of levodropropizin, it inhibits the cough reflex of various origins. Although it is available without a prescription, it should be used after consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Characteristics of the drug Levopront

Levopront is a preparation available in the form of a syrup, which is used in the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough, i.e. dry cough. Levopront is a drug effective in reducing cough associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections, but also with whooping cough and lung cancer. The syrup has an antitussive effect and also relieves bronchospasm.

The producer of Levopront syrup is the pharmaceutical concern Dompé pharmacici SpA, which was established in 1940 and has its headquarters in Milan, Italy.

Levopront syrup is available in Polish pharmacies without a prescription in bottles with a capacity of 120 ml. It is recommended for use in adults and children from two years of age.

Levopront – composition and action of the drug

Levopront is a syrup that contains levodropropizine – a substance with antitussive and bronchodilator properties. The active ingredient contributes to the inhibition of the activation of C fibers and the conduction of sensory stimuli. It has an effect on cough of various origins: from cough accompanying a lung cancer, through whooping cough, to cough associated with an infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Levopront, unlike opioid drugs, does not cause the so-called respiratory depression, significant cardiovascular symptoms or constipation, and it does not interfere with mucociliary clearance.

Additionally, the active substance of the drug inhibits bronchospasm induced by histamine, serotonin and bradykinin. It did not inhibit acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction, indicating a lack of anticholinergic activity.

10 ml of syrup contains 60 mg of levodropropizine. In addition to the active substance, Levopron consists of auxiliary substances such as sucrose, citric acid monohydrate, sodium hydroxide, a substance that improves the taste and aroma of cherry, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and purified water.

What are some ways to deal with coughing? Check: Home remedies for cough – how to relieve this persistent ailment in children and adults?

Levopront – absorption and metabolism of the drug

In the case of Levopront, the reviews indicate that this drug is absorbed quickly. According to the leaflet, the bioavailability is approx. 75%. Moreover, 11-14% of levodropropizin is bound to plasma proteins. This compound is excreted from the body mainly in the urine in unchanged form and as metabolites. Studies have shown that 48% of the administered dose is excreted within 35 hours of taking the drug. Levodropropizin does not accumulate in the body. Long-term use of the drug does not change the absorption and excretion profile of levodropropizin.

What are the symptoms and causes of choking cough? Check: A choking cough – what can it cause and how can I deal with it?

Levopront – indications for use

The properties of the drug translate into indications for its use. The preparation is intended for the symptomatic treatment of dry cough.

If you want to know the causes of dry cough, check out: Dry cough

Levopront – cough in adults

Coughing is a common symptom in adults. It is described as an involuntary reflex or a consciously evoked maneuver to remove residual secretions or a foreign body from the airways.

By coughing, we clear the respiratory tract, which is why this reflex is considered one of the basic mechanisms of our body. A cough arises when irritating receptors act in the throat, larynx or bronchi. Interestingly, cough receptors are also found in the stomach, so coughing can irritate the stomach.

There are different types of cough. One of the divisions is the classification into acute and chronic cough. Acute cough usually lasts up to 3 weeks, while chronic cough lasts much longer and can be troublesome for up to 12 weeks.

By the nature of the cough, a dry cough and a wet cough, that is, productive, with discharge should be distinguished. Levopront is used to treat dry cough.

How do you tell the difference between the flu and a cold? Check: Flu or cold? Find out which one caught you

Levopront – cough in children

Levopront syrup can also be used in children. Dry cough is a symptom that is very often seen in young children. This cough may be short-lived and then develop into a wet cough. It is not uncommon, however, that the cough lasts for weeks, which causes great fatigue and frustration in the baby.

A child’s dry cough may occur at different times of the day and its frequency and severity may also vary. Typically, a dry cough for a child is most tiring at night, as it hinders a good night’s sleep and causes frequent nighttime awakenings.

W treating a dry cough in a child Levopront syrup can be helpful. Also, do not forget to make sure your child drinks plenty of water. Drinking water helps to fight infections, and also allows you to moisturize the mucosa of the child, irritated by constant coughing.

What are the causes of dry cough in a child? Check: Dry cough in a child – causes, diagnosis, examination and treatment

Levopront – how to dose the drug?

Taking the syrup should be as prescribed by the doctor. Information on the dosage of Levopront can also be found in the package leaflet. Unless your specialist recommends otherwise, the following dosing schedule should be followed:

1. adults: 60 mg (10 ml) – 3 times a day;
2. children after 2 years of age with a body weight of 10-20 kg: 18 mg (3 ml) – 3 times a day;
3. children after 2 years of age with a body weight of 20-30 kg: 30 mg (5 ml) – 3 times a day;

The syrup should be taken between meals. The next dose should be taken at least 6 hours after the previous administration.

The syrup should be taken orally. The package comes with a measuring cup, which makes dosing the drug much easier. Treatment should continue until the cough is resolved or as directed by your doctor. In any case when the cough does not subside after 7 days of treatment, it is recommended to stop taking Levoprontu and consult a doctor about the symptoms.

What is worth remembering for the drugs we use to be effective? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Levopront – contraindications to use

Levopront is a safe remedy for dry cough, but its properties may be a contraindication to its use in some specific cases. The syrup cannot be used by people who:

1. there is hypersensitivity to any component of the drug;
2. Kartagener syndrome, ciliary dyskinesia, i.e. excessive bronchial secretion, and ciliary dysfunction were diagnosed.

In addition, the drug is not intended for children under 2 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

What are the causes and symptoms of bronchiectasis? Check: Dissecting the bronchi

Levopront – warnings

As with most medicines, special precautions must be taken when using Levopront. The package leaflet informs about several significant warnings related to taking the syrup:

1. after 7 days of using the drug and there is no clear improvement, contact your doctor immediately;
2. special care should be taken when using the drug in the elderly;
3. in patients with severe renal impairment, dosage should be exercised with caution;
4. the drug contains sucrose – if you have been diagnosed with an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking the drug;
5. the syrup contains parahydroxybenzoates, which means that it can cause allergic reactions and, exceptionally, bronchospasm;
6. in some people the syrup may cause drowsiness and may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Do you know what a barking cough is? Read: Barking cough – causes and methods of treating laryngeal cough in children and adults [EXPLAINED]

Levopront – drug interactions

The Levopront syrup leaflet indicates the possibility of interactions with certain medications. Therefore, caution should be exercised when taking drugs with a sedative effect, e.g. benzodiazepines.

The syrup has not been found to interact with other medications taken in bronchial and lung diseases. The preparation has also not been shown to increase the effect of drugs affecting the central nervous system.

What is worth knowing about the harmful interactions of different drugs? Check: Dangerous interactions

Levopront – side effects

Taking Levopront syrup may cause some side effects, as with any other medication. Levopront should definitely be discontinued if the patient develops severe skin reactions such as hives or itching. The drug should also be discontinued if symptoms of skin diseases appear, which are manifested by blisters.

Side effects of Levopront may also include uneven heart beat, hypoglycemic coma or an allergic reaction such as swelling, shortness of breath, diarrhea or vomiting.

Adverse drug reactions may be very common, common, uncommon, rare or very rare. Side effects with Levopront, which are very rare, i.e. less than 1 in 10 patients, are:

1. hives, erythema, rash, itching, angioedema, skin reactions;
2. stomach pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
3. allergic reactions;
4. malaise, dizziness, balance disorder, tremors, tingling, numbness in the limbs;
5. palpitations, tachycardia, low blood pressure;
6. irritability, drowsiness;
7. shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the respiratory mucosa;
8. deficiency or lack of strength and weakness in the lower limbs.

They were also mentioned in the leaflet other side effects of Levoprontwhich include:

1. glossitis and aphthous stomatitis with fever;
2. inflammation caused by a stoppage in the drainage of bile from the liver;
3. cases of generalized swelling, fainting and weakness;
4. seizures or a major seizure;
5. pupil dilation and loss of vision;
6. sleepiness, reduction in muscle tone and vomiting in the newborn (if taken by the mother).

What does a scratchy throat mean? Check: Scratching the throat – causes and home remedies

How much does Levopront cost?

The price of Levopront may vary depending on the pharmacy from which we will buy the preparation. On average, we will pay PLN 120-18 for 20 ml of Levopront. You can also buy this drug online.

What to remember when choosing the right cough syrup? Check: How to choose a syrup?

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home. Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.