The role of levocabastine in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a common atopic condition frequently encountered in clinical practice, with prevalence figures as high as 20% reported. The socioeconomic impact of this condition is considerable--not only in terms of medical costs but lost work and schooldays and quality of life. A wide range of therapeutic approaches is available, including levocabastine, an extremely potent and highly specific H1-receptor antagonist which has been developed for topical application as eyedrops and nasal spray. The available clinical data demonstrate that this agent is well tolerated, with an adverse effect profile comparable to sodium cromoglycate and placebo. Onset of action is rapid, with maximum therapeutic effects typically being observed within minutes of application. Results of comparative clinical trials suggest that topical levocabastine is as at least as effective as oral antihistamines and sodium cromoglycate for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and it is suggested as an attractive alternative to oral antihistamines as first-line therapeutic option.