Levocabastine Eye Drops do not Affect Accommodative Capacity in Volunteers and Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma Patients

Abstract

Levocabastine is a potent and highly selective H₁-receptor antagonist specifically developed for the topical treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. This study assessed the effects of levocabastine eye drops on accommodative capacity in 20 healthy volunteers and on parameters influencing glaucoma in 12 glaucoma patients. A single dose of levocabastine (0.5 mg/ml) did not influence accommodative capacity, pupil diameter, or intraocular pressure (IOP) in volunteers. Similarly, levocabastine (0.5 mg/ml, one drop in each eye twice daily) for two weeks was well tolerated by patients with glaucoma. Measurement of IOP, iridocorneal angle, depth of the anterior chamber, visual acuity and near-point in these patients provided no evidence of exacerbation of glaucoma or interactions with concurrent antiglaucoma medication. Application site reactions (local irritation and ocular pain) were the only adverse effects, with an incidence comparable to placebo-treated controls. In conclusion, ocular levocabastine appears to be well tolerated, with no apparent effects on accommodative capacity or glaucoma.