Ivorin

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Ivorin

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Ivorin

What is Ivorin? Identity and Classification

Ivorin is a synthetic pharmaceutical product with the active component Levodropropizine, classified as an antitussive agent for the symptomatic relief of cough.

Property Description
Active Ingredient Levodropropizine
Form Oral dosage forms (Syrup and Tablets)
Pharmacological Class Non-opioid Peripheral Antitussive Agent
General Purpose Symptomatic relief of dry, non-productive cough
Origin Synthetic, N-arylpiperazine chemical class

Classification and Composition of the Non-Opioid Antitussive

Ivorin contains the ingredient Levodropropizine, which is chemically the S-enantiomer of Dropropizine (C13H20N2O2), a structure belonging to the N-arylpiperazine group. The medicine is classified as a non-opioid cough suppressant, distinguishing it from centrally acting narcotic antitussives that carry a risk of central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Levodropropizine has a specific action profile that supports its use as a cough suppressant. This means the drug helps ease irritation and dampens the cough signal directly in the respiratory tract.


Available Forms and General Therapeutic Purpose

Levodropropizine is typically supplied as oral dosage forms, including pharmaceutical syrup and tablets, intended for oral administration. The drug’s main therapeutic purpose is to provide symptomatic relief by reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing episodes, particularly those associated with a dry, non-productive cough. Levodropropizine is used for the suppression of cough, acting to control the reflex by targeting airway sensory nerves with its inherent peripheral action.

What side effects are possible with Ivorin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Ivorin (Levodropropizine) is structured based on classifications derived from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, consistent with international regulatory standards. Adverse reactions are grouped by the affected body system, providing a comprehensive overview of potential effects.


Common and System-Based Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects, categorized as Common by regulators (occurring in 1/100 to < 1/10 users), primarily involve the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. These include Exhaustion (tiredness), Dry mouth, Vomiting, and Constipation.

Adverse reactions are classified into System-Organ Classes (SOCs), including Nervous System Disorders (such as dizziness, somnolence, and headache) and Gastrointestinal Disorders (such as nausea, abdominal distress, and heartburn).


Serious and Less Frequent Reactions

Very Rare reactions (occurring in < 1/10,000 users) and events with a Not Known frequency have been documented. Serious reactions reported include severe hypersensitivity like Anaphylactoid reactions and rare individual cases of Tonic-clonic convulsions, Cholestatic hepatitis, and transient Bilateral loss of vision. Cardiac effects such as Palpitations and Tachycardia are also listed.


Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Regulatory documentation outlines specific limitations. Ivorin is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment, those with excessive mucous discharge (bronchorrhoea) or impaired mucociliary function, and during lactation due to the reported excretion in maternal milk. Caution is advised for elderly patients, those with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance below 35 mL/min), and in individuals who need to drive or operate machinery due to the possibility of somnolence.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information describes the overdose profile of Ivorin (Levodropropizine) based on documented clinical observations and mandated emergency procedures. Overdose is primarily associated with non-severe, transient clinical manifestations.

Documented Clinical Manifestations

System Affected Manifestation (As Stated in Labeling)
Cardiovascular Mild, temporary tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Gastrointestinal Non-severe abdominal pain and nausea

In controlled high-dose exposures, official labeling indicates that no serious side effects were observed, and documented symptoms in the isolated case of pediatric overdose were non-severe and resolved spontaneously. The regulatory guidance mandates that you seek medical attention immediately at the first sign of suspected overdosage or if evident clinical signs are present.

Supportive Management and Monitoring

No specific antidote is available or specified for Levodropropizine overdose. Therefore, treatment is strictly symptomatic and supportive. Regulatory documents describe the use of usual emergency measures, which may include gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal.

During supportive care, special attention is required for key physiological functions, including cardiac, respiratory, renal, and hepatic status, along with monitoring fluid and electrolytic balance. This focused approach ensures physiological stability until the drug is cleared from the system.

Therapeutic Uses of Ivorin

What Ivorin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Ivorin (Levodropropizine) is a focused therapeutic agent primarily used for the symptomatic relief of cough. Its application is generally concentrated on acute or subacute conditions where the cough is causing distress and is associated with acute or disruptive episodes of discomfort.

The medication is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough. The main indications include management of cough associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), post-infectious cough, and irritative conditions marked by throat scratchiness or pharyngeal tickling.

This medication is generally used to address symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. The therapeutic action may assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits, which supports the management of distressing manifestations.

“The primary benefit sought is often support for restful periods, as persistent, dry coughing frequently escalates at night, severely disrupting rest.”

A significant benefit of Ivorin is its role in managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, particularly nocturnal cough disruption. This supports general well-being during symptomatic phases and helps improve day-to-day comfort.


Quick Fact: Relief for Irritative Cough

The medication is commonly used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed for dry, irritative coughs that do not produce phlegm, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.

Regulatory References

  1. Malta Medicines Authority regulatory overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Ivorin (Levodropropizine) is an antitussive medicine with strict population eligibility rules defined by regulatory authorities. The medicine is approved for use in adults and adolescents, and in children over 2 years of age.


Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Ivorin is formally contraindicated and must not be used by several groups. This includes children below 2 years of age, patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, and patients with severe hepatic disorders. Use is strictly prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated in patients with specific respiratory conditions involving mucus or impaired clearance, such as bronchorrhea or disturbed muco-ciliary function.


Conditional Use and Restrictions

Certain populations require specific caution. Use is advised cautiously in elderly patients and in individuals with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 35 mL/min). Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment also require caution. Additionally, the syrup formulation is contraindicated for individuals with certain hereditary metabolic disorders (e.g., fructose intolerance) due to its excipient content.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Ivorin (Levodropropizine) is associated with specific pharmacodynamic and administration-timing interaction patterns, documented in regulatory prescribing information. The official profile requires caution regarding co-administration with certain substances due to the potential for additive effects.


Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Co-administration with sedative agents, including Benzodiazepines, requires caution due to the documented potential for an enhanced sedative effect, particularly in sensitive individuals. This represents a formal pharmacodynamic interaction. Similarly, the co-ingestion of alcohol may enhance these central nervous system depressant effects, as noted in regulatory sources.

No clinically relevant interaction has been observed with common drug classes used for bronchopulmonary diseases, such as beta-2-agonists, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or mucoregulators. This lack of interaction is explicitly stated in product labeling.


Administration-Timing and Population Constraints

Category Regulatory Requirement
Syrup Formulation and Food Administration away from meals is advised for the syrup due to absent data on food's effect on drug absorption.
Elderly Patients Caution is advised due to the risk of changed pharmacokinetics in this population, which may impact the interaction profile.

No medicinal product is explicitly listed as formally contraindicated for co-administration based solely on an interaction risk. The drug’s structure confirms no documented significant interaction with common metabolic enzymes (CYP systems) or transporters that would require dosing adjustments.

Mechanism of Action

Ivorin is a type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), exhibiting enzymatic activity that specifically cleaves a single N-glycosidic bond in the highly conserved GAGA tetraloop sequence of the 28 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). This interaction, known as rRNA N-glycosidase activity, results in the hydrolytic release of adenine, creating a depurinated site within the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center.

This molecular modification of the ribosome acts as a potent inhibitor of the translational machinery. The damaged 28 S rRNA, now lacking a critical adenine residue, significantly impairs the binding and translocation of elongation factors, leading to the cessation of protein synthesis. This widespread intracellular inhibition of translation initiates multiple downstream cellular cascades, including the activation of various stress-response pathways and the intrinsic apoptotic program. The systemic physiological consequence of this mechanism involves the modulation of cell turnover via the promotion of programmed cell death across susceptible tissues.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

Ivorin, containing the active substance Levodropropizine, is strictly administered via the oral route using available dosage forms such as syrup, tablets, or drops. The usage follows a standardized dosing schedule.


Dosing Schedule and Frequency

For adults and children over 12 years of age, the standard single dose is 60 mg. This dose is typically taken up to three times daily (t.i.d.). A key procedural rule requires maintaining an interval of at least six hours between successive doses, ensuring the maximum daily intake of 180 mg is not exceeded.


Administration Conditions and Duration

The medication should preferably be taken away from meals or between meals, as the effect of food consumption on absorption is not always established. For liquid formulations, a calibrated measuring device must be used for administration to ensure the correct labeled dose is obtained. Treatment is intended to be brief; the course of administration must not exceed a maximum duration of seven days.


Population-Specific Use

Administration to children under two years of age is prohibited. For children between the ages of 2 and 12 years, dosing follows a weight-based regimen, generally 1 mg/kg per dose, taken up to three times daily. While no dose adjustment is formally required for older adults, it is advised to use the medication with special consideration. Use in patients with severe hepatic impairment is contraindicated.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Ivorin (referring to the compound Ivabradine) is a medication primarily studied for its role in certain cardiovascular conditions, specifically chronic heart failure and stable symptomatic angina pectoris. Its mechanism involves selectively lowering the heart rate without impacting heart muscle contraction or blood pressure, a unique characteristic compared to traditional beta-blockers.


Clinical Trial Findings: Heart Failure

Clinical research has focused on the use of Ivorin in adult patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure who have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (le 35%) and a persistently high heart rate (ge 70 beats per minute) while being treated with guideline-recommended therapy, including a beta-blocker (or where a beta-blocker is not tolerated).

  • Key Outcome: In large-scale, placebo-controlled trials, the addition of Ivorin to standard therapy was associated with a reduction in the combined risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure and cardiovascular death. This reduction was observed in the defined patient subset with an elevated heart rate.

Clinical Trial Findings: Angina

Ivorin has also been investigated for use in patients with stable angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

  • Angina Frequency: Studies suggest that Ivorin may reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
  • Exercise Tolerance: Research comparing Ivorin to other anti-anginal medications (like some beta-blockers and calcium channel antagonists) indicated that Ivorin was equivalent in increasing the time to onset of anginal symptoms during exercise stress tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ivorin (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Ivorin start to have an effect?

A: Studies and official information indicate that the active antitussive component in Ivorin may begin to have an effect and provide relief from coughing within approximately one hour of administration. Clinical information suggests the body will absorb the active substance over time.


Q: How long can a person safely stay on Ivorin?

A: According to official product information, the treatment course for Ivorin is intended to be brief. The maximum duration of administration is typically seven days unless advised differently by a healthcare professional. Use beyond this timeframe is not covered by the standard guidelines.


Q: Can Ivorin be taken at any time of day?

A: Regulatory guidance specifies that doses must be separated by an interval of at least six hours to stay within the maximum recommended daily intake. The medicine is also officially advised to be taken away from meals or between meals, but there is no requirement to take it at a specific time of day.


Q: Is Ivorin considered a 'high-risk' drug by official sources?

A: Ivorin is formally classified as a non-opioid antitussive agent. The active substance in Ivorin is not listed as a controlled substance by regulatory agencies. The labeling details a safety profile, including rare and very rare serious adverse effects, consistent with regulatory guidelines.


Q: Does Ivorin interact with birth control pills?

A: Official drug interaction profiles for Ivorin do not specifically list oral contraceptives as a known or significant interaction requiring a change in use. The regulatory documents may note that women of childbearing potential are generally advised to use reliable contraception during treatment.


Q: Does Ivorin require any special monitoring by a doctor?

A: Official product information advises that special caution is required for use in patients with severe renal insufficiency or hepatic impairment (liver problems). These conditions are noted as requiring special consideration and caution in the labeling.


Q: What should I look out for that is a sign of a serious side effect from Ivorin?

A: Serious reactions that have been documented in official safety sources include signs of severe hypersensitivity, such as an Anaphylactoid reaction (which can involve generalized rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing), and rare cases of convulsions or temporary loss of vision. These types of rare reactions are documented in the official safety information.


Q: What happens if a dose of Ivorin is missed?

A: Official guidance defines that doses must be separated by at least six hours. The general recommendation provided in regulatory sources for missed doses of a medicine is often to maintain the minimum time interval and not take a double dose.


Q: Is Ivorin safe to use during pregnancy, based on official warnings?

A: Official regulatory documents confirm that the use of Ivorin is contraindicated during pregnancy. This is based on findings indicating that the drug may have harmful pharmacological effects on the fetus, which is the stated reason for the restriction.


Q: What patient groups were included in the main Ivorin studies?

A: The clinical studies supporting the antitussive use of Ivorin’s active ingredient have examined its effectiveness in both adult and pediatric populations. Specifically, the medicine is approved for use in adults, adolescents, and children over 2 years of age who suffer from cough.


Q: What is the difference between Ivorin and Drug X (a common similar drug)?

A: Official classification states that Ivorin is a non-opioid peripheral antitussive agent. This means its cough-suppressant action occurs mainly in the airways, distinguishing it from centrally-acting drugs, such as certain opioid-based medicines, which work in the brain and have different side effect profiles.


Q: Is there a generic version of Ivorin available?

A: The active substance in Ivorin, Levodropropizine, is often available in different countries under various brand names. This indicates that the active ingredient itself is widely available and not confined to a single product name.


Q: Does Ivorin affect blood sugar levels?

A: Official warnings advise that the medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar). Additionally, the syrup formulation may contain sugar and is contraindicated for people with certain hereditary metabolic disorders.


Q: Can Ivorin be taken with a morning cup of coffee?

A: Official interaction lists do not mention caffeine or coffee specifically. However, a general principle noted in the safety profile is to use caution when taking the drug with other substances that may cause an enhanced sedative effect, though the direct risk of coffee is not specified in regulatory text.


Q: Why do some people report feeling nervous after taking Ivorin?

A: Official adverse reaction lists categorize mood-related effects under Psychiatric disorders. Documented, though rare, reports of nervousness have been noted in the product's safety information.


Q: Is Ivorin available as an injection or only as a pill?

A: Official product documentation confirms that Ivorin is supplied only in oral dosage forms for administration, such as syrup, tablets, or drops. It is not available in an injectable form.


Q: Is Ivorin a controlled substance?

A: The active component in Ivorin, Levodropropizine, is formally classified by regulatory agencies as a non-opioid antitussive and is not listed as a controlled substance.


Q: How does the body eliminate Ivorin?

A: Pharmacokinetic data available in supporting documentation indicates the active substance is quickly absorbed by the body. Once processed, it has a reported mean elimination half-life of approximately 2.3 hours.


Q: Why are there different strengths of Ivorin tablets?

A: Different product strengths are made available to allow for the precise administration of the standardized dose for adults and the weight-based regimen required for children over 2 years of age. This supports accurate dosing for different populations.


Q: Are there any specific foods that should be avoided with Ivorin?

A: Official guidelines advise that the medication should be taken away from meals or between meals. However, there are no specific food groups formally contraindicated (forbidden) for interaction risk in the regulatory labeling.


Q: Can Ivorin cause changes in mood?

A: Official adverse reaction lists include rare reports of mood-related events, such as nervousness, which are listed under Psychiatric disorders in the safety profile.


Q: Is it required to take Ivorin with food?

A: No, it is not required to take Ivorin with food. In fact, official guidelines state that the medication should preferably be taken away from meals or between meals.


Q: Is Ivorin a stimulant or a sedative?

A: Ivorin is classified as an antitussive, not a stimulant. Its safety profile notes potential effects on the central nervous system, including common reports of somnolence (drowsiness). Furthermore, official warnings note a potential for an enhanced sedative effect if taken with alcohol or other sedating medicines.


Q: Is Ivorin used in other countries for different purposes?

A: Official authorizations in various countries confirm that Ivorin (Levodropropizine) is consistently authorized and used for the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough. The official approved purpose remains the same across international regulatory bodies.


Q: What is the full list of ingredients in Ivorin?

A: The official product documentation provides a complete list of ingredients, including the single active substance, Levodropropizine, and all excipients (the inactive ingredients) used to create the final form, such as specific sugars or preservatives.


Q: What happens if I take too much Ivorin?

A: Official documentation reports that taking too much Ivorin may lead to a mild, temporary increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. While no serious side effects were noted in high-dose studies, the official maximum daily intake is noted in the administration section.

How should Ivorin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Ivorin?

Ivorin (Levodropropizine) must be stored and disposed of strictly according to the requirements stated in the official regulatory labeling to ensure product integrity and safety.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Protection Keep the product protected from light and in its original container.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
Stability The oral solution/syrup must be discarded after 30 days of first opening.

Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Ivorin must not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste to protect the environment. The labeled instructions require disposal in accordance with local regulations. Consult a pharmacist for the proper procedure on how to safely dispose of unused medicine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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