Locabiotal

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Locabiotal

Method of action: Throat Preparations

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 Locabiotal

Property Description
Active ingredient Fusafungine
Form Nasal/Oromucosal Spray (Aerosol)
Pharmacological class Local Antibiotic, Anti-Infective Agent
Common use Local relief for upper respiratory issues
Origin Natural product (from Fusarium lateritium fungus)

What Type of Medicine is Locabiotal (Fusafungine)?

Locabiotal is a pharmaceutical product primarily classified as a local antibiotic and an anti-infective agent designed specifically for the upper respiratory tract. The medicine’s single active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is Fusafungine. This particular formulation was positioned in the market as a targeted solution for localized symptoms. The product is formally identified as an antibiotic for use in throat preparations within the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system, specifically under code R02AB03. This classification confirms its intended, targeted action on the mucosal surfaces of the nose and throat, differentiating it from antibiotics that circulate throughout the entire body to produce systemic effects.


Composition and Origin: The Fusafungine Depsipeptide

The active substance Fusafungine is derived from a natural product, specifically obtained from cultures of the fungus Fusarium lateritium. This origin makes it distinct from most synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics. Chemically, Fusafungine is not a single entity but a complex mixture of compounds known as cyclic depsipeptides, which include various enniatin components. Locabiotal is formulated as a single active ingredient product, presented as a pressurized nasal/oromucosal spray solution. This specific dosage form is designed for topical administration via inhalation treatment, ensuring the active components are directly deposited onto the mucosal lining of the affected upper respiratory passages. Upon administration, Fusafungine is distributed to the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa, facilitating its concentration at the intended site of action.


Primary Purpose: Localized Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Action

The general purpose of Locabiotal is to address local issues in the nose and throat by providing targeted antimicrobial action combined with inherent anti-inflammatory properties. Fusafungine exhibits bacteriostatic activity, which functions by hindering the growth and spread of specific microorganisms present in the localized area. The compound is recognized for mitigating local inflammation, a characteristic that differentiates its action from antibiotics with purely antimicrobial effects. This means the medicine assists in easing discomfort by working to reduce local swelling and irritation. This localized approach is typical for the treatment of mild upper respiratory symptoms where topical relief is sought.

What side effects are possible with Locabiotal?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Fusafungine (Locabiotal) is defined by officially documented risks of severe hypersensitivity and respiratory reactions, which led regulatory authorities to revoke its marketing authorizations in numerous jurisdictions. The safety data focuses on potential complications and not on common, mild issues.


Officially Documented Safety Concerns

The primary safety concern documented in regulatory reviews pertains to serious adverse reactions affecting specific organ systems. These reactions were generally classified as Rare but included events with potentially fatal outcomes.

System-Organ Class Affected Serious Adverse Reactions Documented
Immune System Disorders Potentially fatal allergic reactions, including Anaphylaxis.
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Severe Bronchospasm and Laryngeal Reactions.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat).

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Official regulatory documents noted specific safety constraints regarding the administration of the spray. The most serious adverse events were often reported to occur with an immediate onset following product use.

Furthermore, the pediatric population (children and infants) was identified as a group with a heightened risk of developing severe respiratory complications, such as laryngeal spasm, which resulted in age-specific contraindications in various regions. Safety constraints also explicitly barred use in individuals with a known history of allergy to Fusafungine or pre-existing conditions like asthma or bronchospasm.

This framework emphasizes that the regulatory view of Fusafungine's safety is centered on the risk of immediate, serious hypersensitivity events rather than mild, expected local irritation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Regulatory information describes the official profile for Locabiotal (Fusafungine) overdose and the mandated emergency actions.


Documented Overdose and Severe Manifestations

Experience with conventional overdose is limited. Documented presentations include circulatory disorders, dizziness, numbness in mouth, and localized effects such as worsening of sore throat and chemical burn of the throat.

The primary regulatory concern is the risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions, which include anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, laryngeal oedema (swelling of the voice box), and dyspnoea (difficulty breathing). Regulatory documents note that fatal cases have been reported in relation to these severe reactions across all age groups.


Required Emergency Actions and Management

Immediate medical attention must be sought urgently upon the appearance of specific symptoms, including respiratory, laryngeal, or cutaneous signs (e.g., pruritus, generalised erythema), due to the risk of anaphylactic shock. The medicine must not be readministered in the event of an allergic reaction.

Management of overdose consists of treatment of clinical symptoms and routine monitoring. No specific antidote is documented. For severe anaphylactic shock, official guidance indicates that an intramuscular injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) may be necessary urgently.

Therapeutic Uses of Locabiotal

What Locabiotal Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Locabiotal's therapeutic scope centers on providing supportive symptomatic relief for localized conditions in the upper respiratory tract. Fusafungine was used to help address symptoms associated with both infectious processes and inflammation for conditions such as rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis. The medicine is relevant in contexts involving acute or disruptive symptom patterns, where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed for adults.


Targeting Acute Localized Symptoms

Locabiotal is commonly used to help manage symptoms associated with local infectious processes and inflammation during acute symptomatic episodes. It is relevant for easing the discomfort and swelling associated with conditions including rhinitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. This approach supports patients during difficult episodes by addressing symptom clusters that may appear suddenly and create noticeable physiological strain. The treatment is applied in addressing symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion, assisting with localized relief of symptoms related to inflammatory states.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support for Acute Episodes

This treatment is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, typically during the early phase of an episode where symptoms are highly noticeable. This short-term supportive relief assists with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, helping to ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Locabiotal (fusafungine) has been withdrawn from the market in many regions, including the European Union, due to the risk of serious allergic reactions outweighing the benefits. The eligibility profile, based on final regulatory labeling, is highly restrictive.

Populations Who Must Not Use (Contraindicated)

Category Restriction
Age Group Children under 12 years are strictly contraindicated.
Hypersensitivity Patients with known allergy to fusafungine or any excipient.
Respiratory Risk Patients with a history of allergic tendencies or bronchospasm.

Restricted or Conditional Use

Category Statement (As documented in label)
Pregnancy Caution should be exercised; clinical data on exposed pregnancies is limited.
Breastfeeding Not recommended due to the absence of data on excretion into human breast milk.
Organ Impairment No dose adjustment necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairment (suggests standard eligibility if no other contraindications exist).

The regulatory profile defines use by minimizing the risk of severe allergic events, precluding all high-risk and pediatric populations.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for the active ingredient Fusafungine is entirely characterized by a definitive absence of formal interaction data with co-administered substances. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for this medicinal product explicitly states that no interactions studies have been performed. This means the regulatory label contains no documented information regarding specific drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-substance interactions.

The official status of various documented interaction types is summarized below.

Interaction Classification Official Regulatory Status
Contraindicated Combinations None officially listed due to interaction risk.
Pharmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic Data None officially documented in the label.
Exposure Modification No data on substances that alter drug levels.
Timing/Separation Rules No mandatory co-administration spacing required.
Interactions with Food or Alcohol None officially documented.

Because formal studies were not conducted, the official label does not include information on specific interaction mechanisms, such as CYP enzyme-mediated effects, transporter-based alterations, or formal pharmacodynamic consequences. Consequently, no mandatory restrictions, prohibitions, or timing requirements for co-administration are listed in the official regulatory documentation. This explicit lack of data defines the entire structure of the interaction profile.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Fusafungine operates through a dual-pronged, localized strategy that influences both microbial activity and human inflammatory pathways within the respiratory mucosa.


Modulation of Local Cellular Inflammation

The drug's mechanism involves acting as a direct modulator of the cellular inflammatory response. It operates by inhibiting the activation of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway in local immune cells, which critically restricts the downstream production and release of major pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. This biochemical intervention leads to a physiological reduction in vascular permeability and leukocyte extravasation in the tissue.


Localized Anti-Infective and Growth Suppression

Fusafungine's active components are cyclic depsipeptides that engage in a localized anti-infective mechanism by interacting with the cell components of susceptible bacteria and fungi. This action hinders their ability to grow and reproduce, resulting in a bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect confined strictly to the application site. By suppressing localized microbial proliferation, the mechanism influences the local environment, constraining microbial activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Locabiotal: Official Administration Guidelines

Locabiotal (fusafungine) is defined by a strict topical protocol for administration, utilizing a pressurized aerosol spray designated for both the oromucosal (mouth and throat) and nasal surfaces. The official regimen standardizes the administration to ensure local delivery of the active agent across the upper respiratory tract.

Dosing and Frequency

Administration is structured as a combined application, requiring a set number of puffs for each area four times daily. The established regimen for adults requires applying 4 puffs into the mouth and 2 puffs into each nostril per dose. The regimen for the pediatric population over 30 months of age is modified to 2 puffs into the mouth and 1 puff into each nostril, also administered four times daily.

Procedural Technique and Duration

The official instructions mandate specific procedural steps, including priming the device's valve with four test presses before its initial use. During administration, the bottle must be held upright, and the patient must press the adaptor firmly while maintaining normal breathing to ensure correct aerosol deposition. The full treatment course is officially established for a duration that normally lasts 7 days. Use should be discontinued if the targeted symptoms show no improvement after this standard period.

Population-specific guidelines state that no dose adjustment is specified for older adults or patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Locabiotal

The Research Landscape for Acute Upper Respiratory Issues

The clinical research for Locabiotal (fusafungine) was studied for conditions such as rhinopharyngitis (the common cold), rhinitis, and certain types of rhinosinusitis. These are conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations in the nose and throat. The available clinical evidence includes short-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). These designs were used in research exploring short-term symptom changes in episodic symptom patterns.

In these research scenarios, the focus was evaluated in settings involving periods of heightened symptom activity. Researchers examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, monitoring various patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, such as sore throat and nasal issues. These outcomes were used in research exploring short-term symptom changes, often measured over a period of just a few days to see what patterns were observed in the study populations.

Examining Study Quality and Design

Systematic reviews and larger analyses have explored the overall quality and consistency of the available research. Studies reported findings describe patterns observed in the studies. However, when reviewing the combined evidence, regulatory bodies have broadly classified the overall evidence level as low.

This classification is related to the design and findings of the studies. Research describes data show patterns related to symptom intensity or variability in acute episodes. However, scientific reviews and regulatory assessments noted that the measured outcomes in the trials were not considered relevant to what is typically observed in clinical practice. This evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape, but the scientific evaluations indicate that certainty remains low regarding the study findings.

Research Involving Specific Populations

The majority of clinical trials conducted was observed in adults experiencing acute upper respiratory tract infections. However, research has explored the use of the medicine in specific populations. For example, a large-scale RCT was evaluated in children aged 8 to 12 years with acute rhinopharyngitis. Research provides context by describing which populations was evaluated in these trials. It is important to remember that the results apply only to the populations studied, and data for certain groups remain insufficient, such as very young children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Locabiotal (FAQ)

Q: Is Locabiotal available over the counter in some countries?

The medicine has faced regulatory action in many territories, including the European Union, following reviews of its safety profile. Official regulatory action resulted in the revocation of marketing authorizations in many territories, severely restricting or precluding its availability.

Q: Are there different strengths or versions of Locabiotal?

Official product labeling defines Locabiotal as a single formulation with the active ingredient fusafungine. It is described as a 1% solution presented as an aerosol spray. Official labeling does not specify information about varying strengths or versions beyond this standard product definition.

Q: Do you need a prescription for Locabiotal?

Regulatory action in many regions resulted in the medicine’s withdrawal from the market due to the risk of serious allergic reactions. The withdrawal of the product from the market in numerous jurisdictions means that the previous classification (prescription-only or over-the-counter) is no longer the primary determinant of its availability.

Q: Why is Locabiotal administered as a spray or aerosol?

The aerosol dosage form is designed for topical administration to the upper respiratory tract. Official documents state that the delivery is intended to concentrate the active components on the surfaces of the oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) and nasal mucosa. This dosage form is designed to support a localized approach, aiming to concentrate the active ingredient at the site of application.

Q: Is Locabiotal effective against viral throat infections?

The active ingredient, fusafungine, is formally classified as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Regulatory indications define its use for localized infections of the upper airways. Official documents focus primarily on its bacteriostatic (bacteria-inhibiting) and fungistatic (fungus-inhibiting) actions, and the documentation does not explicitly confirm efficacy against viral infections.

Q: Can Locabiotal be used at the same time as cold medicine?

Regulatory information explicitly states that no formal interactions studies were performed with co-administered substances, including other cold or flu preparations. Therefore, the official label contains no mandatory restrictions on co-administration.

Q: Is it normal to feel a tingling sensation after using Locabiotal?

Yes, a local discomfort is mentioned in official documentation. A pricking sensation or local stinging at the site of application is described as a common local reaction. These sensations are generally expected and defined within the undesirable effects profile of the medicine.

Q: What happens if I swallow some of the Locabiotal spray?

Safety experience related to potential overuse of the product indicates effects such as numbness in the mouth and circulatory disorders. Management of overdose, where reported symptoms included circulatory disorders, should consist of treatment of clinical symptoms and routine monitoring.

Q: Does Locabiotal contain steroids?

No, the medicine does not contain steroids. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is Fusafungine, which is classified as a cyclic depsipeptide. This substance is a local antibiotic derived from a natural source.

Q: How is Locabiotal different from general antiseptic throat lozenges?

Official documentation defines Locabiotal as a local antibiotic due to its anti-infective properties. Furthermore, it possesses an inherent anti-inflammatory action that works to mitigate local swelling and irritation. This dual-action and classification distinguish it from a preparation that offers only general antiseptic effects.

Q: Can I use Locabiotal if I have a known allergy to similar substances?

Official safety constraints state that the medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to fusafungine or any of the inactive ingredients (excipients). The presence of any known allergy to the product's components is defined as a barrier to use.

Q: Is it possible to become resistant to Locabiotal's effects?

Regulatory reviews of fusafungine noted a concern regarding the potential for fusafungine to promote antibiotic resistance. Official warnings state that prolonged use of an anti-infective may result in the development of superinfection due to resistant organisms.

Q: Are there any long-term side effects associated with Locabiotal use?

Official regulatory warnings advise against the prolonged use of this anti-infective agent. Official warnings state that prolonged use of an anti-infective may result in the development of superinfection due to resistant organisms.

Q: Does using Locabiotal affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

According to the official product information, fusafungine is stated to have no or negligible influence on the ability of the patient to drive or operate machinery. This suggests that no expected effects from the medicine are anticipated to impair motor or cognitive skills.

Q: Is there any research that supports using Locabiotal for flu symptoms?

Research evidence primarily focused on common infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as rhinopharyngitis (common cold), rhinitis, and rhinosinusitis. Specific research related to the use of the medicine for influenza (flu) symptoms is not stated in the official research summaries.

Q: What side effects are considered common or mild for Locabiotal?

Official documents define several local reactions as common undesirable effects. Very common reactions include sneezing and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Common reactions reported include dry throat, throat irritation, cough, and nose dryness.

Q: Why do some users report a dry throat after using the spray?

A dry throat is a symptom that has been reported and is listed in the official documents as a common undesirable effect (side effect) of the medicine. This is a local reaction related to the use of the spray formulation.

Q: What is the difference between Locabiotal and other throat sprays?

Official documentation defines Locabiotal by its specific actions: it is classified as a local antibiotic with an additional anti-inflammatory property. This combination of anti-infective and inflammation-easing action, delivered topically, is defined by regulatory sources.

Q: Does Locabiotal help with pain relief in the throat?

The mechanism of action for the medicine includes an inherent anti-inflammatory property. This is officially noted as assisting in easing discomfort associated with local swelling and irritation. However, it is not formally classified solely as a pain-relieving medicine.

Q: Can I share my Locabiotal spray with another person?

Patient information leaflets often caution the patient, stating: "Do not pass it on to others." This constraint is standard hygiene practice, as the medicine is typically packaged for use by a single individual.

Q: Does Locabiotal cause drowsiness?

Official documents state that the medicine has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machinery. The side effect profile typically lists localized reactions like throat irritation and an unpleasant taste, but drowsiness is not listed as a common or very common side effect.

Q: What kind of cough is Locabiotal generally used to address?

The indications are for local infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as rhinopharyngitis. However, a cough is also listed in the official documents as a common side effect of the product.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally use too much Locabiotal?

In cases of accidental overuse, where reported effects included circulatory disorders, management should consist of treatment of clinical symptoms and routine monitoring. This guidance is based strictly on official regulatory information for overdose management.

Q: Does Locabiotal leave a taste in the mouth?

Yes, an alteration in taste is a commonly reported effect. An unpleasant taste in the mouth (dysgeusia) is officially listed in the regulatory documents as a very common side effect reported during treatment.

Q: Is Locabiotal approved by the FDA or EMA?

Regulatory action in the European Union, following a review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), resulted in the revocation of marketing authorizations in many territories. The specific regulatory status in countries outside the EU, such as the US (FDA), is determined by the authorities in those jurisdictions.

How should Locabiotal be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Locabiotal (Fusafungine)

Official regulatory information requires specific handling for the Locabiotal pressurized aerosol container to ensure safety and stability. The container must not be stored above 50 C and should be protected from direct sunlight or any source of heat, as this could cause it to burst. It is strictly prohibited to pierce or burn the container, even if empty.

Required Storage and Disposal

Requirement Area Official Rule
Temperature / Heat Do not store above 50 C.
Container Safety Do not pierce, burn, or expose to flame.
Child Access Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal Method Do not discard in household waste or wastewater.

Any unused or expired medicine must be returned to a pharmacist or a designated pharmaceutical waste collection point. This process ensures the environmentally safe disposal of the aerosol contents, complying with local regulations for pressurized waste.

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

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