Dekaris

Anthelmintic (anthelmintnoe) means Decaris refers to the drugs used to eliminate intestinal nematodes.

The active ingredient is levamisole (Levotetramisol, Tetrahydro-phenylimidazo-thiazole hydrochloride). 

Decaris can be released in the pharmacy chain without presenting a prescription.

[1]

Indications of the decaris

The medication is used to treat ascariasis, ankylostomidosis. It can be used for immunodeficiency states, autoimmune diseases, tumoral processes, as well as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the initial stages of kidney disease (glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis). 

[2], [3]

Release form

 Decaris is produced in tablet form, in two dosage versions:

• tablet 0,05 g - round, flattened, light orange color (sometimes with dark impregnations), with a slight apricot aroma. Has a separating strip, which facilitates the dosage of the tablet by 50 and 25%;
• tablet 0.15 g - round, flattened, light shade, with a dividing line and the inscription Decaris 150 on one of the surfaces.

 Each tablet consists of these ingredients:

• the active ingredient - levamisole (50 and 150 mg respectively), is represented by levamisole hydrochloride;
• additional ingredients are starch, saccharin, povidone, talc, flavoring, stearic acid, food coloring. In a tablet of 150 mg, lactose and sucrose are additionally present, but there is no dye and aromatic substance. 

[4], [5], [6], [7]

Pharmacodynamics

The active ingredient of Decaris is a powerful antiparasitic agent. It affects the ganglion-like formations of roundworms, providing a neuromuscular paralyzing effect and causing disturbances in the course of bioenergetic reactions in parasite organisms.

 Thanks to the abilities of the substances of the Decaris, immobilized nematodes are removed from the digestive system through natural intestinal motility during the day after the use of the drug.

 In addition, the ability of Decaris to activate the regulatory property of T-lymphocytes, to stabilize the processes of cellular immune defense, to accelerate the synthesis of interferon, thereby increasing the overall immunity of the organism, was detected.

[8]

Pharmacokinetics

The active ingredient of Decaris after oral administration is perfectly absorbed from the digestive system. The limit level of the substance in the bloodstream is detected one and a half to two hours after the use of the tablet.

 Metabolism occurs in the liver with the formation of the main metabolites: glucuronide and hydroxy-levamisole.

 Duration of half-life - from 3 to 6 hours. In unchanged form is excreted from the body: up to 5% - with urinary excretion, up to 0.2% - with caloric masses.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Dosing and administration

 For tablets 0.15 g - adult patients use once-only 1 tablet, preferably after eating, after drinking a few sips of water, in the evening. An additional intake of laxatives or changes in dietary rules is not required. Sometimes it is advisable to repeat the reception of Decaris 1-2 weeks after the first dose.

 For tablets 0.05 g:

• children from 3 to 6 years of age take half or a whole tablet of 0.05 g;
• children from 6 to 10 years of age can take one-and-one and a half tablets 0.05 g;
• children from 10 to 14 years of age use one and a half or two tablets once.

 The pill is taken after supper, with a few sips of liquid. Additional measures for cleaning the intestines are not required. If the doctor finds it necessary, a second dose of the drug may be prescribed after 1-2 weeks. 

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24]

Use of the decaris during pregnancy

Decaris is not intended for use by pregnant and lactating women.

Before using the drug, it is necessary to decide what is more important at the moment: treating the mother or the health of a growing fetus and newborn baby. 

Contraindications

 Decaris is not appointed:

• with a tendency to allergy to any of the components of the drug;
• with a sharp decrease in the level of granulocytes in the blood (which can be caused by taking medications);
• children up to 3 years;
• women during the period of gestation (especially the first trimester) and breastfeeding.

 In severe lesions of the renal system and liver, as well as inadequate haematopoietic function of the bone marrow, Decaris is prescribed only under strict medical supervision of the patient's condition. 

[14]

Side effects of the decaris

There may be some side effects during treatment with the drug Decaris:

• pain in the head;
• sleep disorders;
• tachycardia;
• convulsive conditions;
• diarrhea, drooling, epigastric pain, attacks of nausea.

 Rarely, but recorded cases of encephalopathy 3-4 weeks after the use of the drug. In addition, sometimes skin allergic manifestations are recorded.

 Most side effects are considered temporary and occur after the end of the course of treatment. In severe cases, the appointment of glucocorticosteroid drugs. 

[15], [16], [17], [18], [19]

Overdose

 When you use excessive amounts of the drug (more than 0.6 g), you may experience nausea, fatigue, convulsions, dyspepsia, and mental disorders.

 If you suspect an overdose (if the drug was taken recently), you should do a gastric lavage. It is necessary to evaluate the patient's condition and prescribe appropriate symptomatic treatment.

 When inhibiting the activity of cholinesterase (an enzyme that transfers excitation in the nervous system), atropine can be used.

[25], [26]

Interactions with other drugs

The drug is not consumed simultaneously with alcoholic beverages, as this can lead to disulfiram-like reactions.

With cautiousness appoint or nominate Decaris on a background of reception of the medical products influencing a hematopoietic function.

With the combined use of Decaris and coumarin-like anticoagulants, an increase in the prothrombin index can be observed.

For this reason, correction of the dosage of anticoagulant is recommended.

Levamisol increases the amount of phenytoin in the plasma, so the drug should be combined with a control of its level.

Decaris can intensify the toxicity of some lipophilic drugs, so their simultaneous administration should be avoided.

Storage conditions

Medication is stored in the temperature range from + 15 ° C to + 30 ° C. Do not store medicines in places easily accessible to children. 

[27], [28],

Shelf life

 The shelf life of Decaris is up to 5 years, after which it is recommended to discard unused tablets. 

[29]