Levamisole

Levamisole is a drug with anthelmintic properties.

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Indications Levamisole

It is used as an antihelminthic agent and is used to treat necatoriasis with ancylostomiasis, as well as ascariasis.

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Release form

The product is released in tablet form, 1 blister inside the package.

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Pharmacodynamics

Levamisole is an imidazole thiazole derivative and is classified as an antihelminthic drug used to treat nematodosis. This active ingredient has a rapid antihelminthic effect, which is manifested by its effect on ganglion-like elements of the nematode type, resulting in the suppression of fumarate dehydrogenase, and in addition, the activity of succinate dehydrogenase is blocked. Depolarizing paralysis also begins in the neuromuscular region of the muscular wall of helminths, due to which the bioenergetic processes of parasite activity are disrupted. Nematodes living in the body are paralyzed, after which they are excreted by intestinal peristalsis during defecation (within 24 hours after taking the tablet of the drug).

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Pharmacokinetics

The absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract after oral use is quite rapid. It takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach peak plasma levels.

The drug undergoes liver metabolism processes, resulting in the formation of the main metabolites of the drug - p-hydroxy-levamisole together with its glucuronic derivative. The half-life varies between 3-6 hours.

The unchanged component is excreted in the urine (less than 5%) and in the feces (less than 0.2%).

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is taken orally - it is recommended to do this in the evening with dinner or immediately after it. The tablet is washed down with water.

The drug is taken once in a dosage of 150 mg (1 tablet). If necessary, it is allowed to take a new tablet after 1-2 weeks.

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Use Levamisole during pregnancy

The use of the medicine during breastfeeding or pregnancy is permitted only if the benefit to the mother is more likely than the occurrence of complications in the fetus or child.

Contraindications

Contraindications include: hypersensitivity to the drug components, as well as age under 14 years.

Caution is required when prescribing the drug to people with suppressed hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, hypersensitivity to sugars, and kidney/liver diseases.

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Side effects Levamisole

With a single use of the drug, no side effects are usually observed.

During treatment, short-term, mild and self-limiting disorders may occasionally occur. Among them: development of diarrhea, leukopenia, encephalopathy, agranulocytosis, vomiting or nausea, headaches or abdominal pain, palpitations, convulsions, dizziness and insomnia. Symptoms of intolerance in the form of skin rash or itching, as well as Quincke's edema may occur.

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Overdose

After taking the drug in a dosage of more than 600 mg, symptoms of poisoning such as nausea with vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, headaches, spasms, convulsions, and a feeling of confusion were observed. There is also a possibility of lethargy.

To eliminate these disorders, the gastrointestinal tract should be cleaned (gastric lavage, enema), and symptomatic procedures should be performed, all the while monitoring vital signs for the victim. If an anticholinesterase effect is detected due to intoxication, atropine should be administered to the patient.

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Interactions with other drugs

The combined use of drugs with phenytoin implies an increase in its levels in the plasma, due to which its effect is also enhanced.

Combined use with coumarin anticoagulants may prolong the PT level, so anticoagulant doses should be selected very carefully.

When combined with lipophilic drugs (tetrachloromethane with ether, as well as chloroform, amaranth oil and tetrachloroethylene), the toxic properties of the drug may increase.

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Storage conditions

Levamisole can be stored under standard conditions for medicines at temperatures no higher than 25°C.

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Special instructions

Reviews

Levamisole receives mostly positive reviews about its action in eliminating helminths. However, patients often note that the drug causes the appearance of individual negative reactions - abdominal or headaches, vomiting with nausea, palpitations and diarrhea. Because of this, before using the drug, patients are advised to make sure that they have no contraindications to taking it, and in addition to this, adhere to the prescribed dosages and follow the recommendations prescribed by the attending physician.

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Shelf life

Levamisole is permitted to be used for 3 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.

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