Levamisole

Levamisole is a medicine with anthelmintic properties.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6],

Indications of the levamisole

It is used as an antihelminthic agent and is used to treat non-carotenoses with ankylostomiasis, as well as ascariasis.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11]

Release form

The release takes place in a tablet form, 1 blister per package.

[12], [13], [14], [15], [16]

Pharmacodynamics

Levamisole is a derivative of imidazole thiazole, and is included in the category of anthelminthic drugs used to treat nematodes. This active component has a rapid anthelminthic effect, which is manifested by its effect on ganglion-like nematode elements, resulting in suppression of the fumarate dehydrogenase, and in addition, the succinate dehydrogenase activity is blocked. Also depolarizing paralysis begins in the neuromuscular area of the muscular wall in helminths, which causes bioenergetic processes of parasite activity to be violated. Inhabitants of the nematode are paralyzed and then excreted by intestinal peristalsis during defecation (24 hours after the use of the drug tablets).

[17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption of the drug from the digestive tract after oral administration is carried out quite quickly. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach peak plasma values.

The drug is subjected to the processes of hepatic metabolism, as a result of which the main metabolites of drugs - p-hydroxy-levamisole together with its glucuronic derivative are formed. The half-life varies in the interval of 3-6 hours.

The unchanged component is excreted in the urine (less than 5%), as well as with feces (less than 0.2%).

[22], [23], [24], [25], [26],

Dosing and administration

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

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

[35], [36], [37],

Use of the levamisole during pregnancy

Use of the drug for feeding or pregnancy is allowed only if the benefit to the mother is more likely than the appearance of complications in the fetus or child.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications: increased sensitivity to the elements of drugs, as well as age younger than 14 years.

Caution is needed when prescribing the drug to people with a depressed hematopoietic process in the bone marrow, hypersensitivity to sugars, and also with renal / hepatic diseases.

[27], [28], [29]

Side effects of the levamisole

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

In the treatment occasionally, short-lived, weakly expressed and self-destructive disorders can occur. Among them: the development of diarrhea, leukopenia, encephalopathy, agranulocytosis, vomiting or nausea, headache or abdominal pain, the appearance of palpitations, seizures, dizziness and insomnia. There may be symptoms of intolerance in the form of rashes on the skin or itching, as well as edema Quincke.

[30], [31], [32], [33], [34],

Overdose

After using drugs at a dosage of more than 600 mg, poisoning symptoms such as nausea with vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, headaches, spasms, convulsions, sensation of confusion were observed. There is also a possibility of lethargy.

To eliminate these disorders, you should clean the gastrointestinal tract (gastric lavage, enema), as well as carry out symptomatic procedures, all the time tracking important for the life of the victim testimony. If due to intoxication anticholinesterase effect is detected, it is required to administer atropine to the patient.

[38], [39], [40], [41], [42]

Interactions with other drugs

The combined use of drugs with phenytoin suggests an increase in its indices inside the plasma, because of which its effect is also enhanced.

Combined use with anticoagulants coumarinovogo number can prolong the level of PTV, so the dose of anticoagulants should be selected very carefully.

When combined with lipophilic preparations (carbon tetrachloride and ether, as well as chloroform, mud oil and tetrachlorethylene), the toxic properties of the drug may increase.

[43]

Storage conditions

Levamisole can be stored in standard for medicines conditions with temperature indices no more than 25 ° C.

[44], [45]

Special instructions

Reviews

Levamizol receives in the majority of its positive responses about its action in eliminating helminths. But in this case, patients often note that the medicine causes the appearance of individual negative reactions - abdominal or headaches, vomiting with nausea, palpitation and diarrhea. Because of this, before using the drug, patients are advised to make sure that they have no contraindications to admission, and in addition to observe the prescribed dosages and follow the recommendations prescribed by the treating doctor.

[46], [47], [48], [49], [50]

Shelf life

Levamisol is allowed to be used for 3 years from the date of release of the drug.

[51], [52]