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What is Levamisole?

Levamisole is an antihelminthic drug that has been commonly used for the treatment of parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections. It was produced by Janssen and was first used as a worm infestation agent in 1969. In 1990, Levamisole was approved by the FDA as an adjuvant treatment for colon cancer. Previously, levamisole was used as an antirheumatic therapy in the 1970s and 1980s in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Due to its immunomodulatory effects, this drug has been studied in the treatment of various immune-mediated diseases, with some studies showing positive results. This drug was also used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of various cancers.

Levamisole Uses

Levamisole is used to treat infections of the worm. Levamisole is a veterinary drug used primarily for the treatment of worm infestations in livestock. Experimentally and historically, it has also been used to treat various autoimmune disorders and cancers in humans. Most recently, it was used as an adulterant in cocaine.

How to use Levamisole?

Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor has ordered. The exact amount of medication you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase your chances of having side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.

Check with your doctor if you vomit shortly after taking a dose of levamisole. You will be told whether to take the dose again or to wait for the next scheduled dose.

How do Levamisole works?

Levamisole is an anti-parasitic drug. It works by suppressing the enzyme activity in the muscle of the worm, causing paralysis and death. This is treating your infection.

Levamisole Side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Metallic taste
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Mental depression
  • Nightmares
  • Pain in joints or muscles
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Trouble in sleeping
  • Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions (seizures)
  • Lip-smacking or puffing
  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the face, hands, or feet
  • Paranoia (feelings of persecution)
  • Puffing of cheeks
  • Rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Trouble in walking
  • Uncontrolled movements of arms and legs

Precautions

When deciding to use a medicine, the risks associated with taking the medicine must be weighed against the good that it does. This is a decision you and your doctor are going to make. The following should be considered for this medicine:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicine. Also inform your health care professional if you have any other kinds of allergies, such as food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Read the label or package ingredients carefully for non-prescription products.

Pediatric

studies on this medicine have been conducted only in adult patients and there is no specific information comparing the use of levamisole in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatrics

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way in younger adults or whether they cause different side effects or problems in older people. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of levamisole in elderly people with use in other age groups, this medicine has been used in elderly patients and is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than in younger adults.

Breast-feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk of infants using this medicine during breastfeeding. Weigh potential benefits against potential risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Important information

  • It is very important that your doctor monitors your progress during regular visits to ensure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
  • Levamisole has been prescribed to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.
  • It ought to be taken with food.
  • Do not crush or chew or break the tablet. Swallow the whole thing with a full glass of water.
  • It could be harmful to an unborn child. Don't take it during pregnancy. Use birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Levamisole.
  • Your doctor may monitor your blood count and liver function before you start taking this medicine and regularly throughout your treatment.
  • Avoid being in contact with people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection.
  • Do not skip the dose and finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping suddenly the doses can lead your symptoms to return back soon.

Dosage

For different patients, the dose of this medicine will be different. Follow the orders of your doctor or the directions on the label. The following information only includes the average doses of this medicine. If the dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of dosages you take every day, the time gap allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you use the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take any dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double

Overdose

If you have taken too much of this medicine. Contact your doctor as soon as possible cause something very serious can happen.

Storage

Keep the medication away from the sun, moisture, and overt light in a closed jar at room temperature. Prevent the freezer from freezing. Keep out of children's control. Do not hold out-of-date or no-longer-needed medications.

Levamisole vs Albendazole

Levamisole

Albendazole
Brand name Ergamisol Generic Name: albendazole
Albendazole works by keeping the worms from absorbing sugar (glucose) so that they lose their energy and die. Levamisole works by decreasing muscle activity and causing worm paralysis.
Formula: C11H12N2S Molecular Formula: C12H15N3O2S
Molecular Weight: 204.29 g/mol Molecular Weight: 265.33 g/mol
Levamisole is a medication used to treat parasitic worm infections Albendazole is a medication used for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infestations.

Citations

Levamisole: A Dangerous New Cocaine Adulterant - Chang - 2010 - Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics - Wiley Online Library
The General Immunopharmacology of Levamisole | Drugs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is levamisole used for?

Levamisole is a veterinary drug used primarily for the treatment of worm infestations in livestock. Experimentally and historically, it has also been used to treat various autoimmune disorders and cancers in humans. Most recently, it was used as an adulterant in cocaine.

What are the side effects of levamisole?

Side effects are as follows

  • Diarrhea
  • Metallic taste
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Mental depression
  • Nightmares
  • Pain in joints or muscles
  • Skin rash or itching

Is Levamisole effective?

Levamisole is effective when used at the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Don't stop taking it even if you see an improvement in your condition. If you stop taking Levamisole too early, your symptoms may return or worsen.

Can the use of Levamisole cause dizziness?

Yes, Levamisole might make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating or participating in potentially hazardous activities, especially during the initial days of your treatment. However, you should consult your doctor if your condition does not improve.

Are there any specific conditions where Levamisole should be avoided?

Patients who have a reported allergy to any of the other ingredients in Levamisole should stop taking it. In addition, patients with asthma should avoid using Levamisole. As a result, before beginning Levamisole therapy, tell your doctor whether you have or have had any medical conditions.

What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levamisole?

Keep this medicine in the container or pack, tightly closed. Store it as indicated on the package or label.

What if I forget to take a dose of Levamisole?

If you miss a dose of Levamisole, catch up as soon as possible. If the next dose is approaching, skip the skipped dose and take the next scheduled dose at the scheduled time. To make up for a missed dose, do not double the dose; this can increase the risk of developing side effects.

Is Levamisole safe?

Levamisole is safe if taken according to your doctor's instructions for dosage and length. Do not miss any doses and follow the directions exactly. Follow the doctor's orders to the letter, and notify him or her if any of the side effects concern you.

When should I take levamisole?

Levamisole has been prescribed to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections. It ought to be taken with food. Do not crush or chew or break the tablet. Swallow the whole thing with a full glass of water.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.