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

Treatment of Worm Infections: Levamisole is primarily used to treat infections caused by worms.
Veterinary Drug: It is widely used in veterinary medicine to treat worm infestations in livestock.
Experimental Uses: Historically and experimentally, levamisole has been explored for treating autoimmune disorders and cancers in humans.
Adulterant in Cocaine: Recently, levamisole has been found as an adulterant in cocaine.

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How to Use Levamisole

Take levamisole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Follow the dosing schedule recommended by your doctor. Taking it too frequently or in higher doses than prescribed can lead to side effects.
If you vomit shortly after taking levamisole, consult your doctor. They will advise whether to take another dose or wait for the next scheduled dose.

Mechanism of Action

Anti-Parasitic Action: Levamisole works as an anti-parasitic by inhibiting enzyme activity in the worm's muscles. This action leads to paralysis and eventual death of the parasite, thereby treating the infection.

Levamisole Side Effects

Diarrhea
Nausea
Anxiety or nervousness
Dizziness
Headache
Mental depression
Nightmares
Pain in joints or muscles
Skin rash or itching
Trouble sleeping
Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
Vomiting
Blurred vision
Confusion
Convulsions (seizures)
Lip-smacking
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 walking
Uncontrolled movements of arms and legs

Precautions While Taking Levamisole

When considering using Levamisole, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor:
Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to Levamisole or other medications.
Studies have primarily involved adults; safety and effectiveness in children are not well-established.
Although not extensively studied in older adults, Levamisole is generally considered safe.
The risk to infants is unknown; weigh benefits against potential risks.

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Important Information

Regular monitoring by your doctor is crucial to ensure Levamisole's effectiveness and detect any adverse effects.
Used to treat various parasitic worm infections, Levamisole should be taken with food.
Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew.
To Avoid pregnancy, use effective birth control while taking Levamisole.
Blood counts and liver function may be monitored regularly during treatment.
Avoid contact with sick individuals and inform your doctor of any signs of infection.
Complete the prescribed course; do not skip doses even if symptoms improve.

Dosage

Follow your doctor's instructions or label directions precisely.
Dosage varies based on the condition being treated.
Do not adjust dosage without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, skip it and resume your regular schedule.
Do not double doses to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose, it can be serious.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.
Protect from light, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Keep out of reach of children.
Dispose of outdated or unused medications properly.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.