Levamisole
Instructions for use:
- 1. Pharmacological action
- 2. Release form
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Instructions for use
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Storage conditions
Levamisole is an anthelmintic and immunomodulatory drug.
pharmachologic effect
The active ingredient Levamisole has an antihelminthic and immunomodulatory effect.
As an anthelmintic agent, Levamisole Dekaris is highly effective in ascariasis, and is less effective in non-kotorosis, strongyloidosis, trichostrongyloidosis, ankylostomiasis. As an immunomodulatory drug, Levamisole enhances and normalizes cellular immunity, most likely affecting macrophages and T-lymphocytes.
Release form
Levamisole Decaris is produced in the form of:
- White flat tablets containing 150 mg of active ingredient, 1 tablet per package;
- Light orange flat tablets containing 50 mg of active ingredient, 2 tablets per pack.
Excipients - povidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, corn starch, talc, sucrose and sunset yellow dye (for Levamisole tablets 50 mg).
Indications for use of Levamisole
Levamisole according to the instructions is used as an antihelminthic agent for:
- Necatorosis;
- Ascariasis;
- Ankylostomiasis;
- Trichostrongyloidosis;
- Strongyloidosis.
As an immunomodulatory drug, Levamisole Dekaris is used for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Chronic active hepatitis B;
- Reiter's disease;
- Persistent viral hepatitis;
- Infectious diseases, including recurrent infections, which are caused by the Varicella Zoster virus and Herpes Simplex type 1 and 2;
- Crohn's disease;
- Aphthous stomatitis;
- Malignant neoplasms of the colon, bronchi, mammary glands. According to reviews, Levamisole is effective after radiation, surgical or chemotherapy treatments.
Also Levamisole is used in the intervals of cytostatic treatment of leukemia in remission in Hodgkin's disease.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, Levamisole is contraindicated in case of agranulocytosis caused by drugs in history, as well as in case of hypersensitivity to Levamisole.
Levamisole is not used in children under the age of 3 years, and Levamisole Dekaris 150 mg is not prescribed to children.
Levamisole is used with caution in suppressing hematopoiesis, in diseases of the liver, kidneys, cerebrovascular disorders, as well as with simultaneous use with other drugs that affect hematopoiesis.
Instructions for the use of Levamisole
According to the instructions, Levamisole is taken as an antihelminthic agent once in the evening, one tablet of 150 mg. Children also take a single dose in the evening, calculated based on body weight:
- 10-20 kg (3-6 years) - 25-50 mg;
- 20-30 kg (6-10 years) - 50-75 mg;
- 30-40 kg (10-14 years) - 75-100 mg.
If necessary, taking Levamisole can be repeated after one to two weeks.
As an immunomodulatory drug, Levamisole can be taken every two weeks, one 50 mg tablet in a row for three days or once 150 mg.
It is undesirable to use simultaneously Levamisole with ethanol because of the possibility of disulfiram-like reactions, and with the simultaneous use of warfarin with Levamisole, bleeding may develop.
Strictly controlled adequate studies of the safety of the use of Levamisole Decaris during pregnancy and lactation have not been carried out, as a result of which the use of the drug is not recommended during these periods without strict indications and medical supervision.
Side effects
According to reviews, Levamisole can cause sleep disturbances, anorexia, nervousness, nausea, constipation, depression, vomiting, dermatitis, diarrhea, skin rash, stomatitis.
It is also possible violations of taste or smell, myalgia, weakness, fever, arthralgia.
Agranulocytosis, increased cholesterol, acute pancreatitis and thrombocytopenia, according to reviews, Levamisole is extremely rare.
During the period of treatment with Levamisole, according to the instructions, the use of alcohol is not recommended.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of Levamisole is 5 years, the drug is dispensed according to a medical prescription.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
