Levamisole
Indications
- Roundworm (Ascaris) infection
- Hookworm infection, sometimes with other worm medicines
- Under specialist care, some immune-related conditions such as frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in children
How It Works
Levamisole paralyses the muscles of the worms, so they lose their grip on the gut wall and are passed out in the stool. It also has effects on the immune system, which is why specialists sometimes use it for other conditions.
Dosage and Administration
Roundworm, adults: usually a single dose of 150 mg. Children: dosed by body weight, as prescribed. Hookworm may need a repeat dose, as advised. Take with water, preferably after a light meal. Other uses: as prescribed by a specialist, with regular blood tests.
Interactions
- Alcohol: can cause flushing, headache and sickness; avoid alcohol for at least a day after taking it.
- Warfarin: its effect may be increased, so clotting tests (INR) should be checked.
- Phenytoin: levels may rise.
Contraindications
- Allergy to levamisole
- A past low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis) caused by levamisole or other medicines
- Pregnancy, especially the first three months, unless the doctor decides otherwise
Side Effects
After a single dose: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness and headache, which usually pass quickly. With repeated or long-term use: low white blood cell count, flu-like symptoms, rash, joint pain and a purple rash from inflamed blood vessels.
Get urgent medical help if there is fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers (possible low white cells), a purple or bruise-like rash, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, confusion or a fit.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy, especially in the first three months, unless the doctor advises it. It is not known how much passes into breast milk; use while breastfeeding only on medical advice.
Precautions and Warnings
- Repeated or long-term use needs regular blood counts.
- Tell the doctor about rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, or liver or kidney disease.
- To prevent reinfection, wash hands before eating and after using the toilet, keep nails short, and treat other family members if advised.
Overdose
Too much may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, confusion and fits. Get urgent medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic (worm medicine, imidazothiazole); immunomodulator.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Levamisole