Levamisole
Levamisole Information

About Levamisole

Levamisole is a synthetic oral imidazothiazole derivative. Levamisole is optically active and is the L isomer of tetramisole. Levamisole is used as an anthelminitic. Levamisole is highly effective in eradicating Ascaris and Trichostrongylus and moderately effective against round worms, strongyloids and both species of hookworm. Levamisole is prepared by chemical synthesis. It is administered orally.

Indications

Levamisole is primarily indicated in conditions like Colon tumor, Colorectal cancer, Hook worm infection, Malignant neoplasms, Roundworm infection, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Ascariasis, Head and neck cancer.

Contraindication

Levamisole is contraindicated in conditions like Hepatic disease,Hypersensitivity,Psoriatic arthropathy,Blood disorders.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Levamisole, which give rise to further complications include Thrombocytopenia, Allergic reactions, Confusion, Granulocytopenia, Seizures, Numbness, Fatigue.Levamisole produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Attended secondary infections, Attended secondary infections. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Levamisole therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Levamisole include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Confusion, Abdominal cramps, Lethargy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Levamisole are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Abdominal pain, Rashes, Pruritus, Itching, Taste disturbance, Arthralgia, Giddiness, Cutaneous vasculitis, Soreness, Flu like syndrome, Smell disturbances, dizziness.

Warnings

Avoid use of alcohol and alcohol containing products while taking levamisole. Severe stomach upset, flushing and headache can occur. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women or in children. Avoid contact with people having cold,flu etc as its use may decrease immunity. Avoid contact with those who had recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. Alcohol should be avoided. It should be avoided in pateints with prexisting blood disorder.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.