Levamisole

Levamisole is used to treat infections, enhance body's immune system and to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is prescribed with other medications for the treatment of colon cancer. It is used as an adjuvant treatment with fluorouracil in Dukes stage C colon cancer.

This medicine may also be prescribed for the treatment of Parasitic worm infection and skin disorders such as warts, leprosy, lichens planus and aphthous ulcers. Due to the broad range of pharmacologic activities of levamisole, it has been suggested that the drug may act as a biochemical modulator (of fluorouracil, for example, in colon cancer), an effect entirely independent of immune modulation.

Inform your doctor before taking this medicine if:

• You have or have had any liver disease
• Have seizures
• Have a clotting disorder
• Poor bone marrow function
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis
• If you are pregnant or lactating

Levamisole can also cause some side effects such as abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, and dizziness, diarrhea, nausea. It can also have some serious side effects such as mouth sores, loss of appetite, stomach pain, Fever or chills, blood in urine or stools, pain during urination, influenza-like syndrome, arthralgia, muscle pain, rash and trouble in sleeping.

In certain cases Levamisole has also led to serious conditions - Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia. Seek medical attention in case you notice any severe reaction or if any mild side effect stays long.

Take as directed, at regular intervals around-the-clock. Avoid alcohol (may cause disulfiram-like effect). Avoid all aspirin-containing medications.

You may experience GI upset (small frequent meals may help); diarrhea (request medication); sensitivity to sun (use sunblock, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sun); or dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired judgment (use caution when driving, climbing stairs, or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known).

You will be more susceptible to infection; avoid crowds or infected persons. Report chills or fever, confusion, persistent or violent vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or respiratory difficulty.

The medicine is useful against the following conditions:

• Cancer Of Colon And Rectum

• Parasitic Infections

• Worm Infections

• Skin Disorders

• Hypersensitivity

Here are some of the possible side effects of this drug:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Abnormal Liver Function Tests

• Nausea

• Abdominal Pain

• Vertigo

• Edema (Swelling)

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Nervousness

• Insomnia

• Hair Loss

• Infections

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  You should avoid drinking alcohol, it can increase some of the side effects of Levamisole.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Levamisole may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  This medicine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose is not needed. Kindly consult with your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be practiced while using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult with your doctor before taking it.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levamisole as ingredient

• Leva 150Mg Tablet

  M D C Pharmaceuticals P Ltd

• Depar 150Mg Tablet

  Ornate Labs Pvt Ltd

• Dicaris Adults 150Mg Tablet

  Janssen Pharmaceuticals

• Wormis L 400 Mg/150 Mg Tablet

  Aaron Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Levasol M 100 Mg/150 Mg Tablet

  Meridian Enterprises Pvt Ltd

• Levasol M Syrup

  Meridian Enterprises Pvt Ltd

• Almizol Cream

  Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Deworm Syrup

  Gem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Eradix 400Mg/150Mg Tablet

  Sresan Pharmaceuticals

• Depar 50Mg Tablet

  Ornate Labs Pvt Ltd

Levamisole is an anthelmintic drug that is used for treating ascariasis and hookworm infections. It can be used in both humans and animals. Levamisole inhibits nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that results in paralysis of parasitic worm muscles. However, the drug is also used for cancer and increasing immunity of a person. Its action as an anti-cancer drug is not clear. In case of immunity, it leads to formation of antibodies, enhances T-cell responses and potentiates monocyte and macrophage functions.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Increased toxicity/serum levels of phenytoin.
  • Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol.

• Interaction with Disease

  Agranulocytosis can occur asymptomatically and flu-like symptoms can occur without hematologic adverse effects; frequent hematologic monitoring is necessary.