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
-
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
- M D C Pharmaceuticals P Ltd
- Ornate Labs Pvt Ltd
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals
- Aaron Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Meridian Enterprises Pvt Ltd
- Meridian Enterprises Pvt Ltd
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Gem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Sresan Pharmaceuticals
- 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
Ques: What is Levamisole?
Ques: What is Levamisole used for?
Ques: How long do I need to use Levamisole before I see improvement in my condition?
Ques: At what frequency do I need to use Levamisole?
Ques: Should I use Levamisole empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ques: What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levamisole?
Ques: How long does Levamisole take to work?
Ques: What if I don't get better after using Levamisole?
Ques: Can the use of Levamisole cause dizziness?
Ques: Is Levamisole safe?
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.