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.
Primary Characteristics
Levamisole is also known as Levamisole (HCl).
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Imidazole.
It is classified in Immune Modulator , Anthelmintics pharmacological group. It is also classified under Miscellaneous Antineoplastic Agents .
Molecular Weight: 240.3 · pKa: 8 · Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: Freely Soluble · Non-proprietary name: Levamisole.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Levamisole has an oral bioavailability is 96.5% (±1.5%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 35% (±5%).
Distribution: Levamisole has a volume of distribution is 110±10 litre. plasma protein binding is unknown.
Elimination: it is metabolised via >70% (Hepatic), plasma half-life is 3-4 hr, renal excretion is 3.2% (unchanged) 66% (metabolite).
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Indications
Levamisole is primarily indicated in conditions like Colon tumor, Colorectal cancer, Hook worm infection, Malignant neoplasms, Roundworm infection.
Levamisole is also indicated for secondary conditions like Ascariasis, Head and neck cancer.
Contraindications
Levamisole is contraindicated in conditions like Hepatic disease, Blood disorders, Hypersensitivity, Psoriatic arthropathy.
Dosage
Levamisole's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 135 mg | 135 mg | — | PO | As a single dose. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 3 mg/kg | 3 mg/kg | — | Oral | Single Dose |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 3 mg/kg | 3 mg/kg | — | Oral | Single Dose |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Levamisole in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Thrombocytopenia , Allergic reactions , Confusion , Granulocytopenia , Seizures , Numbness , Fatigue .
Levamisole produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Attended secondary infections, Attended secondary infections. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Levamisole are Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Confusion , Abdominal cramps, Lethargy.
Levamisole is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Arthralgia, Cutaneous vasculitis, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fever, Flu like syndrome, Giddiness, Headache, Itching, Nausea, Pruritus , Rashes , Smell disturbances, Soreness , Taste disturbance, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.2.4 — Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs
- 2.6.1.1 — Intestinal anthelmintics
- 3.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs