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Overview

Levamisole

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About 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:

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.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Levamisole

    • Cancer Of Colon And Rectum

    • Parasitic Infections

    • Worm Infections

    • Skin Disorders

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Levamisole ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Levamisole ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Levamisole

    • 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.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • 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.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Levamisole

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

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    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.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Levamisole ?

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

        test
      • 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.

      FAQs about Levamisole

      • Ques : What is Levamisole?

        Ans : Levamisole is an antiparasitic medication.

      • Ques : What is Levamisole used for?

        Ans : 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.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Levamisole before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Levamisole?

        Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Levamisole empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levamisole?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      • Ques : How long does Levamisole take to work?

        Ans : Usually, Levamisole starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

      • Ques : What if I don't get better after using Levamisole?

        Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

      • Ques : Can the use of Levamisole cause dizziness?

        Ans : Yes, Levamisole can make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving, operating on machinery, working at heights or participating or participating in potentially dangerous activities, especially during the initial days of your treatment.

      • Ques : Is Levamisole safe?

        Ans : Yes, Levamisole is safe to use if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      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.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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