Levamisole

Pharmacological properties

Levamisole has a rapid anthelmintic effect. in ganglion-like nematode formations, levamisole causes depolarizing neuromuscular paralysis. thus, paralyzed nematodes are removed from the body by normal intestinal motility within 24 hours after taking the drug.

A single dose of levamisole 50 mg is rapidly absorbed in the digestive tract. C_max plasma levamisole is observed on average 1.5–2 hours after drug administration. Levamisole is metabolized in the liver, the main metabolites are p-hydroxy-levamisole and its glucuronide derivative. T_½ is 3–6 hours. Unchanged, excreted from the body with urine less than 5%, with feces - less than 0.2% of the administered dose.

Indications

Ascaridosis, necatorosis, hookworm infection.

Application

For the treatment of helminthiases, adult decaris is prescribed at a dose of 150 mg (1 tablet) once.

Children are prescribed in the form of tablets of 50 mg once (in the evening) at a dose of 2.5 mg / kg body weight:

The drug should be taken in the evening after a meal with a little water.

Additional laxatives or a special diet are not required. If necessary, treatment is repeated after a 7-14-day break.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to levamisole or excipients.

Side effects

From the cardiovascular system: palpitations1;

on the part of the blood system and lymphatic system: agranulocytosis²leukopenia²;

mental disorders: insomnia¹;

on the part of the central nervous system: convulsions¹, dizziness¹encephalopathy³, headache¹;

from the gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain¹diarrhea¹nausea¹vomiting¹;

from the immune system: hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes, itching and angioedema.

¹In rare cases, headache, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations, convulsions, dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea can occur. These effects are expressed unsteadily, short-term and pass independently.

²When used in high doses or with prolonged therapy, leukopenia and agranulocytosis may occur.

³The development of reactions from the central nervous system (encephalopathy) was reported 2–5 weeks after taking the drug. In most cases, they were reversible, and early treatment with corticosteroids improved the condition.

special instructions

During and after taking the drug for 24 hours it is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages.

The drug Decaris 150 mg contains lactose, so patients with rare hereditary forms of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactase malabsorption syndrome should not use the drug.

The drug Decaris 150 mg contains sucrose, this should be considered for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Use during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, Decaris can be prescribed only if the expected benefit exceeds the possible risk of using the drug. During breastfeeding, in order to protect the baby, it is necessary to decide whether there is a need for the mother to take the drug.

Children. 150 mg tablets should not be prescribed to children! Tablets in a dosage of 50 mg are used in children from the age of 3 years as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms. It is not proven that levamisole inhibits the nervous system. While taking the drug, light and short-term dizziness is possible, therefore, when driving, working in places of increased danger and with other mechanisms, you should be careful.

Interactions

With the simultaneous administration of decaris with alcohol, disulfiram-like symptoms may develop.

Caution is required when using Decaris with drugs that affect blood formation.

With the simultaneous administration of the drug Decaris with coumarin anticoagulants, the prothrombin time may increase, therefore, it is necessary to correct the dose of oral