Indication

Ascariasis, Ancylostomiasis

Administration

Should be taken with food. Take w/ meals to minimise side effects eg nausea.

Adult Dose

Oral Ascariasis Adult: 150 mg as a single dose. Mixed ascariasis-hookworm infections; Ancylostomiasis Adult: 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose, repeated after 7 days in severe cases.

Child Dose

Oral Ascariasis Child: 3 mg/kg as a single dose. Mixed ascariasis-hookworm infections; Ancylostomiasis Child: 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose, repeated after 7 days in severe cases.

Contraindication

Preexisting blood disorders; pregnancy and lactation; rheumatoid arthritis; severe renal impairment.

Mode of Action

Levamisole is the active laevo-isomer of tetramisole. It works by paralysing susceptible intestinal worms which are then excreted from the intestines. Levamisole also enhances cellular immune responses in humans.

Precaution

Hepatic impairment, Sjogren's syndrome.

Side Effect

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness and headache. Fever, influenza-like syndrome, arthralgia, muscle pain, rash, taste disturbances and cutaneous vasculitis. Potentially Fatal: Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia.

Interaction

May increase toxicity of phenytoin. Increases bioavailability of ivermectin; decreases bioavailability of albendazole. Alcohol causes disulfiram-like reaction.