Levamisole

Levamisole is a anthelmintic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of susceptible intestinal nematode infections, such as ascariasis, where levamisole is an appropriate choice.
• Treatment of hookworm infection where recommended by local guidelines or a prescriber.

For adults, levamisole for worm infection is usually given as a short course or single supervised dose, but the exact dose depends on the infection, body weight, product strength, and patient factors. Follow the registered doctor’s prescription or pharmacist’s instructions exactly; do not repeat doses or use animal/veterinary preparations for humans unless specifically prescribed.

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or unpleasant taste.
• Headache, dizziness, tiredness, or sleep disturbance.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Rare but serious: agranulocytosis or severe neutropenia, which may present with fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or infections.
• Rare: allergic reactions, seizures, confusion, liver problems, or vasculitis-like skin changes.

Use caution in people with a history of blood disorders, recurrent infections, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorders, or previous serious reaction to levamisole. Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help if fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising, severe rash, breathing difficulty, or neurological symptoms occur. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist, and avoid self-medication or repeated unsupervised deworming.

• Medicines that suppress bone marrow or lower white blood cells may increase the risk of serious blood toxicity.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants may require closer monitoring because bleeding risk or INR can be affected.
• Phenytoin levels may be increased; monitoring may be needed.
• Fluorouracil or other chemotherapy medicines can increase toxicity and must only be combined under specialist supervision.
• Avoid alcohol if it worsens dizziness or stomach upset; ask a healthcare professional for individual advice.

• Known hypersensitivity to levamisole or any component of the product.
• Previous levamisole-associated agranulocytosis, severe neutropenia, or serious blood reaction.
• Use in situations where the product is not intended for humans, such as veterinary-only formulations, unless specifically directed by an appropriate prescriber.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, levamisole should be used only if a registered doctor decides that the expected benefit outweighs potential risks and that it is the appropriate anthelmintic. Do not self-medicate during pregnancy or while nursing.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of reach of children. Follow the storage instructions on the label for the specific form, especially for syrups, powders, injections, or bolus products, and do not use after the expiry date.