Levamizol tablets 150 mg. №1

Description

Levamizol Storage
active substance: 1 tablet contains levamisole hydrochloride 150 mg;

Excipients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone, stearic acid.

Levamizol Dosage form
Tablets.

Basic physical and chemical properties: tablets of white or almost white color, flat-cylindrical form, with a facet and a line.

Levamizol Pharmacotherapeutic group
Anthelmintics. Means used in nematodes. Imidazothiazole derivatives. ATX code P02C E01.

Levamizol Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics. 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.

Pharmacokinetics. The drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of levamisole in blood plasma is observed on average in 1.5-2 hours after drug administration. Levamisole is metabolized in the liver, its main metabolites being p-hydroxy-levamisole and its glucuronide derivative. The half-life is 3-6 hours. In the unchanged form is excreted from the body with urine less than 5%, with feces – less than 0.2% of the administered dose.

Indication
Ascariasis, necatorosis, hookworm.

Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to levamisole or to any of the excipients.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
At simultaneous reception of drug with alcoholic drinks disulfiram-like symptoms are observed.

Use levamisole with caution with drugs that affect hematopoiesis.

When taking the drug with coumarin-like anticoagulants, the prothrombin time may increase, so it is necessary to adjust the dose of oral anticoagulant.

The drug increases the level of phenytoin in the blood, so when used concomitantly with phenytoin, it is necessary to control the level of phenytoin in the blood.

Levamisole should not be used concomitantly with lipophilic drugs such as carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetrachloride, henopodia oil, chloroform or ether, as the toxicity of levamisole may be increased.

Features of application
Alcohol is not allowed during or after taking the drug for 24 hours.

If a patient has an intolerance to certain sugars, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking this drug.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the drug can be prescribed only if the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks of the drug. During breastfeeding, in order to protect the baby, it is necessary to decide whether it is necessary to take the mother’s drug.

Ability to influence the speed of reaction when driving a car or working with other mechanisms
Levamisole has not been shown to depress the nervous system. Mild and short-term dizziness is possible while taking the drug, so caution should be exercised when driving, working in high-hazard areas and with other mechanisms.

Method of application and dosage
For the treatment of helminthiasis, adults should be prescribed a single dose of 150 mg (1 tablet).

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

There is no need for laxatives or a special diet.

If necessary, repeat the treatment after a 7-14-day break.

Children
The drug in this dosage should not be used in children.

Overdose
The following signs of intoxication have been reported with high doses of levamisole (over 600 mg): nausea, vomiting, lethargy, cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and confusion.

Treatment: in case of accidental overdose – if after taking a short time – rinse the stomach. It is necessary to monitor vital signs and conduct symptomatic therapy.

If there are signs of anticholinesterase action, atropine can be administered as an antidote.

Side effects
From the cardiovascular system: palpitations1;

from the blood and lymphatic system: agranulocytosis2, leukopenia2;

mental disorders: insomnia1;

from the central nervous system: convulsions1, dizziness1, encephalopathy3, headache1;

from the gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain1, diarrhea1, nausea1, vomiting1;

from the immune system: possible hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rash, itching and angioneurotic edema.

1In isolated cases, headache, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations, convulsions, dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea may occur. These effects are mild, short-lived and go away on their own.

2 Leukopenia and agranulocytosis may occur with high doses or with long-term therapy.

3 There is a report of the development of reactions from the central nervous system (encephalopathy) in 2-5 weeks after taking the drug. In most cases, they were reversible and early treatment with a corticosteroid improved the condition.

Expiration date
3 years.