Levamisole Dosage: Safe Use, Side Effects, and Common Applications

When you hear levamisole, a synthetic anthelmintic drug originally developed to treat parasitic worms in animals and later used in human medicine. Also known as 2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5,1-de]pyridine, it’s not a household name like ibuprofen—but for certain infections, it’s a critical tool. Used mostly for intestinal worms like roundworms and hookworms, levamisole works by paralyzing the parasites so your body can flush them out. It’s not first-line anymore in many countries due to safety concerns, but it’s still prescribed in places where other drugs aren’t available—or when resistance to more common meds like albendazole kicks in.

Levamisole dosage depends heavily on whether you’re treating a human or an animal. For adults, the typical single dose is 150 mg, taken orally after a meal to reduce stomach upset. In children, it’s calculated by weight: around 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. Some protocols use a repeat dose after two weeks, especially if reinfection is likely. But here’s the catch: levamisole isn’t a casual drug. It’s linked to serious side effects like agranulocytosis—a dangerous drop in white blood cells—that can happen without warning. That’s why doctors rarely use it alone anymore. In some cases, it’s combined with other drugs like pyrantel pamoate to boost effectiveness while lowering the risk. You’ll also see it used in veterinary medicine for livestock and pets, where dosing is more routine and monitored closely.

What ties the posts below together? They all focus on real-world drug decisions—when to choose one treatment over another, how to spot hidden risks, and how to use medications safely when alternatives exist. You’ll find guides on antibiotics like chloramphenicol and tetracycline, comparisons of diabetes and asthma drugs, and even warnings about how certain meds affect your teeth or mental health. Levamisole fits right in: it’s a drug with clear benefits but serious trade-offs. These articles don’t just list facts—they help you weigh options, spot red flags, and ask the right questions before taking anything. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just someone trying to understand what’s in your medicine cabinet, the posts here give you the clarity you need to make smarter choices.