Albacon L

Albacon L Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

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.

Levamisole is a synthetic imidazothiazole derivative that has been widely used in treatment of worm infestations in both humans and animals. As an anthelmintic, it probably works by targeting the nematode nicotinergic acetylcholine receptor. As an immunomodulator, it appears that Levamisole is an immunostimulant which has been shown to increase NK cells and activated T-cells in patients receiving this adjuvantly along with 5FU for Stage III colon cancer.

Albacon L
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Albacon L
Generic	Albendazol + Levamisole
Type	Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer	Magma Allianz Laboratories Ltd
Available Country	India
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Levamisole is a fast acting drug which acts on nematode nerve ganglia paralysing the worm’s musculature within seconds of contact. Unable to maintain their position, the worms are then ejected by normal peristaltic movement, usually within 24 hours of levamisole administration. Although it is certain that levamisole primarily influences the neuromuscular system of nematodes, it is possible that in some helminthes the inhibition of the fumarate reductase system contributes to the anthelmintic efficacy of levamisole. Levamisole is used for the treatment of infections by the following gastrointestinal wormspecies:

Ascaris lumbricoides: Roundworm
Necator americanus: Hookworm
Ancylostoma duodenal: Hookworm
E nterobius vermicularis: Pinworm
Trichuris trichuria: Whipworm
Strongyloides stercoralis: Threadworm
Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Albacon L is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Adenocarcinoma of Colon, Ancylostoma duodenale infection, Ascaris lumbricoides infection, Carcinoma, Colorectal, Enterobius vermicularis infection, Necatoriasis due to necator americanus, Strongyloides Stercoralis Infection, Trichuris Infection

How Albacon L works

The mechanism of action of levamisole as an antiparasitic agent appears to be tied to its agnositic activity towards the L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nematode muscles. This agonistic action reduces the capacity of the males to control their reproductive muscles and limits their ability to copulate. The mechanism of action of Levamisole as an anticancer drug in combination with fluorouracil is unknown. The effects of levamisole on the immune system are complex. The drug appears to restore depressed immune function rather than to stimulate response to above-normal levels. Levamisole can stimulate formation of antibodies to various antigens, enhance T-cell responses by stimulating T-cell activation and proliferation, potentiate monocyte and macrophage functions including phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and increase neutrophil mobility, adherence, and chemotaxis.

Dosage

Albacon L dosage

The following doses of Levamisole are given as a single administration, preferably after a light meal.

Age 1-4 year: 1 Tablets or5 mlSyrup
Age 5-15 year: 2 Tablets or10 mlSyrup
Age 16year and over: 3 Tablets or 15 mlSyrup

In cases of severe hookworm infection it is suggested that a second standard dose be given one or seven days after the first, whichever timing is feasible.

Side Effects

Side-effects are infrequent. They are usually mild and transient and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, giddiness(dizziness) and headache. An encephalopathylike syndrome has been reported to have occurred in a few patients two or three weeks after treatment.

Toxicity

LD₅₀ = 40 mg/kg (Pigs, subcutaneous); LD₅₀ = 180 mg/kg (rat, oral)

Precaution

Effect on ability to drive or operate machinery: There is no evidence to suggest that Levamisole , used for anthelmintic purpose, will produce sedation. Mild and transient giddiness is an infrequent side-effect of treatment. No precautions are suggested concerning the ability to drive or operate machinery.

In case of concurrent microfilaraemia transient fever may occur.

Interaction

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

Elimination Route

Levamisole is rapidly absorbed (2 hours) from the gastrointestinal tract.

Half Life

4.4-5.6 hours (biphasic)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Although studies in animals have shown that Levamisole produces no teratogenic effects, current medical practice requires that the benefits of any drug used during pregnancy should be weighed against the possible dangers.