Decaris (levamisole)

Latin name:

Decaris

Active substance Decaris:

levamisole

Release form Decaris:

tablets

Owner / Registrar Decaris:
GEDEON RICHTER, Plc.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) B76
Ankylostomiasis B76.1
Necatorosis B77
Ascariasis

Pharmacological group Decaris:

Anthelmintic drug

Pharmacological action of the drug Levamisole:

The active ingredient Levamisole is an anthelmintic medicine. Acts on ganglion-like formations of nematodes, The drug causes depolarizing neuromuscular paralysis of the membrane of helminth muscles, blocks their succinate dehydrogenase, inhibits their fumarate dehydrogenase, disrupting the course of bioenergetic processes of helminths. Thus, paralyzed nematodes are removed from the body within 24 hours by intestinal motility after taking the medicine.

Pharmacokinetics of the drug Decaris:

Levamisole, when taken orally at a dose of 50 mg, is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
The maximum concentration in blood plasma is determined on average one and a half to two hours after taking the drug. Levamisole undergoes intensive metabolism in the liver, its main metabolites are p-hydroxy-levamisole and its glucuronide.

T1 / 2 from the body is 3-6 hours. In unchanged form, the kidneys are excreted less than 5%, through the intestines, less than 0.2% of the administered dose.

Headache, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations, convulsions, dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea).
There are reports of the development of side effects from the central nervous system (encephalopathy) 2-5 weeks after taking the drug, as well as allergic reactions (skin rash), convulsions.
In most patients, these events were reversible, and early use of glucocorticosteroid therapy improved the prognosis.
The connection of these symptoms with the use of Decaris is not entirely convincing. When using large doses or with prolonged therapy, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, tremor may occur.

Overdose Decaris:

Symptoms: with the introduction of a large dose of levamisole (over 600 mg), the following signs of intoxication have been described: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and confusion.

Treatment: in case of an accidental overdose and if not much time has passed after taking the drug, gastric lavage is performed. It is necessary to monitor vital body functions and conduct symptomatic therapy.

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

Special instructions Decaris:

During and after taking the drug, you should not drink alcohol for 24 hours. There is insufficient evidence that levamisole, used as an anthelmintic agent, inhibits the nervous system.

The effect of the medicine levamisole on the ability to drive a car and other mechanisms:

due to the fact that when taking the drug levamisole, transient, mild dizziness may occur, care should be taken when driving a car or when working with mechanisms during the entire course of treatment.

With renal failure
The drug is prescribed with caution in patients with renal insufficiency.

In case of liver dysfunction Decaris:
The drug Decaris/levamisole is prescribed with caution to patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Elderly
Data on the appointment of Decaris to the elderly are not provided.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Prescribing the drug during pregnancy is possible only if the intended benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
If it is necessary to use the drug during breastfeeding, the issue of stopping breastfeeding should be resolved.

Drug interactions Decaris:

With the simultaneous administration of the drug with alcoholic beverages, disulfiram-like phenomena are observed.

Caution is required when using Decaris with medicine that affect hematopoiesis.
With the simultaneous administration of the drug with coumarin-like anticoagulants, the prothrombin time may increase, therefore it is necessary to adjust the dose of the oral anticoagulant. Decaris increases the level of phenytoin in the blood, therefore, while using them simultaneously, it is necessary to control the level of phenytoin in the blood.
levamisole cannot be used simultaneously with lipophilic drugs, such as carbon tetrachloride, tetrachlorethylene, chenopodium oil, chloroform or ether, as its toxicity may increase.

How to take Decaris:

Adults are prescribed 1 tablet of 150 mg once. Children aged 3 to 6 years (10-20 kg) - 25-50 mg (0.5-1 tablet of 50 mg); children aged 6 to 10 years (20-30 kg) 50-75 mg (1-1.5 tablets of 50 mg), children aged 10 to 14 years (30-40 kg) - 75-100 mg (1.5- 2 tablets of 50 mg) as a single dose.

It is advisable to take the drug after meals with a little water, in the evening. There is no need for laxatives or special diets. If necessary, taking the drug can be repeated after 7-14 days.

Storage conditions and shelf life
Storage conditions: store at a temperature of 15-30 ° C in places inaccessible to children. Shelf life: 5 years. Do not use the drug after the expiration date indicated on the package.