Albendazole+levamisole
About Albendazole+levamisole
Albendazole+levamisole belongs to the class of medications called 'anthelmintics' used to treat parasitic worm infections. Parasitic worm infections are intestinal worm infections that are caused by the ingestion of contaminated food and water.
Albendazole+levamisole contains albendazole and levamisole. Albendazole works by inhibiting tubulin polymerization, causing metabolic disruption and energy depletion in the parasite, leading to immobilization. Levamisole works by suppressing the worm's muscle's enzyme activity, leading to paralysis and death. This eventually leads to the death of susceptible helminths and thus prevents the growth of parasitic infections.
Take Albendazole+levamisole as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Albendazole+levamisole are nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, metallic taste, headache, dizziness, and stomach pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. If any of the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Avoid taking Albendazole+levamisole if you are allergic to 'albendazole', 'levamisole', or any ingredients present in it. It may cause dizziness, so refrain from activities that require you to stay alert. Albendazole+levamisole is not recommended in pregnancy. Before taking Albendazole+levamisole, inform your doctor about your complete medical history.
Uses of Albendazole+levamisole
Medicinal Benefits
Albendazole+levamisole contains 'Albendazole' and 'Levamisole', which belong to the class of medications called 'anthelmintics'. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of parasitic infections. It can kill the disease-causing worms and stop the spread of infection effectively. Albendazole interrupts the absorption of glucose by the worm, leading to energy depletion. Levamisole works by suppressing the enzyme activity in the worm's muscle; this leads to paralysis and death.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Albendazole+levamisole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Metallic taste
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
Drug Warnings
Do not take Albendazole+levamisole if you are allergic to any component present in it; if you are unsure, check with your healthcare professional. Due to the risk of liver or bone marrow damage during albendazole therapy, blood counts and liver function tests should be performed regularly (at least once every two weeks). Albendazole may cause fetal damage; thus, women of reproductive age should begin medication after a negative pregnancy test. Women of reproductive age should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Albendazole+levamisole or within one month of completing therapy. Albendazole+levamisole should be taken with food.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Albendazole+levamisole may interact with chemotherapy drugs (e.g. cladribine), antipsychotic medication (e.g. clozapine), live vaccinations (e.g. BCG vaccine, dengue vaccine, zoster vaccine)
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Albendazole+levamisole should be used with caution in patients with myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression), hepatobiliary dysfunction (liver and biliary disease), neurological disorder (Intracranial Hypertension, Seizures), and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlbendazole+levamisole may interact with alcohol and worsen your condition. So, consumption of alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy
cautionAlbendazole+levamisole should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Albendazole+levamisole.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedAlbendazole+levamisole is considered safe to be used in breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before taking Albendazole+levamisole.
Driving
cautionAlbendazole+levamisole may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are alert.
Liver
cautionIn patients with hepatic dysfunction, Albendazole has been demonstrated to induce aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis, and bone marrow suppression. Hence, Albendazole+levamisole should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary. So, discuss with your doctor before receiving Albendazole+levamisole if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited data is available. If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Albendazole+levamisole.
Children
safe if prescribedAlbendazole+levamisole should be used in children only if clinically needed. Please consult your child's doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly wash your child's hands with soap and water.
- Avoid giving raw fish and meat.
- Thoroughly cook meat before eating.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them.
- Wash or reheat food that has been around for a long time.
- Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with faeces.
- Avoid keeping foods open in the markets as they can be contaminated.
- Drink boiled and purified water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parasitic worm infections: Parasitic worms are also called intestinal worms or helminths. They live in and feed on the hosts, leading to weakness and diseases. Common types of intestinal worms are roundworms and flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes. Worm infections could occur due to consuming contaminated water, food, or soil, contact with contaminated faeces, poor sanitization, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of worm infections include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and dysentery (bloody stools).
FAQs
Albendazole+levamisole is used to treat Parasitic worm infections.
Albendazole+levamisole is a combination of two drugs, albendazole and Levamisole. It is used to treat certain parasite infections. It kills the parasite by preventing it from using glucose and, therefore, diminishing its energy reserves. It also paralyzes the insect, causing it to die.
Combining these two drugs may offer an effective solution for Parasitic worm infections.
Albendazole+levamisole is not an antibiotic. It is an anthelmintics medication used to treat parasitic worm infections in the stomach and intestine.
Common symptoms of intestinal worms are stomach or abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas formation, bloating, fatigue and unexplained weight.
