Dicaris Adults Tablet (Levamisole) Used to Treat Certain Types of Parasitic Worm Infections
Dicaris Adults Tablet (Levamisole) is an antiparasitic and deworming medicine used for treating intestinal worm infections specifically roundworm and hookworm, by paralyzing and removing them and parasitic infestations in adults. Buy Levamisole, commonly known by its brand name Dicaris, is a medication that belongs to the class of anthelmintic drugs.
Product Overview
Dicaris Tablet is a highly effective anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication containing Levamisole. Dicaris Tablet is specifically designed to treat various intestinal worm infestations specifically roundworm and hookworm by paralyzing the parasites, allowing the body to naturally expel them. In addition to its primary use as a deworming agent, Levamisole is clinically recognized for its immunomodulatory properties, which help restore the body's immune response in certain chronic conditions. Dicaris is a trusted solution for rapid parasite clearance, ensuring better nutritional absorption and overall digestive health.
Product Composition
- Active Ingredient: Levamisole Hydrochloride (150 mg)
- Drug Class: Anthelmintic / Immunomodulator
- Chemical Group: Imidazothiazole derivative
- Formulation: Oral Tablet
- Excipients: Typically includes lactose, starch, and magnesium stearate.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Name | Dicaris Adults |
| Active Ingredient | Levamisole |
| Strength | 150 mg |
| Dosage Form | Tablet |
| Pharmacological Class | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist |
Mechanism of Action
- Neuromuscular Paralysis: Levamisole acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, causing a rapid and continuous stimulation of the parasite's muscles.
- Spastic Paralysis: This constant stimulation leads to spastic paralysis of the worm, causing it to lose its grip on the intestinal wall.
- Expulsion: Once paralyzed, the worms are unable to resist the natural peristaltic movements of the gut and are expelled through normal bowel movements.
- Immunomodulation: It enhances the activity of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, helping the immune system function more effectively in individuals with suppressed immune responses.
- Rapid Metabolism: The drug is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by the liver, ensuring a fast onset of action.
Key Benefits
- Single-Dose Treatment: Most common worm infestations are cleared with just one tablet, making it highly convenient.
- Broad Intestinal Coverage: Highly effective against the most common parasites, including roundworms and hookworms.
- Restores Immune Function: Unique among dewormers for its ability to support and "reset" the immune system.
- Safe for Adults: Specifically formulated to provide the optimal therapeutic dose for adult patients.
- Improves Digestive Health: By removing parasites, it resolves symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and malabsorption.
Precautions
Before using Dicaris Adults Tablet (Levamisole), follow proper medical advice. As an antiparasitic and deworming medicine, correct use of it helps ensure effective treatment of intestinal worm infections and reduces the risk of side effects.
| General Precautions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Supervision | Use only under doctor guidance. |
| Correct Dosage | Take exactly as prescribed. |
| Blood Disorders | Use cautiously in blood-related conditions. |
| Liver/Kidney Issues | Require medical monitoring. |
| Pregnancy | Use only if prescribed by doctor. |
| Alcohol Use | Avoid alcohol during treatment. |
| Full Course | Complete full deworming course. |
Important Safety Precautions
- Take Dicaris Adults Tablet Levamisole exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose
- Inform your doctor about any existing health conditions before using Levamisole tablets.
- Avoid self-medication with other deworming or antiparasitic medicines.
- Maintain hygiene to prevent reinfection
Who Should Use Caution
- Patients with blood disorders
- Individuals with liver or kidney disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Elderly patients
- People with weakened immunity
Lifestyle Precautions
- Maintain proper hand hygiene during deworming treatment.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
- Avoid contaminated food and water sources.
- Keep surroundings clean to prevent worm infection recurrence.
Usage
Dosage
For the treatment of common intestinal worm infestations in adults, the standard dose of Dicaris Adults is a single 150 mg tablet. A single administration is typically sufficient to paralyze and expel the parasites. In certain clinical cases or for specific types of infections, a healthcare provider may recommend a second dose after 7 to 14 days to ensure the elimination of any newly hatched larvae. When used for its immunomodulatory effects, the dosage regimen is significantly different and must be strictly managed by a specialist.
Administration
| Aspect | Guideline |
| Timing | Take the tablet as a single dose, preferably at bedtime |
| Food Intake | Can be taken with or without food; no special fasting or purging is required |
| Technique | Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water |
| Alcohol | Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after taking the medication to prevent adverse reactions |
| Follow-up | A follow-up stool examination may be recommended 2 weeks after treatment |
| Hydration | Maintain good hydration to assist the body in the natural expulsion process |
Uses
Ascariasis Treatment: Highly effective at eliminating Ascaris lumbricoides (large roundworms) from the gastrointestinal tract.
Hookworm Eradication: Used to treat infestations caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Mixed Parasitic Infections: Effective against various combinations of common soil-transmitted helminths.
Adjuvant Cancer Therapy: Historically used in combination with other medications (like Fluorouracil) for the treatment of colon cancer.
Immunostimulant: Utilized to restore immune responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, and certain chronic viral infections.
Aphthous Stomatitis: Sometimes prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent mouth ulcers by modulating the local immune response.
Side Effects
Dicaris Adults Tablet (Levamisole) is an antiparasitic and deworming medicine used for treating intestinal worm infections. Like other Levamisole deworming tablets, it may cause side effects in some users, especially during or after treatment.
| Side Effects | Details |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Mild stomach discomfort may occur. |
| Headache | Temporary headache in some users. |
| Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded or weak. |
| Abdominal Pain | Mild stomach cramps or discomfort. |
| Fatigue | Temporary tiredness or weakness. |
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting or digestive upset
- Skin rash or itching
- Loss of appetite
- Flu-like symptoms in some individuals
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- Severe allergic reaction such as swelling or breathing difficulty
- Blood-related disorders with prolonged use of Levamisole tablets
- Severe skin reactions or rash
- Persistent fever or infections during antiparasitic treatment
When to Seek Medical Help
- Severe or persistent allergic reaction
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- High fever or signs of infection
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Worsening symptoms instead of improvement in worm infection treatment
How to Reduce Side Effects
- Take Dicaris Adults Tablet exactly as prescribed
- Stay hydrated during deworming treatment
- Avoid alcohol while using Levamisole tablets
- Do not self-medicate with other antiparasitic drugs
- Consult a doctor if side effects become severe or persistent
FAQs
Q: What is Dicaris Adults Tablet (Levamisole) used for?
A: It is used to treat intestinal roundworm infections, particularly ascariasis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. It is also used as an adjunctive immunomodulator in certain oncological and autoimmune conditions due to its ability to stimulate and restore depressed immune function.
Q: How does Levamisole work as an antiparasitic?
A: Levamisole inhibits fumarate reductase, an enzyme essential to the parasite's energy metabolism, causing spastic paralysis of the worm. The immobilised worm is then naturally expelled from the body through normal intestinal movement.
Q: How does Levamisole work as an immunomodulator?
A: Levamisole stimulates and restores depressed immune function by enhancing T-lymphocyte activity, macrophage function, and overall cell-mediated immunity, helping to boost the body's natural defence mechanisms.
Q: What is the usual antiparasitic dose?
A: For roundworm infections in adults, a single dose of 150 mg is typically recommended. Dosing may vary based on body weight and the specific condition being treated. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.
Q: Should it be taken with food?
A: Levamisole can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the risk of nausea and stomach upset.
Q: Is a single dose sufficient for roundworm treatment?
A: In most cases of ascariasis, a single dose is effective. However, a follow-up stool examination may be recommended after treatment to confirm complete eradication of the infection.
Q: How long does it take to work?
A: Levamisole begins working rapidly, with paralysis of the parasite occurring within hours of ingestion. Complete expulsion of the worm typically occurs within 1–2 days following treatment.
Q: What are the common side effects at antiparasitic doses?
A: At antiparasitic doses, Levamisole is generally well tolerated. Mild and temporary side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache.
Q: What are the side effects at higher immunomodulatory doses?
A: At higher doses used in oncological settings, more significant side effects may occur including agranulocytosis (severe reduction in white blood cells), flu-like symptoms, skin rash, taste disturbances, and neurological effects such as confusion and seizures.
Q: What is agranulocytosis and why is it a concern?
A: Agranulocytosis is a serious condition characterised by a severe reduction in white blood cells, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening infections. It is a rare but serious side effect associated with Levamisole use, particularly at higher doses. Regular blood monitoring is essential during prolonged use.
Q: Can Levamisole cause neurological side effects?
A: Yes. Levamisole-induced multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy (LILE) is a rare but serious neurological condition that has been reported with Levamisole use. Symptoms include confusion, difficulty walking, speech problems, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if any neurological symptoms occur.
Q: Was Levamisole used in cancer treatment?
A: Yes. Levamisole was historically used as an adjuvant therapy alongside fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, this use has largely been replaced by more modern and effective chemotherapy regimens.
Q: Does Levamisole interact with other medications?
A: Yes. It can interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, alcohol, phenytoin, and certain other medications. Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking before starting treatment.
Q: Can alcohol be consumed during treatment?
A: Alcohol should be avoided during Levamisole treatment as it can cause a disulfiram-like reaction, resulting in flushing, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. This interaction can be uncomfortable and potentially distressing.
| Manufacturer | : | Janssen Pharmaceuticals |
| Trade Name | : | Dicaris |
| Generic Search | : | Levamisole |
| Strength | : | 150 mg |
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