Levamisole 150 mg Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Levamisole 150 mg is a prescription anthelmintic (anti-worm) medicine used to treat intestinal parasitic infections such as ascariasis, roundworm, and hookworm infestations. LEVAMILIFE 150, manufactured by Steris Healthcare, contains levamisole hydrochloride as its active ingredient and is available as an oral tablet for adults and children under medical supervision.

Quick answer for search snippets: Levamisole 150 mg is an antihelminthic (deworming) medicine that works by paralyzing the muscles of intestinal parasites, causing them to detach from the gut wall and be expelled from the body naturally.

What Is LEVAMILIFE 150?

LEVAMILIFE 150 is a branded formulation of levamisole hydrochloride 150 mg tablet, developed and marketed by Steris Healthcare. Levamisole itself is a synthetic imidazothiazole derivative first developed in 1969 and has been used globally as both an anthelmintic and, in select clinical settings, as an immune-modulating agent.The active compound can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea, which is why it is intended to be used strictly under medical guidance rather than as a self-prescribed over-the-counter remedy. Pediatric Oncall

Each LEVAMILIFE 150 tablet is formulated to deliver a single-dose treatment for common intestinal worm infections in adults, aligning with standard levamisole hydrochloride dosing protocols used worldwide.

How Does Levamisole 150 mg Work?

Levamisole acts as a selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist in parasitic nematodes. It binds to receptors in the neuromuscular junctions of worms, causing sustained muscle contraction and paralysis. Once paralyzed, the worms lose their ability to grip the intestinal wall and are naturally expelled through peristalsis (normal bowel movement) — without needing to be chemically dissolved or digested.

This mechanism is why levamisole is considered fast-acting compared to some other anthelmintics, and why it's often given as a single dose rather than a multi-day course.

What Is Levamisole 150 mg Used For?

Featured snippet answer: Levamisole 150 mg is primarily prescribed to treat intestinal parasitic worm infections, especially ascariasis (roundworm infection). It may also be used as an adjunct in certain other medical contexts under specialist supervision.

Clinically documented uses of levamisole include:

1. Ascariasis (roundworm infection): Levamisole is considered a drug of choice for ascariasis, and single doses ranging from 50 to 150 mg clear all parasites in 90 to 100% of patients regardless of how many worms are present. 
2. Hookworm infections: Levamisole has demonstrated activity against hookworms, although the most effective dosing regimen for this specific use is still not firmly established. 
3. Filarial infections: Research has shown levamisole has notable activity against the microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, the parasites responsible for lymphatic filariasis. 
4. Limited activity against whipworm and pinworm: Levamisole has little to no curative effect on whipworm and pinworm infections, so your doctor may prescribe an alternative anthelmintic if these are diagnosed. 
5. Adjunct therapy in specific specialist settings: Levamisole has historically been studied as an immune-modulating agent in conditions like steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome and, in the past, as adjuvant chemotherapy support in colon cancer — but these are specialist, monitored uses and not something LEVAMILIFE 150 should be used for outside a doctor's direct instruction.

Levamisole 150 mg Dosage (General Reference Only)

Dosage must always be determined by a qualified physician based on age, weight, indication, and health status. As general reference information found in standard prescribing literature:

• Adults and adolescents (12–18 years): A single dose of 150 mg is commonly used, and this may be repeated after 7 days if the infection is severe. 
• Children: Dosing is typically calculated at 2.5 mg per kg of body weight rather than a flat tablet strength. 
• Timing with food: Levamisole is generally taken with food, and the tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water rather than crushed or chewed. 

Important: This information is for educational purposes only. LEVAMILIFE 150 is a prescription medicine — always follow your doctor's exact dosing instructions rather than adjusting the dose yourself.

How to Take LEVAMILIFE 150 (Levamisole Hydrochloride Tablet)

• Take the tablet exactly as prescribed — do not increase frequency or dose on your own.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; avoid crushing or chewing it. 
• If you vomit shortly after taking the dose, contact your doctor, who can advise whether you need a repeat dose or should wait for your next scheduled dose. 
• Complete the full course/instructions given, even for single-dose regimens, to ensure the parasite is fully eliminated.

Side Effects of Levamisole 150 mg

Common, generally mild side effects

Abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea are the most frequently reported reactions, and these are typically limited when the drug is used at recommended doses for short-term deworming. 

Less common but serious side effects

In rarer cases, levamisole has been associated with mouth sores, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever or chills, and blood in the urine or stools. Serious blood-related conditions such as agranulocytosis, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia have also been reported, particularly with repeated or prolonged dosing rather than typical single-dose deworming use. An overdose can cause more severe neurological effects including confusion, agitation, and seizures, so it's essential to seek medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. 

When to seek medical help: Contact your doctor promptly if you experience persistent fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, signs of infection, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe dizziness that doesn't resolve.

Who Should Avoid Levamisole 150 mg?

Levamisole should not be used by patients with a history of agranulocytosis, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, and it is also contraindicated in people with severe liver or kidney disease. It can be harmful to an unborn baby, so it should not be taken during pregnancy, and doctors typically recommend birth control measures for women of childbearing age while on treatment. Extra caution is needed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, epilepsy, or existing liver disease, where a doctor may need to adjust the dose. 

Levamisole Drug Interactions

Levamisole can interact with anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin and heparin, as well as immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus. It's also generally advised to avoid alcohol while on levamisole, since it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction, and to steer clear of aspirin-containing medications during treatment. Always disclose your full list of current medications to your doctor before starting LEVAMILIFE 150. 

Precautions While Taking LEVAMILIFE 150

• Levamisole can cause dizziness and confusion in some patients, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Your doctor may check your blood counts and liver function before and during treatment, especially with repeated dosing.
• Practice good hygiene — wash hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet — and avoid walking barefoot on soil that may be contaminated, to reduce the risk of reinfection. 
• Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, out of reach of children, and always check the expiry date before use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Levamisole 150 mg

Is levamisole an antibiotic?
No. Levamisole is an antihelminthic (anti-parasitic) agent, not an antibiotic. It doesn't kill bacteria — it targets and paralyzes intestinal worms.

Is levamisole 150 mg safe?
When used at recommended doses for its approved indication, levamisole is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects, but like all prescription medicines, it carries risks and should only be taken under medical supervision.

Can levamisole treat all types of worms?
No. It is highly effective against ascariasis and shows activity against hookworms and certain filarial parasites, but has little to no effect on whipworms or pinworms. Your doctor will confirm the right medicine based on your specific diagnosis.

Can pregnant women take levamisole 150 mg?
No — levamisole can be harmful to an unborn baby and should be avoided during pregnancy unless a doctor determines the benefits outweigh the risks. 

Does levamisole 150 mg require a prescription?
Yes. LEVAMILIFE 150 is a prescription-only medicine and should not be self-administered without a doctor's evaluation.

How quickly does levamisole work?
Levamisole begins paralyzing target parasites within hours of ingestion, with worms typically expelled within 24–48 hours of a single dose, though this can vary by infection type and severity.

Can levamisole 150 mg be taken with food?
Yes, it is generally taken with food, swallowed whole with a full glass of water. 

What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but since levamisole for deworming is often a single-dose or short-course treatment, check with your doctor or pharmacist rather than doubling up.

Why Choose LEVAMILIFE 150 by Steris Healthcare

(Note: fill in your verified specifics here — manufacturing site, actual certifications, batch-testing standards — rather than generic claims, so this section reflects real, auditable facts about your production. Placeholder framing below.)

Steris Healthcare positions LEVAMILIFE 150 as a quality-manufactured levamisole hydrochloride tablet, produced under [insert your actual GMP/WHO-GMP/ISO certification details], with each batch tested for potency and purity before release. Choosing a trusted manufacturer matters for a prescription anthelmintic like this, since consistent active-ingredient dosing (150 mg levamisole hydrochloride per tablet) is directly tied to treatment efficacy and safety.

Additional Information You May Want to Include

A few relevant facts that weren't in your original notes, which could strengthen the article's authority and completeness:

• History: Levamisole was developed by Janssen and first used as a worm-infestation treatment in 1969. It was later approved by the FDA in 1990 as an adjuvant treatment for colon cancer, and had also been used as antirheumatic therapy in the 1970s–80s — though these older uses are now largely superseded by other therapies in most markets. 
• Veterinary use: Levamisole is also widely used in veterinary medicine to treat worm infestations in livestock — worth a disclaimer distinguishing your human-formulated tablet from veterinary-grade products.
• Formulation options: Levamisole is available in multiple formulations globally including tablets, syrups, injectable solutions, and topical creams/gels — useful if Steris Healthcare plans to expand the product line. 
• Sun sensitivity: Some patients experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, so using sunblock and protective clothing during treatment is advisable. 
• A clear medical disclaimer stating LEVAMILIFE 150 information is educational, not a substitute for professional medical advice, and directing readers to consult a registered physician before use — this is essential both for regulatory compliance and for AI/search systems to treat the page as a trustworthy medical source.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. LEVAMILIFE 150 (levamisole hydrochloride 150 mg) is a prescription medicine. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.