levamisole

Levamisole is a synthetic antihelminthic drug of the imidazothiazole class, originally developed by Janssen and first used in 1969 for the treatment of parasitic worm infections such as ascariasis and hookworm[1][2][5]. It acts primarily as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist at nematode muscle, causing paralysis and expulsion of worms[2][8]. Levamisole also exhibits immunomodulatory properties, enhancing T-cell activation, monocyte/macrophage function, neutrophil chemotaxis, and modulating cytokine production (notably upregulating interleukin-2, interleukin-12, and interferon-gamma)[2][6][8]. These effects led to its use as an adjuvant therapy with fluorouracil in colon cancer and for various immune-mediated diseases including rheumatoid arthritis[2][7]. Its mechanism as an immunomodulator may involve mimicry of thymopoietin hormone activity[6]. Due to serious adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, it has been withdrawn from human use in several countries but remains approved for veterinary applications[4]. It has also been found illicitly as a cocaine adulterant.

Brand names

ErgamisolWormicid

Other names

Levamisol