Dicaris Children
Levamisole tablets for roundworm and hookworm infections. It paralyses the worms so they pass out of the body.
- Category
- Antiparasitics
- Active ingredient
- Levamisole
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet; Oral solution
- Strengths
- 50mg
Prescription and consultation requirements for Dicaris Children vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.
Dicaris Children details
- Conditions
- Ascariasis · Hookworm Infection
- Therapeutic class
- Imidazothiazole derivatives
- Pharmacological class
- Antinematodal agent; Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to levamisole; pre-existing blood disorders
- Minor side effects
- nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhoea; dizziness; headache
- Dosage forms
- Tablet; Oral solution
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Manufacturer
- Janssen
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light.
- Drug interactions
- phenytoin; ivermectin; albendazole; alcohol
Precautions and warnings
risk of agranulocytosis with prolonged or repeated use; caution in epilepsy; caution in liver disease; concurrent microfilaraemia may cause transient fever
Moderate side effects
agranulocytosis; leukopenia; vasculitis; encephalopathy; hypersensitivity reactions
Serious side effects
agranulocytosis, requires immediate medical attention; vasculitis, requires immediate medical attention; encephalopathy, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Levamisole tablets for roundworm and hookworm infections. It paralyses the worms so they pass out of the body.
Mechanism of action
Dicaris Children contains levamisole, an anthelmintic of the imidazothiazole class. It acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells of parasitic nematodes, causing sustained stimulation and spastic paralysis. The paralysed worms are expelled from the intestine by normal bowel movements, clearing the infection.
Age restrictions
Paediatric formulation. Dosing based on body weight. Not recommended in children aged under 12 months without medical supervision.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Contraindicated during pregnancy. Safety not established. Breastfeeding: Should be avoided during treatment.