Dicaris
Eliminate parasitic roundworm and hookworm infections from the gastrointestinal tract by paralysing the worms
- Category
- Antiparasitics
- Active ingredient
- Levamisole
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 150mg
Prescription and consultation requirements for Dicaris vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.
Dicaris details
- Conditions
- Ascariasis · Hookworm Infection
- Alternative names
- Ergamisol; Decaris; Ketrax
- Therapeutic class
- Imidazothiazole derivatives
- Pharmacological class
- Antinematodal agent; Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist
- Minor side effects
- nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhoea; dizziness; headache
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- 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; fluorouracil; warfarin
Contraindications
hypersensitivity to levamisole; pregnancy; pre-existing blood disorders; patients with agranulocytosis
Precautions and warnings
risk of agranulocytosis with prolonged or repeated use; caution in rheumatoid arthritis; caution in Sjögren syndrome; caution in epilepsy; caution in liver disease; concurrent microfilaraemia may cause transient fever
Moderate side effects
agranulocytosis; leukopenia; vasculitis; encephalopathy; hypersensitivity reactions; hepatitis
Serious side effects
agranulocytosis, requires immediate medical attention; vasculitis, requires immediate medical attention; encephalopathy, requires immediate medical attention; severe hypersensitivity reaction, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Eliminate parasitic roundworm and hookworm infections from the gastrointestinal tract by paralysing the worms
Mechanism of action
Dicaris contains levamisole, a medicine that belongs to the imidazothiazole class of anthelmintics. It works by acting as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells of parasitic nematodes. This leads to sustained stimulation and spastic paralysis of the worms, which are then unable to maintain their position in the intestine and are expelled from the body by normal bowel movements. Levamisole also possesses immunomodulatory properties.
Age restrictions
Paediatric dosing based on body weight. Not recommended in children under 12 years without medical supervision.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Levamisole is contraindicated during pregnancy. Although animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, the benefits must be weighed against possible risks. Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment.