Levamisole Explained: Uses, Dosage, and Safety Tips

Ever wondered why a drug that started out in livestock farms shows up in discussions about cancer treatment or even illegal drugs? That’s levamisole for you. It’s a cheap, old‑school antiparasitic that’s still around because it works well and costs next to nothing. Below you’ll get the basics – what it does, who uses it, and what to watch out for.

Common Uses of Levamisole

In veterinary medicine levamisole is mainly a wormer. Farmers give it to cattle, sheep, and pigs to knock out gut parasites that sap weight and milk production. The dose is usually 5‑7 mg per kilogram of body weight, split into two daily shots for a few days.

Human use is far less common. In the 1980s doctors tried levamisole as an immune‑modulator for colon cancer and kidney disease. The idea was that it could boost the body’s own defenses, and a few studies showed modest benefits. Today it’s rarely prescribed because safer alternatives exist.

Unfortunately, levamisole also turned up as an adulterant in street cocaine. Small amounts can make a user feel a brief high, but they also raise the risk of severe skin lesions and blood‑cell problems. If you hear “cocaine cut with levamisole,” that’s a warning sign to stay away.

Risks and Side Effects

When taken correctly in animals, levamisole’s side effects are mild – occasional stomach upset or temporary loss of appetite. In humans, the drug can cause a drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis), which makes infections more likely. Skin reactions range from a rash to painful ulcers, especially when the drug is misused.

Because it interferes with the immune system, people with existing immune disorders should avoid it. Pregnant or nursing women are also advised not to use levamisole unless a doctor says it’s absolutely necessary.

If you are prescribed levamisole for any off‑label reason, your doctor will likely order regular blood tests to catch any drop in white cells early. Never skip those appointments – catching a problem early can prevent a serious infection.

In case of an overdose, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and rapid heart beat. Call emergency services right away and let them know levamisole was taken.

Bottom line: levamisole is useful in the right setting, but it’s not a toy. Stick to veterinary dosing if you’re a farmer, let a doctor manage any human use, and avoid any street‑drug mixes like the plague.

Got more questions? Talk to your pharmacist or vet. They can explain the right dose for your animal or clarify why levamisole isn’t a good fit for you personally. Staying informed keeps you and your herd safe.