Agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on nematode muscle, causing sustained contraction and paralysis. Also stimulates cell-mediated immunity (T-lymphocyte function) by mimicking thymic hormones — used as immunostimulant.
At a glance
Class
Anthelmintic / Immunostimulant
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C
Dosing
Anthelmintic use largely replaced by fenbendazole/pyrantel
Frequency
Once (anthelmintic); q48h (immunomodulator)
Cats are very sensitive to levamisole toxicity
Safety
Neurological signsCBC with immunomodulatory useFecal exam post-treatment
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Levamisole?
Levamisole is a anthelmintic / immunostimulant used in pets. Agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on nematode muscle, causing sustained contraction and paralysis. Also stimulates cell-mediated immunity (T-lymphocyte function) by mimicking thymic hormones — used as immunostimulant.
›What is Levamisole used for in pets?
Levamisole is used in veterinary medicine for: Anthelmintic use largely replaced by fenbendazole/pyrantel; Cats are very sensitive to levamisole toxicity.
›What is the Levamisole dose for dogs?
For dogs, Levamisole is typically dosed as follows — Anthelmintic use largely replaced by fenbendazole/pyrantel: 5–8 mg/kg PO Once (anthelmintic); q48h (immunomodulator). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Levamisole dose for cats?
For cats, Levamisole is typically dosed as follows — Cats are very sensitive to levamisole toxicity: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Levamisole need a prescription?
Yes. Levamisole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 5
Levamisole +oxyclozanide suspension
M/s Tebma Chemical Industries · Approved 29.09.1993
for veterinary use
Each 5 ml of the suspension contains: Levamisole HCl IP 112.5 mg eq to levamisol
M/s. Gopaldas & Vishramdas · Approved 07.08.2014
For control and treatment of Gastrointestinal and pulmonary Nematodes, liver Flukes and Amphistomes.
Levamisole hydrochloride IP 15.0% w/w Eq. to Levamisole 12.7% w/w + Anhydrous Co
M/s. Gopal Das Vishram & Co. Ltd · Approved 30.04.2015
For control and treatment of gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes
Levamisole HCl IP 2.0gm + Oxyclozanide IP 4.0gm (veterinary product) (Additional
M/s. Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd · Approved 08.06.2015
For the treatment of all flukes (Fasciola spp) & Tapeworm segmnts (Moniezia spp.) for cattle and sheep. Also for the var
Each Bolus (Tablet) contains: Levamisole HCl IP 1.5 g eq to levamisole 1.27 g +
M/s. VIBRO PHARMA · Approved 21.08.2015
For control and treatment of Gastrointestinal and pulmonary Nematodes, liver Flukes and Amphistomes.
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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