Vumitrex 40mg tablets – 3’s

Details

Vumitrex 40mg is prescribed for the treatment of single or mixed infestations of gastrointestinal nematodes, primarily Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) and Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm). In Africa and Tanzania, where sanitation challenges can lead to higher prevalence, effective deworming is crucial for preventing nutritional deficiencies and chronic illness, making Vumitrex a vital medication for public health campaigns.

Available Product Formulations

Vumitrex is available as 40mg tablets. The product is supplied in strips containing three (3) tablets per strip.

Uses

The main uses of Vumitrex 40mg (Levamisole) include:

• Eradication of large roundworms (Ascariasis).
• Treatment of hookworm infections (Ancylostomiasis and Necatoriasis).
• Used as a second-line therapy for certain immunodeficiency conditions (note: primarily indicated for worm treatment).

How to Use

Provide clear usage instructions:

• Dosage: For adult deworming, the typical dose is one 40mg tablet as a single dose. Pediatric dosing requires weight calculation and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
• Duration: For most intestinal worm infections, Vumitrex is a single-day treatment. Repeat doses are rarely needed unless advised by a doctor for severe or persistent infections.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and a metallic taste. These are usually mild and short-lived. Due to the potential for rare but serious adverse effects on white blood cells (agranulocytosis), users should consult a healthcare provider immediately if they develop a fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection after treatment.

Interactions

Levamisole interacts significantly with alcohol, leading to a reaction similar to disulfiram (severe nausea, vomiting, flushing). It should also be used cautiously with other medications that affect blood cell counts or anti-seizure drugs like phenytoin. Advise users to avoid alcohol during treatment and consult a doctor if they are taking any other medications, especially those for epilepsy or blood conditions.

Warnings

Key safety warnings to note:

• Blood Cell Monitoring: Long-term or repeated use of Levamisole may severely depress the immune system by causing agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cells). Treatment duration must be strictly adhered to.
• Hepatic/Renal Impairment: Use with caution in individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.
• Neurological Effects: Rare but possible effects include dizziness and confusion; patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

A Summary Table of Important Information

How Vumitrex Works

Vumitrex, containing Levamisole, functions as a potent ganglionic stimulant for the susceptible worms. It acts on the nervous system of the parasites, causing a rapid and continuous stimulation followed by a muscular blockade. This leads to paralysis of the worm’s muscles, preventing them from maintaining their hold on the intestinal wall. The paralyzed worms are then easily expelled from the body via normal peristalsis, providing rapid and complete deworming.

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