Levamisole is levamisole is a nicotinic receptor agonist used to treat helminth infections and some skin infections. Levamisole is an antihelminthic drug that was commonly used for the treatment of parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of action of levamisole as an antiparasitic agent appears to be tied to its agnositic activity towards the L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nematode muscles. This agonistic action reduces the capacity of the males to control their reproductive muscles and limits their ability to copulate. The mechanism of action of Levamisole as an anticancer drug in combination with fluorouracil is unknown. The effects of levamisole on the immune system are complex. The drug appears to restore depressed immune function rather than to stimulate response to above-normal levels. Levamisole can stimulate formation of antibodies to various antigens, enhance T-cell responses by stimulating T-cell activation and proliferation, potentiate monocyte and macrophage functions including phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and increase neutrophil mobility, adherence, and chemotaxis.
- Primary indication
- For adjuvant treatment in combination with fluorouracil after surgical resection in patients with Dukes' stage C colon cancer.Curator reviewed · 8 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C11H12N2S · 204.291 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997
- Code names
- R12564
Resolves to
HLFSDGLLUJUHTE-SNVBAGLBSA-NSMILESC1CN2C[C@@H](N=C2S1)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Levamisole, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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