Description
Levamisole Hydrochloride
CAS No.: 16595-80-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₁₃ClN₂S
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder; odorless with a bitter taste. Highly soluble in water (>200 mg/mL), soluble in ethanol and methanol, and practically insoluble in chloroform and diethyl ether. Aqueous solution pH is approximately 4–6; stable.
Pharmacological Action: An imidazothiazole-class broad-spectrum anthelmintic and immunomodulator. ① Anthelmintic action: Binds to myosin/nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in helminths → causes sustained depolarization → leads to helminth spasm and paralysis (nicotinic effect) → expelled via intestinal peristalsis; highly effective against adult worms and partially effective against migrating larvae. ② Immunomodulatory action: Promotes T-lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation; enhances macrophage phagocytosis and the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ → improves cell-mediated immunity (when used intermittently at low doses).
Indications: Gastrointestinal nematodes (e.g., *Haemonchus*, *Ostertagia*, *Trichostrongylus*, *Ascaris suum*, *Oesophagostomum*) and lungworms (e.g., *Dictyocaulus*) in pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry; used intermittently at low doses as an immunostimulant (in pigs/poultry in certain regions).
Storage Conditions: Store in a sealed container, protected from light, at 2–8°C.
