FieldDx

Drug reference · Levamisole

LevamisoleDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs, Horses, Pigs and Sheep.

What it is used for

Imidazothiazole anthelmintic; paralyzes susceptible nematodes by acting as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, and has secondary immunostimulant… Levamisole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic that is FDA-approved for use in nematode infections in various species, although use today in veterinary medicine is limited. Many products for oral use are no longer commercially marketed ostensibly due to increased resistance Levamisole 743 and the potential for adverse effects. Depending on the product, levamisole is indicated for the treatment of m

Dose by species

Dose2–5 mg/kgDogs
Dose1 mg/kg PO every 12 hoursHorses
Dose2.2 mg/kg PO every 24 hoursHorses
Dose1–2 mg/kg POHorses
Dose8 mg/kgCattle
Dose8 mg/kgCattle

Doses are shown as published, not averaged across sources. Enter the animal’s body weight in the interactive drug guide to calculate the amount.

How it works

Levamisole stimulates the parasympathetic and sympathetic ganglia in susceptible worms. At higher concentrations, levamisole interferes with nematode carbohydrate metabolism by blocking fumarate reduction and succinate oxidation. The net effect is a paralyzing effect on the worm that is then expelled alive. Levamisole’s effects are considered to be nicotine-like in action.

Do not use in

Do not use levamisole in dairy animals of breeding age. It should be used cautiously in animals that are severely debilitated and in animals with significant hepatic impairment. If possible, delay use in cattle that are stressed due to vaccination, dehorning, long-distance transport, or castration. Use levamisole with caution if delaying treatment is not possible.

Main adverse effects

Adverse effects that may be seen in dogs include GI disturbances (eg, vomiting, diarrhea), neurotoxicity (eg, panting, shaking, agitation, or other behavioral changes), immune-mediated anemia, agranulocytosis, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, immune-mediated skin eruptions (eg, erythroedema, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis), and lethargy. Adverse effects seen in cats include hypersalivation, excitement, mydriasis, and vomiting.

Monitoring

■ Clinical efficacy (eg, fecal flotation, fecal egg count reduction test) ■ Adverse effects and toxicity observation

Withdrawal

A withdrawal interval is stated for this drug. It depends on the formulation, route and dose, so read the exact wording in the interactive drug guide before treating a food animal.

Similar drugs

Albendazole Fenbendazole Ivermectin Moxidectin/Moxidectin Praziquantel/Praziquantel

Source

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition

Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition (p. 509)

MSD Veterinary Manual — Pharmacokinetics of Anthelmintics in Animals (accessed 2026-08-11)

Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.