Levamisole: Ban Alert Due to Severe Neurological Risks
NAFDAC has issued a ban alert on levamisole following a European Union ban due to serious risks of brain and nerve damage. This alert applies to all levamisole…
What to do: Stop immediately and contact your pharmacist or doctor to discuss safe alternative treatments.
Anthelmintic (Dewormer) and Immunomodulator
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Levamisole is a deworming medicine that kills parasitic worms in your body by paralyzing them so your body can flush them out. It also has some ability to boost your immune system.
Inhibits nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on nematode muscle cells, causing paralysis and expulsion of adult worms; simultaneously activates macrophages and enhances T-cell proliferation to augment host immune response against parasitic infections.
Roundworm (ascariasis), hookworm, other intestinal worm infections. It is sometimes used alongside other medicines to help boost the immune system.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since levamisole for worms is usually taken as a single dose, missing a dose is unlikely. If your doctor prescribed it on a schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and do not double up.
Buy only from a licensed pharmacy and do not buy deworming tablets from roadside sellers or open markets as you cannot be sure of quality. Do not drink alcohol (including palm wine, ogogoro, or beer) on the day you take this medicine and for at least 48 hours after. If you are deworming the whole family, make sure each person gets the correct dose based on their weight.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking levamisole as the combination can cause severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and flushing. Be cautious if you are taking warfarin (a blood thinner) as levamisole can increase the risk of bleeding. Also inform your doctor if you are taking phenytoin (for seizures) as levamisole can raise its levels in your blood.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Levamisole with your other drugs?
Levamisole is not considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, so avoid storing near windows or in hot rooms, as Nigerian weather can be very hot. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and far out of the reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.