Introduction
Altex is an antiparasitic medication. It is used in the treatment of worm infections. It works by killing the worms and this treats your infection.
Altex should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It should be taken with food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned.
Some people may experience vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea and stomach pain as the side effects of this medicine. Please consult your doctor if these side effects do not resolve or persist for a longer duration. You may be monitored with blood tests and liver function tests throughout your treatment.
Side effects of Altex
Common
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
How to use Altex
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Altex is to be taken with food.
How Altex works
Altex is an antiparasitic medication. It works by suppressing the enzyme activity in the worm's muscle, causing its paralysis and death. This treats your infection.
Indication
Ascariasis, Ancylostomiasis
Administration
Should be taken with food. Take w/ meals to minimise side effects eg nausea.
Adult Dose
Oral
Ascariasis
Adult: 150 mg as a single dose.
Mixed ascariasis-hookworm infections; Ancylostomiasis
Adult: 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose, repeated after 7 days in severe cases.
Child Dose
Oral
Ascariasis
Child: 3 mg/kg as a single dose.
Mixed ascariasis-hookworm infections; Ancylostomiasis
Child: 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose, repeated after 7 days in severe cases.
Contraindication
Preexisting blood disorders; pregnancy and lactation; rheumatoid arthritis; severe renal impairment.
Mode of Action
Levamisole is the active laevo-isomer of tetramisole. It works by paralysing susceptible intestinal worms which are then excreted from the intestines. Levamisole also enhances cellular immune responses in humans.
Precaution
Hepatic impairment, Sjogren's syndrome.
Side Effect
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness and headache. Fever, influenza-like syndrome, arthralgia, muscle pain, rash, taste disturbances and cutaneous vasculitis.
Potentially Fatal: Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia.
Interaction
May increase toxicity of phenytoin. Increases bioavailability of ivermectin; decreases bioavailability of albendazole. Alcohol causes disulfiram-like reaction.