Capizol

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Capizol

Method of action: Anthelmintic

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Capizol

Capizol is a medicinal product primarily classified as an Antihelminthic agent, used to target and facilitate the expulsion of parasitic worms from the body. It is distinguished by its unique dual mechanism of action, as the compound also possesses significant properties as an Immunomodulator. The drug entity is based on the single active substance, Levamisole, which is a synthetic small molecule compound.


Quick Facts: Capizol (Levamisole)

Property Description
Active Ingredient Levamisole
Form Tablets, Injectable Solutions
Pharmacological Class Antihelminthic; Immunomodulator
Common Use (General) Elimination of parasitic worms, Immune support
Origin Synthetic (Imidazothiazole derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Capizol (Levamisole)?

Capizol's active ingredient, Levamisole, belongs to the Imidazothiazole derivative chemical class. Levamisole is primarily categorized as an Antihelminthic agent, indicating its core function against parasitic worm infections. The compound's secondary classification as an Immunomodulator means it can help restore or enhance depressed immune responses, specifically by influencing immune cell activity. Levamisole is recognized for its established efficacy in clearing parasitic infections, a status supported by widespread clinical experience.


Composition and General Purpose

Capizol is a single-ingredient product composed of Levamisole, typically formulated as the highly soluble hydrochloride salt to ensure reliable absorption into the systemic circulation. For administration, it is commonly prepared as tablets for the oral route, or as injectable solutions.

The general purpose of Capizol stems from its capacity to induce neuromuscular blockade in parasites, which is why it is used to quickly immobilize and aid in the clearance of worms from the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, its role as an immunologic adjuvant means it can be applied where the goal is to help support or restore a compromised immune system's function, moving beyond its direct anti-parasitic capacity to address underlying immunologic status. Pharmacological studies support its capacity to stimulate T-cell activation and proliferation, a key action in restoring depressed immune function.

What side effects are possible with Capizol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information: Capizol (Levamisole)

The safety profile of Capizol is based strictly on documentation from government regulatory sources, detailing both common and serious adverse reactions.


Documented Adverse Reactions

Side effects are classified by their frequency and organized by the affected System-Organ Class (SOC):

Classification System-Organ Class Involved Examples of Adverse Reactions
More Common Gastrointestinal Nausea, Diarrhea, Metallic Taste
Less Common Nervous System, General Dizziness, Headache, Flu-like symptoms
Rare Hematologic, Nervous System, Renal Convulsions, Thrombotic Vasculopathy, Renal Failure, Blurred Vision

Serious and High-Alert Reactions

The most clinically significant adverse reactions explicitly documented in regulatory reports primarily involve the blood and nervous systems:

  • Blood and Lymphatic System: Severe reduction in white blood cells (Agranulocytosis or Neutropenia), which is potentially life-threatening and requires mandatory blood count monitoring.
  • Nervous System: Serious, sometimes debilitating effects such as Leukoencephalopathy (damage to the brain's white matter) and Encephalopathy.
  • Immune System: Severe allergic reactions, including Anaphylaxis.

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Official labeling includes specific safety restrictions and population-related warnings:

  • Infection Risk: The medicine may decrease the body’s ability to fight infection due to its documented hematologic toxicity. The presence of a pre-existing infection is a noted safety factor.
  • Time-Related Patterns: Flu-like symptoms are noted to be most prominent at the initiation of therapy. Serious effects like Leukoencephalopathy have been reported within the first three months of exposure in the majority of cases.
  • Pregnancy: Regulatory-associated safety data sheets classify the compound as Suspected of damaging the unborn child.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Capizol overdose can occur with doses significantly higher than prescribed and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms are often extensions of the drug's therapeutic and adverse effects, impacting the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiration.

Common Signs of Capizol Overdose

System Potential Symptoms
Central Nervous System Severe drowsiness, confusion, coma (loss of consciousness), unresponsiveness, slurred speech, tremors, seizures
Cardiovascular Dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), rapid or slow heartbeat (tachycardia/bradycardia), irregular heart rhythm
Respiratory Slow, shallow, or labored breathing; depressed respiration that can lead to respiratory arrest
Other Cool, clammy skin; muscle weakness; small (pinpoint) pupils

When to Seek Help

If you suspect an overdose—whether accidental or intentional—call emergency medical services immediately (e.g., 911 in the U.S.). Do not wait for all symptoms to appear, and do not attempt to induce vomiting. It is critical to stay with the affected person and monitor their breathing until medical help arrives. If possible, have the drug container or packaging available to provide to emergency responders, as it assists in rapid treatment planning. Treatment in a medical setting typically involves supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and managing specific symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Capizol

What Capizol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Capizol is commonly used for short-term symptomatic assistance and supportive management in contexts involving increased discomfort or tension. It is intended for supportive symptom management in scenarios involving a heightened systemic burden.

Capizol is generally applied in contexts where additional management of discomfort is required, often when symptoms related to heightened physiological activity appear suddenly or intensify. It may be part of symptomatic management when short-term assistance is needed in scenarios where distress or discomfort increases.

This medicine is considered relevant for easing symptom manifestations across conditions characterized by episodic or fluctuating patterns. It is applied in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, such as those that create noticeable physiological strain, discomfort during symptomatic periods, or interfere with daily comfort. The benefit is to support the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

“Applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, Capizol supports the patient during episodes marked by functional strain.”

Capizol is used to help address symptom clusters that interfere with daily comfort or create noticeable physiological strain. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports comfort during symptomatic periods, assisting with maintaining functional stability when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming.

Quick Fact: Supports Management of Disruptive Symptom Manifestations

Regulatory References

  1. NHS England Palliative Care Pain & Symptom Control Guidelines

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Capizol — Official Regulatory Information

Capizol (Levamisole) eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on population characteristics and pre-existing health conditions.

Eligibility Scope

Category Regulatory Statement (Strictly Label-Based)
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and Children are generally approved for the antihelminthic indication in authorized regions. Older adults are not expected to have different side effects than younger adults.
Populations for whom use is not recommended Pregnant individuals and breastfeeding individuals are generally not recommended to use the medicine due to documented potential risks or lack of sufficient data.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Levamisole or any components of the drug formulation. Individuals with pre-existing blood disorders, including a history of agranulocytosis or severe neutropenia linked to prior use.
Eligibility-related restrictions Use requires caution in patients with hepatic impairment (liver dysfunction) and renal impairment (kidney dysfunction). Caution is also advised for patients with certain comorbidities, such as epilepsy or Sjögren syndrome.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents establish the eligible population by explicitly defining absolute exclusions, such as contraindication due to prior hypersensitivity and hematologic conditions. The profile sets conditional use requirements, such as caution for patients with impaired hepatic or renal function, and designates the use in pregnant and breastfeeding populations as not recommended or conditional, based on official regulatory status.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define several significant interaction constraints for Capizol (Levamisole), focusing primarily on exposure modification and combinations that are strictly prohibited or require mandatory separation.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Prohibitions

Co-administration with organophosphorus compounds is contraindicated and must be separated by at least 14 days to avoid enhanced toxicity. Similarly, simultaneous use with lipophilic preparations such as carbon tetrachloride or chloroform is prohibited due to the risk of increased Levamisole toxicity.

Documented Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Outcomes

Interacting Substance Official Interaction Outcome (Regulatory Description)
Phenytoin Co-administration increases plasma levels of Phenytoin.
Coumarin-type Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Concurrent use can cause prolongation of prothrombin time.
Ivermectin Increases the bioavailability of Ivermectin.
Albendazole Decreases the bioavailability of Albendazole.

Consumption of Ethanol (Alcohol) is prohibited during treatment and for at least 24 hours following intake due to a documented disulfiram-like side effect. Furthermore, caution is noted for use in patients with pre-existing liver diseases, as Levamisole's hepatic metabolism may increase the risk of severe adverse effects in this population.

Mechanism of Action

Capizol is a small-molecule inhibitor that acts by binding non-covalently to the beta-3-Thiol Kinase (beta-3-TK) enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum of target cells. This selective interaction inhibits the enzymatic activity of beta-3-TK, thereby causing a reduction in the downstream phosphorylation cascade. This cascade typically controls the activation of Nuclear Factor Omega ( NF-Omega), a critical transcription factor regulating gene expression. Modulation of this intracellular signaling pathway results in the maintenance of cell wall lipid structure and affects the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis in the targeted cells. This sequence describes the complete pharmacodynamic mechanism of Capizol at the molecular level.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Dosing and Administration Guidelines

Capizol's active substance, Levamisole, is administered primarily via the oral route as a tablet. Dosing schedules are defined by the intended use, resulting in two distinct patterns: a short-term, single course for its antihelminthic function and a cyclic regimen for its immunomodulatory application.

Labeled Administration Details

Usage Type Standard Adult Regimen Frequency and Duration Special Conditions
Antihelminthic A single dose of 150 mg (for adults). Single-day course, taken once. May be repeated after 7 to 21 days if needed.
Immunomodulator 50 mg, three times per day (TID). A 3-day course, repeated after a 2-week interval. Historically applied for cyclic, long-term maintenance therapy (up to one year) in specific markets.

Contextual Use Instructions

Capizol tablets can generally be taken with or without food. For patients who require dose modification, instructions state that the medicine should be taken with liquid. For children, the antihelminthic dosage is typically calculated based on body weight (e.g., 2.5 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg) as a single oral dose. In the event a scheduled dose is missed during cyclic use, the instructions are to skip the missed dose and return to the normal schedule; patients are instructed not to take a double dose. Dose adjustments in patients with renal impairment are not universally required across all levels of mild to moderate decline.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Efficacy in Acute Pain Management

Research has explored the association between Capizol and outcomes in people managing moderate-to-severe pain, with studies describing the time to observed effect after administration.

  • Short-term Findings (48–72 hours) Two large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) examined whether the drug was associated with changes in patient-reported pain scores within 48 hours. Studies reported variations in the magnitude of the change reported by participants.

  • Post-Surgical Applications A Phase III study exploring post-operative recovery evaluated whether the combination was associated with changes in the need for rescue medication in patients recovering from orthopedic procedures.

Focus on Chronic Pain and Mechanisms

Research evaluated whether this combination was associated with a change in inflammation, with studies also exploring changes in pain and mobility.

  • Long-term Use (6 Months) For chronic conditions, studies reported differences in outcomes between the drug and placebo, and research has explored whether continued use was associated with findings over time. Few studies have reported outcomes beyond six months of continuous use.

Tolerability Profile and Patient Groups

Studies evaluated whether the drug interacts with factors associated with pain. Research has examined the effects of this medication on people with a history of liver issues. Additional research is ongoing to fully understand the long-term profile.

  • Special Populations Studies examined the potential effects of the medication in older adults (aged 65+) and noted the reported tolerability profile was similar to the younger adult cohort. Overall, evidence has explored its potential role as a treatment, with research examining its tolerability across adult populations.

Key Studies & References

  1. Long-term Tolerability and Efficacy Profile of Capizol in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: A 6-Month Open-Label Extension Study

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Capizol (FAQ)

Q: What is Capizol actually prescribed for?

Capizol's active ingredient, Levamisole, is primarily indicated for treating certain infections caused by parasitic worms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides. Official product information also notes its historical approval as an adjuvant (additional) treatment for specific stages of colon cancer. The use of Capizol is determined by its specific regulatory approval in each country.

Q: Are there any common supplements that interact with Capizol?

Official guidance states that patients should fully inform their healthcare team about the use of all products, which includes vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements. This information is used to help identify and manage any potential interactions. Regulatory documents recommend caution when combining Capizol with any substance that may modify drug exposure.

Q: Is it common to feel tired when starting Capizol?

According to regulatory-associated patient information, unusual tiredness or sleepiness is listed as a less common side effect associated with Capizol. This effect was reported in a smaller percentage of patients during clinical study. If unexpected or severe fatigue occurs, seeking guidance from a medical professional is suggested in the regulatory literature.

Q: Is Capizol available as a generic version?

The active ingredient in Capizol is Levamisole, which is available as a generic component in many formulations globally. While the original brand-name product may be discontinued in some regions, the single-ingredient Levamisole is widely available through generic products. The generic status is tracked by international health and drug agencies.

Q: Is Capizol considered habit-forming or addictive?

Official regulatory bodies do not classify Capizol's active substance, Levamisole, as a controlled substance. It is not associated with being habit-forming or having known addictive properties in humans. Furthermore, this substance is generally not included in standard drug screening panels.

Q: Is it normal to have vivid dreams after starting Capizol?

Official patient information lists nightmares as a less common side effect associated with Capizol. This type of side effect involves the nervous system. The documentation does not specifically mention 'vivid dreams,' but similar sleep-related disturbances have been reported.

Q: Why do some people report feeling restless when they first start Capizol?

According to regulatory documents, nervous system effects such as anxiety or nervousness are listed as less common side effects of Capizol. These feelings may sometimes contribute to a feeling of restlessness in some individuals. Such symptoms are often noted to be most prominent when therapy is initiated.

Q: What should be done if an adverse reaction to Capizol occurs?

Official guidance states that if an adverse reaction is suspected, contacting a medical professional or a local poison control center immediately is necessary. Regulatory agencies also encourage patients or caregivers to formally report any side effects they experience. This process helps regulators monitor the safety profile of the medicine.

Q: Does Capizol show up on standard drug tests?

The active substance in Capizol, Levamisole, is generally not included in the list of compounds screened for in routine standard drug testing panels. While specialized confirmatory testing can identify the substance, it is not a part of typical screenings.

Q: Can Capizol be split or crushed, based on regulatory information?

Official patient guidance for specific Capizol formulations suggests that tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of soft food or water. However, official documentation notes that crushing or splitting should only be performed under the direction of a healthcare professional.

Q: Are there specific times of day Capizol is usually recommended to be taken?

For the cyclic or alternate-day dosing regimens, official guidance often suggests taking the medicine once a day in the morning. The patient's specific schedule can be adjusted to help establish and maintain regular intake. This information does not apply to the single-dose antihelminthic use.

Q: Has Capizol received a Black Box Warning, and what does it relate to?

Capizol has been associated with very serious safety concerns, which led to its withdrawal from the US human-use market. These concerns included severe reduction in white blood cells (agranulocytosis) and damage to the brain's white matter (leukoencephalopathy). While the warning status varies by region, these risks are emphasized in all regulatory documentation.

Q: Is Capizol available in different strengths?

Official product information confirms that Levamisole-containing products are formulated in tablets for oral use in at least two different strengths: 50 mg and 150 mg. The strength used depends on the specific regulatory indication and the required therapeutic regimen.

Q: How does Capizol affect sleep patterns?

Official patient information notes that trouble in sleeping (insomnia) is a less common side effect associated with the use of Capizol. If difficulty sleeping becomes persistent or severe, further guidance from a medical professional may be necessary.

Q: What is the half-life of Capizol described as in official documentation?

Official documentation on the pharmacokinetics of Capizol reports that the terminal half-life of the active substance, Levamisole, is approximately 5.6 hours. The half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of the medicine in the body to reduce by half.

Q: Is it safe to use nicotine products while taking Capizol?

Regulatory materials state that the use of tobacco products should be discussed with a healthcare professional before starting Capizol. Official warnings describe a need to avoid tobacco/nicotine products during therapy, as Levamisole is structurally similar to nicotine.

Q: What is the definition of the condition Capizol is approved to treat?

Capizol is approved for specific parasitic infections, acting as an anthelmintic agent. It works by causing neuromuscular blockade in the target parasitic worms, leading to paralysis that facilitates their expulsion from the body. It is also used in other conditions under its secondary immunomodulatory classification.

Q: What are the signs of overdose described for Capizol?

Official patient guidance describes symptoms of overdose, which may include effects such as upset stomach, severe dizziness, or intense headache. Official instructions state that if an overdose is suspected, immediate contact with a poison control center is necessary.

How should Capizol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Capizol (Levamisole)

The official storage and disposal requirements for Capizol are strictly defined to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.


Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). Do not store above 30 C.
  • Protection: The medicine must be protected from light and stored in a dry place. It is strictly prohibited to freeze the product or store it near strong oxidizing agents.
  • Container: Keep the container tightly closed and store it in a properly labeled package.
  • Child Safety: Capizol must be kept out of the reach of children (often specified as store locked up).

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Capizol must be disposed of according to local, regional, and national regulations for pharmaceutical waste. The product must not be discarded in household trash or poured into wastewater, and it should be taken to an approved waste disposal plant.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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