Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
ERGAMISOL vs BILTRICIDE
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Levamisole is an anthelmintic and immunomodulator. It acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist at the neuromuscular junction in nematodes, causing spastic paralysis. Its immunomodulatory effects are thought to involve stimulation of T-cell activation and phagocytosis.
Praziquantel increases the permeability of cell membranes to calcium ions in susceptible schistosomes and other trematodes, causing sustained contraction and paralysis of the worm musculature, leading to detachment from blood vessel walls and eventual death.
Adjuvant therapy in combination with fluorouracil for the treatment of Dukes' C colon cancer (FDA-approved, now discontinued),Off-label: treatment of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children, and as an adjuvant in melanoma and other cancers
Treatment of schistosomiasis (all species),Treatment of clonorchiasis sinensis (liver fluke),Treatment of opisthorchiasis (liver fluke),Off-label: Treatment of neurocysticercosis (in combination with corticosteroids),Off-label: Treatment of other trematode infections (e.g., fasciolopsiasis, intestinal flukes),Off-label: Treatment of cestode infections (e.g., diphyllobothriasis, taeniasis)
150 mg orally once daily
60 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses (20 mg/kg/dose) for 1 day.
2-4 hours (terminal); prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 8-12 hours) and renal impairment (increase by 1.5- to 2-fold).
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 0.8-1.5 hours for praziquantel; clinical significance: short half-life necessitates multiple dosing for sustained antiparasitic effect.
Hepatic metabolism primarily via CYP450 enzymes (CYP2B6 and CYP3A4) to active metabolites. Levamisole undergoes extensive biotransformation to its major metabolites, p-hydroxy-levamisole and levamisole sulfoxide.
Extensively metabolized by the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4), to inactive hydroxylated metabolites.
Renal (parent drug and metabolites): ~70% in urine; Fecal: ~25% primarily as metabolites; <5% unchanged in urine.
Renal excretion accounts for approximately 80-90% of elimination, primarily as metabolites; biliary/fecal excretion is minor (<10%).
20-30%, primarily to albumin.
Approximately 80-85% bound to serum albumin.
1.0-1.5 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution, including penetration into liver and kidneys.
Volume of distribution is approximately 2-3 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution.
Oral: 40-60% (extensive first-pass metabolism).
Oral bioavailability is approximately 80% due to extensive first-pass metabolism; higher with food.
GFR 30-60 m L/min: no adjustment; GFR <30 m L/min: not recommended
No dosage adjustment required for any degree of renal impairment.
Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B or C: avoid use
No specific Child-Pugh based adjustments; contraindicated in hepatocellular carcinoma or history of hepatic encephalopathy; use caution in severe liver disease.
2.5 mg/kg orally once daily; maximum 150 mg daily
4 years and older: 60 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 1 day; maximum single dose 2 g.
No specific adjustment; monitor for renal function and potential QT prolongation
No specific adjustments; use standard adult dosing with monitoring for adverse effects.
None specifically required for ergamisol (levamisole). However, use of levamisole as an immunomodulator has been associated with agranulocytosis and other severe hematologic reactions.
None.
Agranulocytosis (may occur weeks after initiation and is reversible upon discontinuation), hemolytic anemia (especially in patients with G6PD deficiency), neurologic effects (seizures, dizziness, headache), hepatotoxicity, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment due to increased praziquantel exposure.,May cause transient neurologic symptoms in patients with cerebral schistosomiasis or neurocysticercosis due to inflammatory reaction around dying parasites.,Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B or C) as metabolism may be reduced.,May exacerbate cysticercosis if used without corticosteroids in neurocysticercosis.,Potential for cardiac arrhythmias in patients with ventricular arrhythmias or electrolyte disturbances (rare).
Known hypersensitivity to levamisole; patients with a history of agranulocytosis induced by levamisole; concomitant use with alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction); caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
Hypersensitivity to praziquantel or any component of the formulation,Ocular cysticercosis (due to risk of irreversible ocular damage from inflammatory response),Concurrent use with rifampin (significantly reduces praziquantel plasma concentrations),Children under 1 year of age (safety not established)
Avoid alcohol during therapy due to potential disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, flushing). No specific food restrictions; maintain adequate hydration. Grapefruit juice may inhibit CYP2C19 metabolism, potentially increasing levamisole levels; consider avoidance.
Take with food to enhance bioavailability. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase drug levels. Alcohol may worsen CNS side effects and is not recommended.
Ergamisole (levamisole) is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at doses comparable to human doses. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus. In first trimester, avoid use; second and third trimester, use with caution if indicated.
Praziquantel (Biltricide) is FDA Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies show no teratogenic effects but embryotoxicity at high doses. Human data limited; no increased risk of major malformations reported. Avoid in first trimester unless essential; use in second/third trimester if benefit outweighs risk.
Levamisole is excreted in human milk in low amounts; M/P ratio is not established. Because of potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Praziquantel is excreted into breast milk in small amounts; M/P ratio not established. After a single dose, milk levels low; consider pumping and discarding milk for 24-48 hours post-dose. Use with caution in nursing mothers.
Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy are not well characterized. No specific dose adjustments are recommended; however, due to potential for altered metabolism, use lowest effective dose and monitor maternal toxicity closely.
No dose adjustment required for pregnancy; standard dosing (20 mg/kg three times daily for 1 day) unless hepatic impairment present. Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy not significantly altered; unchanged recommendations.
Levamisole (ERGAMISOL) is primarily used as an immunomodulator in adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer after surgical resection. It is often combined with fluorouracil. Monitor for agranulocytosis, especially in patients with poor metabolizer status of CYP2D6. Agranulocytosis can occur weeks to months after initiation; obtain baseline CBC and repeat periodically. Levamisole can cause a metallic taste and reversible ANCA-positive vasculitis. Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity or bone marrow depression.
Administer with food to increase absorption and reduce GI side effects. Use with caution in hepatic impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary. Monitor for neuropsychiatric effects (e.g., dizziness, headache) especially in patients with CNS involvement of schistosomiasis. Avoid in patients with ocular cysticercosis due to risk of intraocular inflammation; treat ocular lesions first with corticosteroids.
Take levamisole exactly as prescribed, usually for 3 days every 2 weeks for 1 year. Do not miss doses.,Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat, mouth sores) immediately as it can lower white blood cell count.,You may experience a metallic taste; this is harmless and may resolve with time.,Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase risk of adverse effects.,Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.,Do not take any other medications or supplements without consulting your doctor.
Take this medication with a meal to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.,Do not chew or crush the tablets; swallow them whole.,Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.,You may experience dizziness, drowsiness, or headache; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.,Inform your doctor if you have liver disease or are taking other medications.,Contact your doctor if you experience severe headache, seizures, or vision changes.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about ERGAMISOL vs BILTRICIDE, answered by our medical review team.
ERGAMISOL is a Anthelmintic Immunomodulator that works by Levamisole is an anthelmintic and immunomodulator. It acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist at the neuromuscular junction in nematodes, causing spastic paralysis. Its immunomodulatory effects are thought to involve stimulation of T-cell activation and phagocytosis.. BILTRICIDE is a Anthelmintic that works by Praziquantel increases the permeability of cell membranes to calcium ions in susceptible schistosomes and other trematodes, causing sustained contraction and paralysis of the worm musculature, leading to detachment from blood vessel walls and eventual death.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between ERGAMISOL and BILTRICIDE depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of ERGAMISOL is: 150 mg orally once daily. The standard adult dose of BILTRICIDE is: 60 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses (20 mg/kg/dose) for 1 day.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between ERGAMISOL and BILTRICIDE in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. ERGAMISOL is classified as Category C. Ergamisole (levamisole) is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at doses comparable to human doses. There are no adeq. BILTRICIDE is classified as Category C. Praziquantel (Biltricide) is FDA Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies show no teratogenic effects but embryotoxicity at high doses. Human data limited; no increased risk of major m. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.