According to reviews, Dekaris tablets are a good and inexpensive remedy that allows you to fight parasites that can settle in the human body. Many people resort to them as a preventative measure. This is especially true if the family has a pet - a dog or cat. In this case, it will not be superfluous to regularly take tests to check for infection with helminths and pinworms. To warn him, and if trouble does happen, to cure him, “Dekaris”, developed for adults and children, comes to the rescue. Reviews, however, contain descriptions of cases where the product turned out to be completely ineffective. Therefore, as they say, trust and verify. After completing the course, you will have to take tests again to control the situation.
How it works?
The effectiveness mentioned in some reviews in the instructions for use of Decaris is explained by the composition of the medication. The main active ingredient is called levamisole. This remedy effectively acts on helminths, allowing you to destroy the population. The effect is on nematodes, in which the muscle membrane is paralyzed, biological and energetic processes in the parasite’s body are inhibited, which leads to paralysis. In this form, the parasite leaves the body under the influence of normal intestinal function. Usually this only takes 24 hours from the moment the active component enters the human body.
From the reviews and instructions of “Dekaris” it follows that the medication can show a positive result only if infection with the following varieties is diagnosed:
- Ascaris lumbrocoides;
- Americanus Ancylostoma duodenale;
- Necator.
Rescue packaging: what's inside?
If a parasite infestation has been diagnosed, when choosing a product it would not be superfluous to study the reviews of parasitologists and the instructions for use. “Dekaris”, with good recommendations from doctors, has a fairly simple procedure for use, due to which the choice often falls on this particular remedy. Of course, its affordable price also plays a role. But what awaits the buyer in the box?
The drug is sold in cardboard packages, each box contains a blister with the product and instructions for “Dekaris”. Reviews from parasitologists are similar in one recommendation: before taking it, it is important to first read what is written in the instructions, and only then use the medication. It would also be a good idea to consult with a doctor who specializes in parasites. There is a possibility that “Dekaris” is not suitable in a particular case or will show ineffectiveness. To avoid taking useless pills in advance, you must first check with a knowledgeable person.
Returning to the blisters: if the cardboard box contains a contour packaging of the first type, then it contains a 150 mg tablet; If the second type of packaging is available, it contains two 50 mg tablets.
Overdose symptoms and interaction features
Consumption of large amounts of Decaris, in a volume of more than 600 mg, causes the development of acute poisoning. Intoxication manifests itself:
- dyspeptic disorders;
- cephalalgia with dizziness;
- constant drowsiness;
- diarrhea;
- convulsive syndrome;
- impaired clarity of consciousness.
The patient needs symptomatic therapy to suppress signs of poisoning.
The instructions focus on the following nuances:
- the drug is incompatible with agents that reduce the number of leukocytes, alcohol and lipophilic compounds;
- the medicine may increase the effects of phenytoin and medications related to indirect coagulants.
Decaris is not intended to normalize the immune system in childhood.
To trust or not?
By the way, the reviews about analogues of “Dekaris” are even better than about the product described. For example, Vormin has proven itself well. On the other hand, side effects when taking the medication are rarely reported. As a rule, if patients are dissatisfied with something, they complain about a low degree of effectiveness. Reviews of the use of "Dekaris" also contain mentions that the medication is easy to dose, it is difficult to get poisoned, there are no problems typical for drugs that need to be taken in a course: for example, you cannot forget to take the next pill.
To ensure the drug's effectiveness, the manufacturer added 59 mg of levamisole to each tablet. If we are talking about packaging with tablets in which the active substance is present in higher concentrations, then one tablet contains 177 mg of levamisole. The active component is present in the form of hydrochloride. There are also auxiliary components, which include starch, talc and flavoring. Doctors note: so that the patient does not have a negative review of the instructions for using “Dekaris” and the effect of its use, it is important to carefully read the full composition of the drug. Some people suffer from individual intolerance to a number of compounds, and it is important to check that in this particular case the medication can actually be used and will not provoke an allergic reaction that worsens the patient’s condition. At the same time, reviews of parasitologists and doctors’ reviews of “Dekaris” note that allergies develop quite rarely, since the drug is tolerant to the human body.
Component composition of Dekaris
The instructions describe in detail the components contained in the tablets. The composition of Dekaris is presented:
- levamisole hydrochloride;
- corn starch;
- sodium saccharinate;
- talc;
- povidone;
- apricot flavoring;
- magnesium stearate;
- yellow dye.
The medicine is made in pale orange tablets, packaged in blisters and cardboard packaging.
What happens in the body?
When taking the medicine in accordance with the instructions, the active component enters the body, affecting ganglion-like formations. Under the influence of the product, the muscles are paralyzed, which allows you to get rid of parasites in just a day. To remove nematodes, no special treatment is required; normally, the human intestine copes with this on its own.
When 50 mg of the drug enters the body simultaneously, rapid absorption occurs through the intestinal tract. In plasma, the highest concentration level is usually observed two hours after the drug is ingested. The active component is processed by the liver to form a glucuronide, p-hydroxy-levamisole. The half-life is from three hours to twice as long. About 5% of the drug entering the body is excreted unchanged through the kidneys. No more than 0.2% of the product leaves the intestines in the same way. This clearly demonstrates good digestibility, which explains the effectiveness of administration noted by many parasitologists in reviews of Dekaris.
Decaris
Release form, composition and packaging
The tablets are round, flat, light orange in color, with a cut edge, with a “+” mark on one side, with a slight apricot odor.
1 tab.
- levamisole hydrochloride 59 mg,
- which corresponds to the content of levamisole 50 mg
Excipients: starch, sodium saccharin, povidone, talc, apricot flavor, magnesium stearate, sunset yellow ariavit.
The tablets are flat, almost white, with cut edges, with “DECARIS 150” engraved on one side.
1 tab.
- levamisole hydrochloride 177 mg,
- which corresponds to the content of levamisole 150 mg
Excipients: magnesium stearate, povidone, talc, sucrose, lactose, starch.
Clinical and pharmacological group: Antihelminthic drug
pharmachologic effect
The active ingredient of Decaris, levamisole, is an anthelmintic agent.
Acting on ganglion-like formations of nematodes, Dekaris causes depolarizing neuromuscular paralysis. Thus, paralyzed nematodes are removed from the body by normal intestinal motility within 24 hours after taking the drug.
Pharmacokinetics
Levamisole, when taken orally at a dose of 50 mg, is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Cmax in blood plasma is determined, on average, 1.5-2 hours after taking the drug.
Levamnzole undergoes intensive metabolism in the liver, its main metabolites are p-hydroxy-levamisole and its glucuronide.
T1/2 from the body is 3-6 hours. Less than 5% is excreted unchanged in urine, less than 0.2% of the administered dose is excreted in feces.
Indications
- Helminth infections:
- Ascaris lumbricoides;
- Necator Americanos;
- Ancylostoma duodenale.
Dosage regimen
Tab. 50 mg:
Children are prescribed a 50 mg tablet once, at a dose of 2.5 mg per kg of body weight: up to 3 years (<10 kg) with 25 mg (1/2 tablet); from 3 to 6 years (10-20 kg) – 25-50 mg (1/2-1 tablet); from 6 to 10 years (20-30 kg) 50-70 mg (1-1.5 tablets); from 10 to 14 years (30-40 kg) – 75-100 mg (1.5-2 tablets) once.
It is advisable to take the drug with a meal with a small amount of water in the evening.
There is no need to take laxatives or a special diet. If necessary, the drug can be repeated after 7-14 days.
Tab. 150 mg
Tab. 150 mg should not be given to children!
Adults are prescribed one 150 mg tablet once. It is advisable to take the drug after meals with a small amount of water, in the evening. There is no need to take laxatives or a special diet. If necessary, the drug can be repeated after 7-14 days.
Side effect
Headache, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations, convulsions, dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
There are reports of the development of central nervous system effects (encephalopathy) 2-5 weeks after taking the drug, as well as allergic reactions (skin rash).
In most patients, this phenomenon was reversible, and early use of glucocorticosteroid therapy improved the prognosis.
The connection of these symptoms with taking Decaris is not entirely convincing. When using large doses or with long-term therapy, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, and tremor may occur.
Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients;
- drug-induced agranulocytosis (history).
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant women should prescribe the drug only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk of using the drug.
During lactation, to protect the newborn, it is necessary to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the drug, depending on how necessary the drug is for the mother.
Use for liver dysfunction
Use with caution in case of liver failure.
Use for renal impairment
Use with caution in case of renal failure.
special instructions
During and after taking the drug, you should not drink alcohol for 24 hours.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery
Levomisole, used as an anthelmintic drug, has not been proven to depress the nervous system, and although it may cause transient, mild dizziness, there is no need for special caution when driving a car or operating machinery.
Overdose
Symptoms: with the administration of a large dose of levamisole (over 600 mg), the following signs of intoxication have been described: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and confusion.
Treatment: in case of accidental overdose, if not much time has passed after taking it, you can rinse the stomach. Monitoring of vital signs and symptomatic therapy are necessary. If there are signs of anticholinesterase action, atropine can be administered.
Drug interactions
When taking the drug simultaneously with alcoholic beverages, disulfiram-like phenomena are observed.
Caution is required when using Decaris with drugs that affect hematopoiesis.
When taking the drug simultaneously with coumarin-like anticoagulants, the prothrombin time may be prolonged, so it is necessary to adjust the dose of the oral anticoagulant.
Decaris increases the level of phenytoin in the blood, therefore, when using them simultaneously, it is necessary to monitor the level of phenytoin in the blood.
Decaris should not be used simultaneously with lipophilic drugs such as carbon tetrachloride, tetrachlorethylene, chenopodium oil, chloroform or ether, as its toxicity may increase.
Storage conditions and periods
Store at a temperature of 15-30°C, out of the reach of children.
Shelf life: 5 years.
Do not use the drug after the period indicated on the package.
Special cases
In some situations, the use of a medication can be dangerous or cause unpleasant consequences. As with any other medications, you need to be extremely careful when using the drug in question during pregnancy. Reviews of parasitologists about “Dekaris” also speak about this: the product can be used only when the potential danger to the child is significantly lower than the guaranteed benefit to the mother. At the same time, there is no prohibition on use during this “interesting” period of life. If a woman is breastfeeding, but there is a need for treatment with Decaris, it is necessary to consider the option of stopping feeding natural milk.
If there is a history of insufficient kidney function, Decaris can be used, but with extreme caution. It would not be superfluous to have a doctor monitor the patient’s condition. In no case should you choose this remedy for yourself if you have such health problems. In case of liver failure, how should it be used in adults? Reviews of parasitologists about “Dekaris” clarify that there is no need to refuse treatment completely and look for a replacement for the chosen medication, but when using the drug, you need to monitor the patient’s condition in order to avoid a negative development of the situation.
What we are treated with: Dekaris. Expel parasites without SMS or prescription
How can you avoid helminth infection in our country? In addition to following general hygiene rules (wash your hands, as well as vegetables, herbs and fruits in a timely manner, do not drink raw water, especially from sources near which livestock graze), you should monitor the quality of the meat and fish you eat. Frying or freezing these foods kills the parasitic worm larvae. Home-salted caviar, which may contain tapeworm eggs, can be dangerous. Do not forget also that meat from small farms, purchased at provincial markets and directly from private owners, most often does not undergo veterinary examination, and greens are often fertilized with compost containing human feces. Therefore, you should not think that “100% Organic” labels are a guarantee of protection against parasitic worms. Quite the contrary, because they are also absolutely natural.
You also need to communicate less with stray and village dogs, which are often fed animal waste. By eating raw meat, they can become infected with helminths, the eggs of which can be passed on to you through contact. Flies can also become carriers of parasite eggs.
General regular use of Dekaris to prevent helminth infection in Russia in most cases does not make sense. Like other anthelmintics, Dekaris fights against certain types of parasitic worms. The instructions indicate only three: human roundworm, American necator and hookworm (hookworm) duodenum. There is no need to drink it if you are not infected with them, and examinations and tests will help you find out about this. Prevention “just in case” can be harmful, and instead of the expected result from the Internet in the spirit of “parasites will crawl out of you in a lump without registration and SMS,” you can get nausea, rashes, fever or even agranulocytosis (a sharp decrease in the number of one of the types of immune cells, complications which can cause blood poisoning and toxic hepatitis).
It's another matter if you are going to travel in the tropics or simply in rather poor countries where unsanitary conditions are common. But here it is impossible to give universal advice. Some countries have their own lists of vaccinations against the most common diseases there, but, alas, vaccines against parasitic worms have not yet been invented.
Our recommendations cannot be equated with a doctor's prescription. Before you start taking this or that drug, be sure to consult a specialist.
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And when is it completely impossible?
Many people ask how to use Dekaris for children. Reviews from parasitologists on this matter unanimously assert that the drug is prohibited for people under three years of age. The negative impact on the health of the little man has not been sufficiently studied, so there is no accurate, confirmed information about the possible risks and consequences.
Speaking of contraindications, it is also important to note: Dekaris cannot be used during lactation. The drug is also prohibited for the treatment of patients whose medical history contains mention of agranulocytosis provoked by taking medications. Reviews from parasitologists, emphasizing that tablets with a dosage of 150 mg should not be used by minors, are of benefit to a person trying to understand how to use Dekaris. When treating children, not only medical control is important (the doctor must choose the remedy), but also monitoring the correct volumes.
Who is Dekaris indicated and contraindicated for?
The drug is prescribed for infection with certain types of helminths:
- with ascariasis;
- hookworm;
- necatorosa;
- trichostongilosis;
- trichocephalosis;
- enterobiasis;
- strongyloidiasis;
- toxoplasmosis.
Contraindications to therapy are:
- individual intolerance to individual components;
- development of agranulocytosis during treatment with other medications.
Decaris is not used to combat parasitic organisms for pregnant and nursing mothers, children under three years of age.
Increased caution and monitoring by a physician is needed when treating patients with kidney failure, liver failure, and suppressed hematopoiesis in the bone marrow.
Negative effects: what to prepare for?
When studying the reviews of parasitologists describing how to use Dekaris, it is difficult not to pay attention to the information about possible side effects that accompany taking the medication. These are often mentioned by those who have been treated with this remedy. At the same time, many note that there was no negative reaction from the body at all, but others complain of severe side effects, aggravated by the ineffectiveness of treatment. This once again proves that the selection of medications must be strictly individual, and it is necessary to understand that not all drugs are suitable for everyone.
Many people, when taking Dekaris, complained of headaches and problems with stool and stomach. Sometimes diarrhea develops and nausea may occur. In addition, in some cases, dizziness occurs and convulsive states are possible. Some note that an increased heartbeat has begun to attract attention. Official statistics contain mention of the possibility of developing encephalopathy. If this happens, it happens approximately half a month to a month after completing the course. Reviews from parasitologists about Dekaris also mention the possibility of allergic reactions, usually manifested in the form of a skin rash. Most of the negative effects are reversible, the discomfort soon passes. To make the prognosis even more positive, you can additionally use medications from the group of glucocorticosteroids. Finally, parasitologists' reviews of Dekaris contain information about the possibility of developing tremor, agranulocytosis, and leukopenia if the patient uses the drug for a very long time and absorbs large doses of the drug. However, the connection has not yet been absolutely definitely established, and the issue still causes controversy between doctors and the manufacturer.
How to use?
When using the drug for therapy in adults, one dose of a 150 mg tablet is usually sufficient. When treating a child aged 3-6 years, they usually take either half of a 50-milligram tablet or a whole small one. If the child’s age varies between 6-10 years, then one or one and a half tablets should be used once. The next age range is 10-14 years. During this period, when treating with Dekaris, one use is also sufficient, but the dose varies from one and a half to two tablets containing 50 mg of the active component.
Usually the product is used after meals in the evening. It is advisable to take the drug with a small amount of water. No special menu is required for the period of treatment, and there is no need for laxatives. If test results show low effectiveness of the first dose, it is necessary to repeat treatment according to the regimen described above after a week or two.
Symptoms of giardiasis
Giardia can number up to a million per square centimeter of intestinal wall. They mechanically damage blood cells (erythrocytes), cause irritation of nerve endings, and disrupt the absorption process. As a result, inflammation develops. Giardia waste products can cause allergic reactions.
Giardiasis can occur in acute or chronic form. Symptoms of acute giardiasis may appear 1-3 weeks after infection.
Giardiasis most often manifests itself as an intestinal disorder. In some cases, giardiasis can cause disruption of the gallbladder and stagnation of bile. In the case of long-term giardiasis (especially in children), neurotic symptoms may be observed.
Abdominal pain
With giardiasis, there is pain in the epigastric region and in the navel area. The pain is usually dull, but in some cases it can be sharp.
Flatulence
Increased gas formation (flatulence) is usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Belching and heartburn are possible.
More about the symptom
Stool disorder
Possible diarrhea up to 3-5 times a day; The stool is initially watery or foamy, but may later become greasy. Diarrhea may give way to constipation.
Allergic manifestations
Possible allergic manifestations of giardiasis:
- hives;
- severe itching;
- atopic dermatitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and some other manifestations.
Neurotic symptoms
With a long course of giardiasis (especially in children), the following neurotic symptoms may be observed: weakness, fatigue, irritability (tearfulness in young children), headaches, dizziness, cardialgia.
What if there is too much?
In a number of cases, negative feedback about the effectiveness of “Dekaris” and the negative effects provoked by its use are due to the ingestion of too large a dose of the active substance into the human body. True, such reactions are possible if the drug enters the body in an amount of 600 mg or more. Studies have shown that intoxication manifests itself with vomiting and convulsions, and the person becomes drowsy. Possible bowel movements, headaches, and confusion. I often feel dizzy, nauseous, and vomit.
If an overdose occurred by accident, relatively recently, gastric lavage is most effective. It is important to control the vital functions of internal organs. They also provide additional therapy to eliminate unpleasant symptoms of intoxication. If an anticholinesterase effect is detected, atropine comes to the rescue.
Reviews
Opinions on forums about the drug vary greatly. Some patients are dissatisfied with the side effects that have arisen, while others are afraid to give it to children. In other cases, there are no complaints about the effectiveness of Dekaris in the fight against helminths.
Doctors believe that accidental and intentional overdoses are the main cause of problems with therapy. Incorrect calculation of the required amount of medication becomes a predisposing factor for the development of cephalalgia, diarrhea and dizziness. Symptoms of intoxication occur less frequently with the exact dose of the drug and taken before bedtime.
Let's heal and not get hurt
It is no secret that the simultaneous use of different medications can lead to reactions between active substances, which provokes negative symptoms. In addition, this may affect the effectiveness of drug use. So, when undergoing treatment with Dekaris, you should, if possible, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. Otherwise, there is a high probability of disulfiram-like phenomena. They also use the product very carefully if the patient is being treated with medications that affect hematopoietic function.
If it was decided to use Dekaris to treat a patient undergoing therapy with coumarin-like anticoagulants, there is a possibility of an increase in the prothrombin gap. This requires adjustment of the volume of anticoagulants. Under the influence of the medication in question, the concentration of phenytoin in the blood may increase, which also requires monitoring the patient’s condition if drugs that affect the concentration of this compound are used. It is not allowed to use "Dekaris" for the treatment of patients using lipophilic drugs. This imposes restrictions, including on the use of ether and chloroform. The mutual influence of these groups is such that the toxic effect greatly increases, and this can lead to unpredictable consequences.
Adverse reactions
Treatment with Decaris causes negative symptoms. During the procedures the following may occur:
- sleep problems;
- convulsive syndrome;
- dizziness with cephalgia;
- signs of encephalopathy;
- dyspepsia;
- dermatological rash;
- involuntary muscle tremors;
- feeling of heartbeat.
An anthelmintic agent can provoke the development of agranulocytosis and a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
We use it wisely: how to do it correctly?
If it has been decided to use Dekaris for preventive or therapeutic purposes, it is very important to refrain from alcoholic beverages during the period of use, as well as the next day after using the product. It has not yet been possible to collect a reliable large amount of information about the effect on the central nervous system of the main active component of the drug, and this also obliges the patient to be extremely careful in the first day after use.
It is known that the use of Decaris can cause dizziness. As a rule, this is a fairly mild phenomenon and passes very quickly, however, this risk is very important for those who drive a car or other complex machinery. During the first 24 hours after the drug is ingested, it is important to exercise extreme caution when using machines.
Analogues: what can be replaced with?
Most often they resort to the remedy “Vormin”. These inexpensive chewable tablets are effective against a wide range of parasites and are in the medicine cabinet of almost every lover of cats, dogs and other animals that are potentially a source of helminths and other infections. It must be said that from the reviews it follows that “Vormin” is generally better tolerated than the “Dekaris” in question, and causes less side effects, and the results of its use are more reliable.
In addition, the following anthelmintic medications are popular:
- "Pyrantel";
- "Helmintox";
- "Piperazine."
Analogs
If the treatment has caused intolerance to the drug or the appearance of severe allergy symptoms, then it is necessary to replace it with a more suitable drug. Popular analogues of Dekaris are presented:
- Levamisole;
- Pyrantel, Vermox;
- Helmintox, Piperazine;
- Mebendazole, Vormin;
- Medamine, Biltricide;
- Telmox, Nemozol, etc.
The selection of substitutes rests with the attending physician. When making a choice, the specialist relies on the results of a diagnostic examination, the general condition of the body and the reasons that caused the need to change the medication.
Reviews: what do they write about most often?
The drug “Dekaris” has been produced for quite a long time, over the years a good reputation has been created for the drug, and many families who have undergone preventive or therapeutic treatment with its help more than once in recent years note that the body’s perception of the drug has changed. If previously there were no side effects, now they occur. And this is also observed in those who previously tolerated Decaris perfectly. As a rule, attention is paid to the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth, nausea and upset stool.
It is also noted that the medication is not always effective. As a preventive measure, it works great, including for people who keep cats and dogs at home. But if infection has already occurred, and it was decided to use the product based on test results, there is a possibility that a second course will be required. Moreover, those who used this medication complain that no positive results were obtained with the second dose. On the other hand, it is known that if a person is satisfied with the result, he rarely decides to spend his time creating a positive review, so it can be assumed that there are much more people who have successfully completed treatment with Decaris without side effects than there are such reviews on the World Wide Web. I would also like to note that only taking a legal drug can bring good results, so it is necessary to purchase the drug from a reliable pharmacy. Of course, Dekaris is inexpensive, but even such medicines can be counterfeited. To protect yourself from this, it is important to cooperate with an official point of sale.
Diagnostic methods
The clinical symptoms of giardiasis are nonspecific, so it is impossible to diagnose this pathology based on complaints. To diagnose giardiasis, the following examination methods are prescribed:
- cholecystography;
- ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
- general blood analysis;
- biochemical blood test;
- parasitological examination of feces;
- stool analysis for dysbacteriosis;
- laboratory examination of duodenal contents.
