Levosulpiride - Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Composition

Overview

Levosulpiride Tablet Uses

Levosulpiride is a versatile medication used in the treatment of both gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions. It works by regulating dopamine activity and improving gut motility, providing relief in a variety of disorders.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Helps reduce stomach irritation and acid reflux by improving the movement of food through the digestive tract.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Alleviates symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and abdominal pain by enhancing gut motility and reducing discomfort.

Psychiatric Conditions

• Hallucinations: Reduces false perceptions by balancing dopamine activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: Assists in stabilizing mood swings in patients with bipolar mood disorders.
• Anxiety: Provides a calming effect by acting on the central nervous system.
• Depression: Used in combination with other treatments to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
• Schizophrenia (in adults): Particularly effective in managing negative symptoms and emotional withdrawal associated with chronic schizophrenia.

Guidelines to follow while taking Levosulpiride tablet

• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, as directed by your physician.
• The dosage and duration will be determined by the physician based on age, weight, and illness.
• Do not chew or crush the tablet.

Levosulpiride Mechanism of action

Levosulpiride is a prokinetic drug with anti-emetic and anti-dyspeptic properties.

• It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (dopamine) in the brain, which in turn controls the stomach muscle movement. 
• This mechanism improves gastric motility and reduces unpleasant gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, fullness, and lack of appetite.

Levosulpiride Side Effects

Most of the side effects of Levosulpiride tablet do not require medical attention and disappear on their own. Some of the most common side effects of Levosulpiride are:

• Increased prolactin levels in the blood
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, muscle stiffness)
• Weight gain
• Akathisia (restlessness or inability to stay still)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Constipation
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Sedation or drowsiness
• Maculopapular rash (skin rash with red spots and bumps)

NOTE: if you experience any of the symptoms, You are recommended to consult your physician without delay. 

Levosulpiride Dose and Safety Guidelines

Levosulpiride is available in both tablet and injection forms. The dosage varies depending on the patient's condition, age, weight, and route of administration. It can be taken orally or given intravenously, as prescribed by a doctor.

Levosulpiride Dosage for Adults

The typical adult dose is 50 mg, taken twice daily (every 12 hours). Dosage may be adjusted based on the specific medical condition being treated and the patient's response to therapy.

Levosulpiride Dosage for Children

Levosulpiride is not generally recommended for children under 14 years due to insufficient clinical safety data. Always consult a pediatrician before use in children or adolescents.

Levosulpiride Dosage for Elderly (Geriatric Use)

Should be used with caution in elderly patients. Close medical supervision is advised to monitor for side effects, especially neurological and cardiovascular effects.

Effects of Levosulpiride in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Levosulpiride in pregnancy

Levosulpiride is not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed and prescribed by a physician, as safety data in pregnant women is limited.

Levosulpiride during breastfeeding

Levosulpiride is not advised during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and affect the infant. Always consult a doctor before use.

Levosulpiride interactions

Levosulpiride may interact with other drugs, foods, or medical conditions.

Levosulpiride drug interactions

If the patient uses any of the below drugs, it is important to inform the physician before using levosulpiride. 

• Ropinirole (Parkinsonism)
• Anti-hypertensive drugs such as Propranolol, Atenolol, Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Clonidine, Ramipril, and Azilsartan 
• Cardiac arrhythmic drugs such as Digitalis, Quinidine, Disopyramide, Amiodarone, and Sotalol
• Diuretics such as Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
• Amphotericin B (Fungal infections)
• Laxatives such as Lactulose, Calcium Dobesilate
• Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone
• Tetracosactide
• Pimozide
• Antidepressive drugs such as Haloperidol, Lithium, Imipramine, Thioridazine, and Sulpiride
• Methadone used in treating drug addiction
• Stomach disorders (cisapride, aluminium hydroxide, and sucralfate)
• Erythromycin (bacterial infections)

Levosulpiride food interactions

It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Levosulpiride.

Levosulpiride drug interactions 

Contraindicated in patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder, pheochromocytoma, gastrointestinal perforations, or breast cancer. Always consult a physician before use.

Levosulpiride Composition

Levosulpiride tablet is available in the doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg (10 tablets per strip)

Levosulpiride Storage

Store in a cool, dry and dark place away from sunlight at room temperature. Keep it out of the reach of children.