Levosulpiride is classified as an antipsychotic medicine and is mainly used to treat depression, indigestion, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, mental disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety disorder, vertigo, hallucinations, schizophrenia, and persistent heartburns.
| Nature | Antipsychotic |
| Uses | Depression, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Mental disorder, Indigestion, Frequent persistent heartburn, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Diabetic gastroparesis, Burning mouth syndrome and more. |
| Side-effects | Breast tenderness, Weight gain, Decreased libido, Irregular menstrual cycle, Unusual tiredness and weakness, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Breast enlargement in males or Gynecomastia, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and more. |
| Precautions | Drowsiness, Dizziness, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Liver or Kidney disease |
Levosulpiride is also used in the treatment of premature ejaculation. In certain cases, the patient may experience uncontrollable sweating, fever, fatigue, gynecomastia, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Uses and Benefits of Levosulpiride:
Levosulpiride is prescribed under following conditions:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Depression
- Gastro oesophageal reflux disease
- Dyspepsia
- Mental disorder
- Frequent persistent heartburn
Side Effects of Levosulpiride:
Levosulpiride, like any other medicine, may exhibit some side effects that may or may not be life threatening. However, the side effects may or may not be rare, should be bought to the notice of the doctor. Some of the common side effects of Levosulpiride are listed below:
- Abnormal milk secretion
- Abnormally large breast in males
- Absence of menstruation
- Changes in sexual desire
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Excessive sweating
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Increased Salivation
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain
- Abnormal heart rate
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
Dosage of Levosulpiride:
The dosage of Levosulpiride is based on the following conditions:
- History of drug reaction/ allergy
- Severity of disease
- Reaction to the first dose
- A medical condition of the patient/ health history
- Patients with liver or kidney disease should consult the doctor before consuming the tablet
Levosulpiride should be prescribed by a doctor and is not recommended to be taken without a prescription. In case the symptoms get worst, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention. Levosulpiride should be taken at a fixed time and for the duration prescribed by the doctor. The drug has to be swallowed whole, and should not be broken, crushed or chewed before consumption. It is advised to continue the prescribed course of the medicine and to not stop the course of the medicine even if the patients start to feel better after one or more dose.
Recommended dose to treat gastrointestinal problems or dyspepsia:
25 mg thrice a day is the most common dose prescribed to the patients in these conditions.
- Missed Dose : If the patient missed the dose of Levosulpiride, it is advisable to take it as soon as the patient remembers. But if it’s already time to take the next dose, patients must skip the missed dose and take the medicine as per scheduled dosage. Extra doses of the medicine should not be taken to make up for the missed dose.
- Overdose : In case the patient is suspicious of overdosing on the medicine, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Composition and Nature of Levosulpiride:
It is categorized as an antipsychotic drug which is also referred to as neuroleptics or tranquilizers. The man active ingredient of the medicine is Levosulpiride itself. The ingredient of the medicine is the active salt in the medicine.
Levosulpiride Price in India:
| Quantity of the medicine | Prrice (INR) |
| Strip of 10 tablets | 75.00 |
When Levosulpiride is prescribed?
Levosulpiride is prescribed to treat and prevent conditions such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Depression
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Dyspepsia
- Mental disorder
- Frequent persistent heartburn
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
How to use Levosulpiride?
Levosulpiride should be taken in a fixed dose and for the duration prescribed by the doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole. The medicine should not be broken, chewed, or crushed before consumption. Patients must take the medicine with plenty of fluids at least half an hour before food. It is advisable to administer the medicine after consulting a doctor.
How Levosulpiride Works?
Levosulpiride works effectively by binding dopamine receptors in the brain and the periphery, which results in the increased tone of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. It also decreases the level of the chemical compounds present in the brain.
Precautions and Warnings Related to Levosulpiride:
Before taking Levosulpiride, one must keep in mind the following points:
- Do not operate heavy machinery or drive a vehicle after taking Levosulpiride
- The medicine may cause absence of periods, changes in sexual desire, abnormal milk secretion, and fever or muscle stiffness.
- Levosulpiride is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women
- Patient with Heart disease, hypokalemia and diabetes must exercise caution before administering the medicine.
Some of the known contradictions with Levosulpiride include:
- Allergy: The medicine is not recommended to be taken by individuals with a known allergy to Levosulpiride or any of the components.
- Epilepsy: The Medicine is not recommended to be taken by individuals with epilepsy or convulsions.
- Bipolar disorder: The medicine is not recommended to be taken by individuals with bipolar disorder and it can cause depression, agitation, anxiety or hallucinations.
- Pheochromocytoma: It is not recommended to be taken by individuals with tumour that has adrenal glands which raises blood pressure.
- Gastrointestinal perforation: The medicine is not recommended to be taken by individuals with gastrointestinal perforation as it can cause bleeding and obstructions.
- Breast cancer: Levosulpiride is not recommended to be taken by individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Substitute of Levosulpiride:
Medicines with the same composition and nature as that of levosulpiride can be used as substitutes of the medicine. Some of the most common substitutes of this medicine are:
- Levazeo 25 MG Tablet
- Levipride 25 MG Tablet
- Neopride 25 MG Tablet
- Nexipride 25 MG Tablet
- Skizolev 25 MG Tablet
Levosulpiride Interactions:
A drug can interact with another drug, disease or specific ingredients that can lead to effects that are different from the intended ones.
Levosulpiride interacts with the following diseases:
- Heart Disease: The Medicine is not recommended for patients with heart and blood vessel diseases.
- Gastro-intestinal bleeding: This medicine is not recommended for patients with bleeding and in intestine and stomach. If the medicine is consumed it may cause vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in stool.
- Prolactin imbalance: It is not recommended for patients with prolactin imbalance since it raises the risk of breast cancer.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: It is not recommended for patients with this syndrome as it can affect the health condition adversely.
- Asthma : It is not recommended for patients with asthma. Patients suffering from asthma might experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty and wheezing upon consuming the medicine.
Levosulpiride interacts with alcohol:
- It is not recommended to be taken with alcohol since it increases the risk of adverse side effects. It can cause excessive drowsiness which can be dangerous.
Levosulpiride interacts with following lab tests:
- Prolactin test: It can affect the results of lab tests that measure the level of prolactin. As a result, a false-positive test may be reported.
Levosulpiride interacts with following medicines:
- Diltiazem: Levosulpiride reacts with diltiazem. Diltiazem is used to manage high blood pressure and taking the medicine with Diltiazem can cause adverse effects. Consult a doctor before taking both medicines together.
- Pregabalin: The medicine reacts with pregabalin and if both medicines are taken together then patients must monitor their health condition.
- Sucralfate: The medicine reacts with sucralfate and may require a dose adjustment or frequent clinical monitoring. Consult a doctor before taking both medicines together.
- Tramadol: The medicine reacts with tramadol and must not be taken together as it can cause adverse effects. Consult a doctor before taking both medicines together.
- Ipratropium: The medicine reacts with ipratropium and must not be taken together. Consult a doctor before taking these two medicines together.
Medicine that should not be taken with Levosulpiride:
Levosulpiride is not recommended to be taken with medicines listed below as it may cause side effects.
- Ipratropium
- Tramadol
- Pregabalin
- Sucralfate
- Diltiazem
How to Store Levosulpiride?
- It is advised to store the medicine in a cool and dry place.
- It is not recommended to freeze or refrigerate the tablet.
- It should be kept away from the reach of the children and pets.
FAQs:
1) What are the side effects of Levosulpiride?
Ans: Listed below are some of the side effects that may occur after administering Levosulpiride:
- Abnormal milk secretion
- Abnormally large breast in males
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Excessive sweating
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Increased Salivation
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain
- Absence of menstruation
- Changes in sexual desire
- Abnormal heart rate
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
2) What is Levosulpiride used to treat?
Ans: Levosulpiride is used to treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease frequent persistent heartburn, dyspepsia, mental disorder, indigestion, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
3) What is Levosulpiride used for?
Ans: Levosulpiride is used for preventing and treating conditions such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Depression
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Dyspepsia
- Mental disorder
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Frequent persistent heartburn
4) Is Levosulpiride Tablet a replacement of Progesterone?
Ans: No, Levosulpiride is not a replacement of progesterone.
5) What are the contraindications associated with the consumption of Levosulpiride?
Ans: Levosulpiride is not recommended to be taken in the following conditions:
- Allergic reactions
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Malignant mastopathy
- Cardiac impairment
- Epilepsy
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Mammary dysplasia
- Manic states
- Mechanical obstruction or perforation of GI tract
- Pheochromocytoma
6) Is Levosulpiride safe to use during pregnancy?
Ans: Levosulpiride is used to prevent and treat conditions such as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome and more. It is advisable to consult a doctor before administering the medicine.
7) Is Levosulpiride addictive in nature?
Ans: No-habit forming tendencies have been reported yet after administering the medicines.
8) Can I consume alcohol while administering Levosulpiride?
Ans: Patients are advised not to drink alcohol as it may induce excessive sleepiness or reduce the efficacy of the drug in some cases. Thus, it is suggested to refrain from consuming alcohol while administering Levosulpiride.
9) What are the appropriate storage requirements for Levosulpiride?
Ans: Following are the appropriate storage requirements for Levosulpiride:
- Keep it away from the reach of children
- Keep it away from the reach of pets.
- Keep it in a cool and dry place.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
10) What happens if I miss a dose of Levosulpiride?
Ans: If a patient misses a dose of Levosulpiride, it must be taken immediately. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, then the missed dose must be skipped.
11) What happens if I overdose on Levosulpiride?
Ans: An overdose of Levosulpiride may cause several side effects such as skin rash, fever and chills, sleepiness, headache, heavy bleeding and irregular periods etc. If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately for remedial action.
12) Can I drive after consuming Levosulpiride?
Ans: Levosulpiride may induce drowsiness and sleepiness in some cases. Therefore, it is advised that the patients must avoid driving after the consumption of Levosulpiride.
13) How should Levosulpiride be consumed?
Ans: It is suggested to take Levosulpiride in the exact dosage and for the duration advised by the physician. Generally, it is advised to be taken at least before having a meal.
14) What medicine should not be taken with Levosulpiride?
Ans: Levosulpiride is not recommended to be taken with the following medicines as it may cause unwanted side effects:
- Ipratropium
- Tramadol
- Diltiazem
- Pregabalin
- Sucralfate
15) What precautions should be taken while administering Levosulpiride?
Ans: Following precautions should be taken while administering Levosulpiride:
- Absence of periods
- Changes in sexual desire
- Abnormal milk secretion
- Muscle stiffness
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
16) Why Levosulpiride is prescribed?
Ans: Levosulpiride is prescribed in the following cases:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, Depression, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Dyspepsia, Mental disorder, and frequent persistent heartburn.
17) How long is the duration of effect of Levosulpiride?
Ans: The duration of action of Levosulpiride varies according to varies factors such as dosage form, age, medical history etc.
18) How Levosulpiride works?
Ans: Levosulpiride belongs to the group of progestins and is used for hormone replacement therapy and given to the females when their body doesn’t produce enough progesterone. This medicine helps in reducing the symptoms associated with menopause and the risk of uterus cancer.
19) What are the lab interactions of Levosulpiride?
Ans: Following are the lab interactions of Levosulpiride mg capsule:
- Prolactin test : Levosulpiride may affect the test results. Hence, it is advisable to wean off the use of this medicine after consulting a doctor before undergoing the test.
- Swelling of face, throat, lips or tongue
- Loss of consciousness
- Skin Rashes or itching of skin
- Shortness of breath
20) Is Levosulpiride available as an over-the-counter product?
Ans: No, it is not available as an over-the-counter drug. It needs to be prescribed by a qualified physician. Please consult a doctor before administering the medicine, don’t self-medicate.
21) Can Levosulpiride be used to treat indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux?
Ans: Yes, Levosulpiride can be used to treat indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux but one must consult a doctor before taking the drug.
22) How long does it take to see improvements after taking Levosulpiride?
Ans: It may take approximately 1- 2 hours to see improvements in the patient’s condition after the oral administration of the drug.
23) What is the frequency that Levosulpiride should be taken?
Ans: Levosulpiride can be taken once or twice a day based on the patient’s condition. It is suggested to consult a doctor before administering the medicine.
24) Can Levosulpiride be used as an antidepressant?
Ans: No, It is not recommended to be used as an antidepressant. It helps treat irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and psychosis. Consult a doctor before taking Levosulpiride.
25) What type of medicine is Levosulpiride?
Ans: Levosulpiride is classified as atypical antipsychotic medicine that helps to reduce the dopamine activity in the brain. Consult a doctor before taking the medicine.
26) Can Levosulpiride cause erectile dysfunction?
Ans: No, Levosulpiride does not cause erectile dysfunction. However, one must consult a doctor before taking this.
27) Is it safe to take Levosulpiride and Omeprazole together?
Ans: Yes, it is safe to take Levosulpiride and Omeprazole together as they don’t interact with each other and lead to harmful effects. Consult a doctor before administering the drug.
28) Are there any reported allergic reactions associated with Levosulpiride?
Ans: Reported allergic reactions associated with Levosulpiride are:
29) Are there any particular food item to be avoided while administering Levosulpiride?
Ans: No there is no such food item that should be avoided while administering Levosulpiride.
30) Can I stop administering Levosulpiride without completing the course?
Ans: No, it is advisable to discontinue Levosulpiride without consulting a doctor. The prescribed dose and duration must be adhered too.
