1. How long can I use Levosulpiride?
Levosulpiride is usually prescribed for 4 weeks as per the condition of use given in the product's label, as it is available as either tablets or oral solutions. The duration can also be 8 weeks (4 weeks for treatment and 4 weeks for the follow-up period).
2. Is Levosulpiride safe?
Levosulpiride is considered effective and safe for treating dysmotility. Dysmotility, the digestive system muscles are impaired. Unlike a normal-sized intestine where food and secretions are pushed onwards by muscular contraction, there is a change of speed, strength, or coordination in the digestive organs.
Click here for more information regarding the uses, necessary dosage and precautions, and side effects of Levosulpiride.
3. Is Levosulpiride an antidepressant?
Levosulpiride is a second-generation antipsychotic. It is an enantiomer (laterally inverted form) of sulpiride, which is slightly effective in treating major depressive disorder. As a substituted benzamide, levosulpiride shows antipsychotic, antidepressant, anti-nausea, and antidyspeptic properties. However, it does not belong to the antidepressant class of drugs that is specialized to treat clinical depression and related conditions.
4. How to use Levosulpiride?
You must entirely swallow Levosulpiride, without crushing or chewing the tablet. The prescribed dosage of Levosulpiride for dyspepsia and other GI problems is 25 mg tablets thrice a day. The dosage can be reduced for elderly patients but should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
5. When should I take Levosulpiride?
You must take Levosulpiride in the prescribed dosage and duration. Take the tablet with a glass of water 30 minutes before food and swallow it completely. The medication should not be broken, bitten, or crushed before use.
6. Is Levosulpiride used for the stomach?
Yes. Levosulpiride is an effective and well-tolerated drug for patients with functional dyspepsia. This medication works by increasing the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger. It increases the frequency of muscular contractions in the stomach and intestines, without completely upsetting the rhythm. Thus, it effectively prevents acid reflux.
7. Is Levosulpiride a prokinetic?
Yes. Levosulpiride is also a prokinetic agent, i.e. a drug that improves the strength and frequency of gastrointestinal contractions. The enteric blockade of the dopamine D2 receptors in the neurons and muscles promotes this action. The drug helps increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure more effectively and efficiently than other medications.
8. Is Levosulpiride antibiotic?
No. Levosulpiride is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat depression, digestion problems, GERD, psychological disorders, IBS, anxiety disorder, vertigo, hallucinations, schizophrenia, and regular heartburn. Despite its wide range of use, it does not possess any antibacterial properties and does not belong to the class of antibiotics.
9. Is Levosulpiride a sleeping pill?
Levosulpiride can cause many side effects, including drowsiness and fatigue. However, it cannot be called a sleeping pill. You must not take Levosulpiride for purposes other than what it can be prescribed for. Other than drowsiness and fatigue, it can cause side effects like:
- Stomach discomfort and pain
- Weight gain
- Unusual sleepiness
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive perspiration
- Irregular or unusual heart rate
10. Is it safe to take Levosulpiride during pregnancy?
No. While taking Levosulpiride during pregnancy does not cause significant adverse effects to the pregnant woman, it can pass through the placenta and harm the fetus. Similarly, it is unsafe during breastfeeding as well, as it may pass through the breast milk. Speak to your doctor and ask for an alternative in either case.
Get in touch with our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Contact us with your queries regarding dosage and precautions, uses, and side effects of taking Levosulpiride.
