Levamisole Alert
/HORSEMEN'S (AND VETRANIARIAN) ALERT:
AVOID LEVAMISOLE/TETRAMISOLE
A Levamisole positive has just been called in Kentucky. Levamisole is classified by the ARCI as a Class 2 Penalty Class B substance. A Levamisole caused positive recently turned up in NY (Tioga Downs) in spite of, reportedly, being administered more than 100 hours before the race. There have also reportedly been some Pemoline positives in England following Levamisole administration
Levamisole has long been used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic (wormer) and immune stimulant.
In a horse, Levamisole metabolizes to Aminorex and Pemoline both banned ARCI Class 1 STIMULANT drugs.
The source of these Aminorex positives was reported to be Levamisole, as identified by Dr. Pellegrini at Freedom Health in Ohio.
Levamisole and the wormer Tetramisole are closely related.
Also, Levamisole reportedly may have some stimulant actions, although whether or not these are due to Levamisole itself or to its metabolites, Aminorex and Pemoline, is not entirely clear.
Additionally, FYI, Levamisole reportedly is widely used to “cut” street cocaine; it makes the cocaine look better and helps it pass “street tests”.
ADVISE YOUR HORSEMEN AND VETS TO AVOID LEVAMISOLE/ TETRAMISOLE IN HORSES.
