Generic
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is an anthelmintic drug used for the treatment of filariasis and other worm infections.
Description
Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic drug used in the treatment of lymphatic filariasis. It is active against the microfilariae and adult worms of W. bancrofti, B. malayi, B. timori and Loa loa. The mechanism of action involves sensitizing the microfilariae to phagocytosis.
Indications
- Filariasis and lymphatic filariasis
- Pulmonary eosinophilia
- Loiasis
- Toxocariasis
Therapeutic class
Other Anti-protozoals
Pharmacological class
Anthelmintic
Pharmacology
The mechanism of action of diethylcarbamazine is thought to involve sensitizing the microfilariae to phagocytosis. Its activity against Brugia malayi microfilariae is dependent on inducible nitric-oxide synthase and the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Mechanism of action
Diethylcarbamazine sensitizes microfilariae to phagocytosis and affects the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway to destroy worms.
Dosage
Adult (W. Bancrofti, B. Malayi): Day 1: 50 mg PC; Day 2: 50 mg TID; Day 3: 100 mg TID; Day 4-14: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID.
Adult (Loa Loa): Day 1: 50 mg PC; Day 2: 50 mg TID; Day 3: 100 mg TID; Day 4-21: 9 mg/kg/day divided TID.
Children: Weight-based dosing (starting from 1 mg/kg, gradually increased).
Administration
Take with food. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Headache, dizziness, vomiting, abnormal liver function tests, nausea, abdominal pain, hair loss, fever, vertigo.
Serious (Potentially Fatal): Severe hypersensitivity reactions (Mazzotti reaction - rash, itching, headache, muscle and joint pains, tachycardia, postural hypotension), encephalitis, retinal hemorrhage.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability (drowsiness, dizziness). Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Monitor blood counts and liver function. Avoid infections. Caution in patients with poor health.
Contraindications
Pregnancy Category X; hypersensitivity; lactation; infants, elderly or debilitated patients; impaired renal function; cardiac disease.
Drug interactions
No known drug interactions.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Diethylcarbamazine Citrate. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X. Not safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
It is not known whether Diethylcarbamazine is excreted in breast milk; avoid use.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage is weight-based; caution in elderly and debilitated patients.
Geriatric use
Use with caution in elderly and debilitated patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Caution in renal impairment; limited information in liver disease.
Overdose effects
No adequate information on overdose is available.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture.
Chemical structure
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate