৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 1
৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 1
At a glance
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is an anthelmintic drug used for the treatment of filariasis and other worm infections.
Indications
- Filariasis and lymphatic filariasis
- Pulmonary eosinophilia
- Loiasis
- Toxocariasis
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.
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).
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.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X. Not safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
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.
Overdose effects
No adequate information on overdose is available.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture.