Diethylcarbamazine
| Diethylcarbamazine |
|---|
| HETRAZAN® WHO Prescribing Information |
| Description |
| Indications and Usage |
| Contraindications |
| Warnings and Precautions |
| Adverse Reactions |
| Overdosage |
| Dosage and Administration |
| How Supplied |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is an anthelmintic drug that does not resemble other antiparasitic compounds. It is a syntheticorganic compound which is highly specific for several parasites and does not contain any toxic metallic elements.
Category
Antiparasitic
US Brand Names
HETRAZAN®
FDA Package Insert
Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Microbiology | Indications and Usage | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Drug Interactions | Overdosage | Clinical Studies | Dosage and Administration | How Supplied | Labels and Packages
Mechanism of Action
DEC is an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism in filaria. This makes the filaria more susceptible to immune attack.
Uses
DEC is indicated for treatment of individual patients with certain filarial diseases. These diseases include: lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori; tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, and loiasis.
In cases of onchocerciasis, another common filarial parasite, the drug is not used. This is because the itching associated with the dead subcutaneous parasites causes intense and unbearable itching.
DEC continues to be the mainstay for treatment of patients with lymphatic filariasis and loiasis. DEC is also used in the prevention of dogheartworm Dirofilaria immitis.