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]
Synonyms and keywords: DEC
Overview
Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic drug that does not resemble other antiparasitic compounds. It is a synthetic organic 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 | Indications and Usage | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Overdosage | Dosage and Administration | How Supplied
Mechanism of Action
Diethylcarbamazine is an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism in filaria. This makes the filaria more susceptible to immune attack.
Uses
Diethylcarbamazine 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.
Diethylcarbamazine continues to be the mainstay for treatment of patients with lymphatic filariasis and loiasis. Diethylcarbamazine is also used in the prevention of dogheartworm Dirofilaria immitis.