AI Summary
Generated by AI for informational purposes only
This medicine is used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms in the body. It is mainly used for conditions like filariasis, also known as elephantiasis. It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor.
Indications
Diethylcarbamazine is indicated for Filariasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Pulmonary eosinophilia, Loiasis, Toxocariasis.
Description
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. Diethylcarbamazine continues to be the mainstay for treatment of patients with lymphatic filariasis and loiasis.
Pharmacology
The mechanism of action of diethylcarbamazine is thought to involve sensitizing the microfilariae to phagocytosis. One study showed that diethylcarbamazine's activity against Brugia malayi microfilariae is dependent on inducible nitric-oxide synthase and the cyclooxygenase pathway. It confirmed the important role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in diethylcarbamazine's mechanism of action in vivo and showes that in addition to its effects on the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, it targets the cyclooxygenase pathway and COX-1.
Dosage & Administration
Important: Do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription. Self-medication can be dangerous.
Inital: 1 mg/kg/day, may increase to 6 mg/kg/day over 3 days, then maintain for 3 wk. Prophylaxis of loiasis 300 mg/wk.
Interaction
There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.
Potentially Fatal: Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur especially in the treatment of onchocerciasis where rare Mazzotti reaction characterised by rash, itching, headache, muscle and joint pains, tachycardia, postural hypotension may start within 2 hr of drug administration. Encephalitis and retinal haemorrhage.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category- X. Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients with poor health.
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk
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