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Indications and Dosage
Oral
Filariasis, Loiasis, Toxocariasis Adult: Initially, 1 mg/kg daily, increased gradually to 6 mg/kg daily over 3 days then maintained for 3 wk. A corticosteroid may be given concurrently for the treatment of filarial infections. Oral Prophylaxis of loiasis Adult: 300 mg wkly.
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Contraindications
Pregnancy, hypersensitivity; lactation; infants, elderly or debilitated patients; impaired renal function; cardiac disease.
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Special Precautions
Patients with poor health.
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Adverse Reactions
Fever, headache, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, chills.
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. |
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Action
Description: Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic that is 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 but only against the microfilariae of O. volvulus. It is also used in treatment of toxocariasis. Repeated courses may be necessary.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract (oral); skin (topical); conjunctiva (optical). Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues. Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug and N-oxide metabolite). |
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Storage
Store below 30°C.
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MIMS Class
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