Diethylcarbamazine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug is Diethylcarbamazine?

What is Diethylcarbamazine for?

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug commonly used to treat certain worm infections. This drug works by killing worms. This drug is used to treat:

• bancroft's filariasis
• eosinophilic lungs (tropical pulmonary eosinophilia; tropical eosinophilia)
• loiasis
• river blindness (onchocerciasis)

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug that doesn't work for other worm infections (for example, pinworms or tapeworms). Diethylcarbamazine is a drug that is only available by prescription and from the manufacturer.

Diethylcarbamazine dosage

How is Diethylcarbamazine used?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug that should be taken immediately after eating. To help get rid of your infection completely, continue to take this medication regularly throughout treatment, even if symptoms begin to improve within a few days.

In some patients, a second stage of the drug is needed to completely cure the infection. If you stop using this drug suddenly, your infection can return. Don't miss a dose.

How is Diethylcarbamazine stored?

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug that is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Diethylcarbamazine side effects

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Diethylcarbamazine for adults?

The dose of diethylcarbamazine is different for each patient. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the package. The following information contains only the average doses of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor recommends it.

The amount of medicine you take will depend on the strength of the drug itself. Also, the number of doses taken per day, the time lag between each dose, and the length of time on the drug will depend on the medical problem you were using the medicine for.

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug that is available in oral form (tablets):

• To Bancroft's filariasis, loiasis, and river blindness:

The dosage is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The standard dose is 2 to 3 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.3 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day.

• For eosinophilic pulmonary:

The dosage is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The standard dose is 6 mg per kg (2.7 mg per pound) of body weight daily. Taken for four to seven days.

What is the dosage of Diethylcarbamazine for children?

Diethylcarbamazine is a drug whose dosage in children must be determined by a doctor.

Diethylcarbamazine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What side effects can be experienced due to Diethylcarbamazine?

Along with its benefits, this medication can cause some unwanted side effects. Although not all of these side effects can occur, if they do they require medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Common:

• itching and swelling of the face, especially of the eyes

Rarely happening:

• fever
• pain in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Rash on skin

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• loss of vision
• night blindness
• Tunnel vision

Fatal risk Severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur especially in the treatment of onchocercoasis where a rare Mazotti reaction characterized by rash, itching, headache, muscle and joint pain, tachycardia, postural hypotension can occur within 2 hours of drug administration. Encephalitis and retinal bleeding can also occur.

Several side effects can occur and usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may disappear during treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor can tell you ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your doctor if the following side effects persist or bother you or if you have any questions:

Common:

• headache
• joint pain
• Unusual feeling of fatigue or weakness

Rarely happening:

• dizzy
• nausea or vomiting

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Diethylcarbamazine Drug Interactions

What should be known before using Diethylcarbamazine?

Contraindications: hypersensitivity; infants, elderly or debilitated patients; poor kidney function; heart disease.

Is Diethylcarbamazine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in America.

Following are references to pregnancy risk categories according to the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in America:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Diethylcarbamazine overdose

What medicines may interact with Diethylcarbamazine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with Diethylcarbamazine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Diethylcarbamazine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.