Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Diethylcarbamazine-Citrate
Other Names
- DEC
Drug Class
- Antihelminthic
Chemical Formula
C16H29N3O8
Molecular Weight
391.42 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Acts on the microfilariae by paralyzing and killing them
Indications
- Treatment of lymphatic filariasis
- Treatment of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Suspension
Typical Dosage
- 6 mg/kg body weight for 12 days (divided into 3 doses daily)
Pediatric Dosage
- 2-6 years: 100 mg/day
- 7-14 years: 200 mg/day
Geriatric Dosage
- Same as adult dosage
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Malaise
- Allergic reactions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to diethylcarbamazine
- Epilepsy
- Severe cardiac disease
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Antihistamines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Alcohol
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
- Protect from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor for allergic reactions during treatment
Warnings
- Not to be used in pregnant women unless benefits outweigh risks
Others
- May cause drowsiness, caution advised when operating machinery