Diethylcarbamazine is an antiparasitic drug to treat elephantiasis (filariasis). In addition, this drug can also be used to treat loaiasis or onchocerciasis.
Diethylcarbamazine works by killing worms that are in the blood, but cannot kill all adult worms. This drug can be combined with other antiparasitics, such as ivermectin or albendazole .
Keep in mind that diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is not effective for treating earthworm , hookworm, or pinworm infections. This drug is available in tablet form and must be used according to the doctor's instructions.
Trademark of diethylcarbamazine: Diethylcarbamazine
What is Diethylcarbamazine
| class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiparasitic (worm medicine) |
| Benefit | Treat elephantiasis or filariasis |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Diethylcarbamazine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have shown fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be taken by women who are or are likely to become pregnant.
It is not yet known whether the drug diethylcarbamazine can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this drug without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Diethylcarbamazine
Diethylcarbamazine should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things that need to be considered before using this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Diethylcarbamazine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. Diethylcarbamazine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney failure or heart disease . Diethylcarbamazine should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Do not give diethylcarbamazine to children without consulting a doctor first.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking diethylcarbamazine, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects after taking diethylcarbamazine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Diethylcarbamazine
The dosage of diethylcarbamazine can vary for each patient, depending on the condition you want to treat. Usually, the doctor will determine the dose according to the patient's weight (BB).
The following are general doses of diethylcarbamazine for adults based on the condition to be treated:
-
Conditions: Elephantiasis , loiasis , toxocariasis , and onchocerciasis
. For treatment, the dose is 1 mg/kg, 3 times a day. The dose can be increased gradually over 3 days to 6 mg/kg, which is given for 3 weeks. For the prevention of loiasis, the dose is 300 mg per week.
-
Condition: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
The dosage for treatment is 6 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3 doses, for 14 days.
-
Condition: M ansonelliasis caused by the fungus streptocerca
The dosage for treatment is 6 mg /kgBW per day for 14 days.
For children, the dose of diethylcarbamazine will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
How to Take Diethylcarbamazine Correctly
Follow your doctor 's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking diethylcarbamazine. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor.
Diethylcarbamazine tablets are consumed shortly after eating. Continue to take this drug according to the doctor's instructions even though the symptoms have disappeared after a few days, so that the infection is completely cured and does not recur.
Try not to miss a dose. If you forget to take diethylcarbamazine, take the drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Store diethylcarbamazine tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Diethylcarbamazine Interaction with Other Drugs
There are no studies showing that there is a severe drug interaction effect when diethylcarbamazine is used together with other drugs. To anticipate the effects of drug interactions, always tell your doctor about any drugs, supplements or herbal products that you are currently using before taking diethylcarbamazine.
Side Effects and Dangers of Diethylcarbamazine
Although it rarely happens, consumption of diethylcarbamazine can cause side effects in the form of:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Fever or chills
- Drowsiness
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not improve or get worse.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience serious side effects, such as sudden blindness , difficulty seeing in the evening or at night, or complaints such as seeing tunnels ( tunnel vision ).