Indications
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (often called DEC) is used to treat lymphatic filariasis, the worm infection spread by mosquitoes that can lead to swelling of the legs (elephantiasis) and the scrotum (hydrocele). It is also used for tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (a filarial lung condition causing cough and wheeze) and some other filarial infections. In mass treatment programmes it is given once a year together with Albendazole to stop the spread of filariasis in a community.
How It Works
It kills the young worms (microfilariae) in the blood and damages adult worms, partly by making them easier for the body’s immune system to destroy.
Dosage and Administration
- The dose is worked out from body weight, and the length of treatment depends on the infection. Take exactly as prescribed or as directed by the health programme.
- Take after food to reduce stomach upset.
- Children: dose by weight, only as prescribed or as given in the programme.
Interactions
No major interactions with common medicines are known. Tell the doctor about all medicines you take, especially other antiparasitic medicines such as Ivermectin.
Contraindications
- Allergy to diethylcarbamazine.
- People who have, or may have, onchocerciasis (river blindness), as it can cause severe eye and skin reactions.
- People with heavy Loa loa (eye worm) infection, because of the risk of serious brain reactions.
Side Effects
Most side effects come from the body’s reaction to dying worms and usually appear in the first few days: fever, headache, body aches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, itching and tender, swollen lymph glands. They usually settle on their own; Paracetamol can help with fever and aches.
Get urgent medical help if you have a high fever that does not settle, difficulty breathing, a severe rash or swelling of the face, eye pain or changes in vision, confusion or fits.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is not given during pregnancy; treatment is usually delayed until after the baby is born. If you are breastfeeding, talk to a doctor or health worker before taking it.
Precautions and Warnings
Use with care in people with kidney disease (the dose may need lowering), heart disease, and in older or very ill people. Rest and drink plenty of fluids if you develop fever after a dose. Protect yourself from mosquito bites to avoid reinfection.
Overdose
Too much may cause severe vomiting, dizziness, headache and weakness. Seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic (antifilarial medicine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.