Diethylcarbamazine
About Diethylcarbamazine
Diethylcarbamazine is a prescription medicine used to treat certain parasitic infections, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. It helps reduce the number of microscopic worms that cause these infections and supports your body's immune system in clearing the parasites. This medicine is designed specifically to clear these parasites from your bloodstream and tissues.
To get the best results, you must take Diethylcarbamazine exactly as directed by your doctor, finishing the entire course even if you start to feel better. It is usually taken orally with food to help lower the chances of an upset stomach. Staying well-hydrated and protecting yourself from insect bites during treatment are also helpful lifestyle steps.
While taking Diethylcarbamazine, you may experience some mild side effects such as nausea, headache, or dizziness. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like sudden vision changes, severe skin rashes, or extreme itching. These severe reactions are often caused by your body's response to the dying parasites rather than the medicine itself.
Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, asthma, or eye infections. Do not take this if you have a severe allergy to this medication or if you have certain active eye worm infections, as it can worsen eye damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether this medicine is safe for you.
Let your healthcare provider know about all other medicines you take, as well as your alcohol or smoking habits, since some substances can increase the risk of side effects. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, you should consult your doctor before taking Diethylcarbamazine to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
Uses of Diethylcarbamazine
• Filariasis Treatment: Diethylcarbamazine is primarily used in the treatment of filariasis, a parasitic infection caused by filarial worms, which can lead to lymphatic obstruction and other complications.
• Management of Loiasis: Diethylcarbamazine is also effective in treating loiasis caused by the Loa loa worm. This is particularly important in areas where the infection is prevalent.
• Pulmonary Eosinophilia: Diethylcarbamazine helps manage lung-related allergic reactions caused by parasitic infections and reduces breathing difficulties and chronic cough associated with eosinophilia.
• Roundworm Infection: Diethylcarbamazine is used to treat roundworm infections, which can affect the liver, lungs, and eyes and helps prevent organ damage caused by migrating larvae.
Medicinal Benefits
When taken as prescribed, this medicine offers several important benefits, including:
- Effective Treatment of Parasitic Infections: Diethylcarbamazine helps eliminate the parasites responsible for certain infections, reducing the source of disease and supporting recovery from parasitic-related symptoms.
- Protection Against Long-Term Complications: By treating the underlying infection, Diethylcarbamazine helps reduce the risk of progressive damage to the lymphatic system and complications such as persistent swelling caused by parasitic infections.
- Relief from Respiratory Symptoms: Diethylcarbamazine helps manage symptoms linked to lung involvement in some parasitic infections, such as coughing and chest discomfort, allowing easier breathing and improved daily comfort.
Directions for Use
- Diethylcarbamazine should be taken after a meal.
- It is recommended to take Diethylcarbamazine three times daily. However, your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your body weight.
- Swallow Diethylcarbamazine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Diethylcarbamazine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness or mild fatigue
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe skin itching, redness, or painful swelling
- High fever or severe muscle and joint pain
- Vision changes, eye pain, or sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may cause difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Always check the expiration date on the packaging before taking Diethylcarbamazine.
- Be prepared for mild physical reactions; itching or a mild fever within the first few days is common as parasites die off, but report any severe reactions to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
- If you are taking this medicine for loiasis, your doctor may monitor your eyes closely to ensure no damage occurs during parasite clearance.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Live Vaccines: Taking this medicine may temporarily affect your immune system, which can reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines. Talk to your doctor before scheduling any vaccinations.
- Medications that lower the seizure threshold: Combining this medicine with drugs that lower the seizure threshold may increase the risk of seizures.
Drug-Disease Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Diethylcarbamazine, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Do not take this if you have an active river blindness infection, as clearing these specific parasites can cause severe, irreversible eye damage.
- Asthma: This medicine can sometimes worsen asthma symptoms or trigger breathing difficulties in predisposed individuals.
- Kidney Disease: If you have kidney problems, your body may clear this medicine slowly, which can increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit the consumption of alcohol as it may increase the side effects of the medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionDiethylcarbamazine has the ability to pass into breast milk that can harm the unborn baby, so do not use this medicine without asking the doctor.
Driving
unsafeDiethylcarbamazine may cause blurred vision, so one should avoid driving as it may increase the chances of accidents.
Liver
cautionPersons dealing with liver disease may be at higher risk of getting side effects of Diethylcarbamazine. Treatment with Diethylcarbamazine should be administered cautiously in these patients. Initially, the doctor may suggest a lower dosage.
Kidney
cautionPersons with kidney disease may be at higher risk of side effects from Diethylcarbamazine. Treatment with Diethylcarbamazine should be administered cautiously in these patients. Initially, the doctor may suggest lower dosages.
Children
unsafeDiethylcarbamazine can only be used in children if strongly suggested by the doctor, as misuse of medication may cause serious side effects in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take with meals: Always take this medicine with food, preferably a meal containing some fat, to help your body absorb the medicine better and protect your stomach.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. When parasites are cleared from your body, they release substances that can cause mild reactions; staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush these out.
- Prevent insect bites: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets, as the parasites that cause these infections are transmitted by mosquitoes and biting flies.
- Rest during treatment: Since clearing parasites can cause mild fatigue or body aches, ensure you get plenty of rest to support your immune system.
Special Advise
It is advised to go for regular checkups, as they help the doctor check the progress of medicine in clearing up the infection. Your doctor may also suggest you go for an eye check-up, as some persons may experience temporary or permanent eye problems if used for a longer time.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parasitic infections: Parasites are organisms that live inside other organism's bodies (hosts) for their survival. Some parasites do not cause any harm to their host, while some cause sickness in the human body, resulting in parasitic infection. There are three types of organisms responsible for causing a parasitic infection that include protozoa (single-celled and multiply inside the body), Helminths (multicelled, live outside the body like tapeworms), and Ectoparasites (multi-celled, live or feed off the skin like mites).
Bancroft's filariasis: It is caused by thread-like worms that live inside humans' lymphatic system. The lymphatic system of the body consists of fluid and is responsible for fighting infections. This disease spreads from one person to another by mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever and skin exfoliation. And high levels of eosinophils (white blood cells).
Loiasis: It is also called an 'African eye worm,' an infectious parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of Chrysops deerfly species. A person dealing with this disease may face itchy, non-painful swellings in their body. Sometimes, a person may see worms crawling under their skin or an eye worm.
River blindness: It is caused by a parasitic worm and is transmitted through repeated bites by black flies that live near rivers and streams. If not treated, then it may even cause visual impairment and sometimes blindness.
Eosinophilic lung: This is a disease related to lung problems in which white blood cells in the body increase. White blood cells are responsible for fighting allergic reactions and certain infections. Some of the symptoms of this disease include cough, chest pain, tightness, increased mucus, rapid breathing, bloody mucus and shortness of breath.
FAQs
Diethylcarbamazine is used to treat parasitic infections, including Bancroft's filariasis, Eosinophilic lung, Loiasis, and River blindness.
Diethylcarbamazine works by killing worms present in the bloodstream. Thereby, it provides relief from parasitic infection.
Even if you feel well, it is advised to take Diethylcarbamazine for as long as it has been prescribed to clear out the infection from the body.
Diethylcarbamazine is not recommended for people who are hypersensitive to any of the components of Diethylcarbamazine or dealing with narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, blockage in the stomach or intestines, difficulty urinating or an asthma attack. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
The doctor may suggest a corticosteroid medicine in some patients with river blindness, as this combination will help to reduce the inflammation caused by the death of the worms.
Take Diethylcarbamazine preferably after meals or as advised by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and frequency.
Yes, Diethylcarbamazine can treat eosinophilia when associated with certain parasitic infections, such as tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and lymphatic filariasis. However, please consult your doctor before taking Diethylcarbamazine.
The duration for taking Diethylcarbamazine depends on the treatment condition and your doctor's recommendations. Therefore, complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Diethylcarbamazine can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Therefore, avoid activities that require high mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Yes, Diethylcarbamazine is effective if used in the dose and duration your doctor advises. Complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Diethylcarbamazine early, as symptoms may return or worsen.
Store Diethylcarbamazine in a cool and dry place, below 30°C, away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
If you forget to take a dose of Diethylcarbamazine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up the dose.
Diethylcarbamazine is safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions and inform of any unusual symptoms or side effects you experience while taking Diethylcarbamazine.
The common side effects of Diethylcarbamazine are itching, swelling of the face, especially near the eyes, tightness in the chest or throat, wheezing, feeling sleepy, and nervousness. Please consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, it is highly recommended to take Diethylcarbamazine with or immediately after food. Taking it with a meal helps protect your stomach from irritation and can improve how your body absorbs the medicine.
Itching and mild fever can happen when the parasites in your body begin to die off. This reaction is your immune system responding to the dying microfilariae rather than an allergic reaction to the drug itself. If the itching is severe or is accompanied by swelling or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
Diethylcarbamazine is generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as its effects on the unborn baby are not fully known. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach irritation. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
No, Diethylcarbamazine is specifically designed to treat specific types of parasitic infections, such as lymphatic filariasis and loiasis. It is not effective against common intestinal worms like roundworms or tapeworms.
In some cases, especially if you have high levels of certain parasites in your body, the clearance of parasites can lead to eye inflammation or temporary vision changes. If you notice any changes in your sight or eye pain during treatment, contact your doctor right away.
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