Diethylcarbamazine

Diethylcarbamazine is a medication used in the treatment of filariasis including lymphatic filariasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, and loiasis.<ref name=CDC2016/> It may also be used for prevention of loiasis in those at high risk.<ref name=CDC2016>Template:Cite web</ref> While it has been used for onchocerciasis (river blindness), ivermectin is preferred.<ref name=WHO2008/> It is taken by mouth.<ref name=Drug2016/>

Common side effects include itching, facial swelling, headaches, and feeling tired.<ref name=Drug2016/> Other side effects include vision loss and dizziness.<ref name=Drug2016>Template:Cite web</ref> It is a recommended treatment in pregnancy and appears to be safe for the baby.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The World Health Organization; however, recommends waiting until after pregnancy for treatment when feasible.<ref name=WHO2008>Template:Cite book</ref> It is made from 4-methyl-piperazine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Diethylcarbamazine was discovered in 1947<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> by Yellapragada Subbarow.<ref name="Hewitt-et-al-1948">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.<ref name="WHO21st">Template:Cite book</ref> It is not commercially available in the United States but can be acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<ref name=CDC2016/>

Medical uses

Diethylcarbamazine is indicated for the treatment of people with certain filarial diseases, including lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori; loiasis and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia.<ref name="Ottesen 1985 pp. 341–356">Template:Cite journal</ref> The WHO recommends prescribing diethylcarbamazine to people who are infected with microfilariae of filarial parasites and also to control transmission of infection in filariasis-endemic areas.Template:Citation needed

In India and China, diethylcarbamazine has been added to salt to combat lymphatic filariasis.<ref name="Lammie_2007">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Contraindications

Contraindications are previous history of heart problems, gastrointestinal problems, and allergies.Template:Medical citation needed

Diethylcarbamazine is contraindicated in patients who may have onchocerciasis, due to the risk of the Mazzotti reaction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mechanism

Diethylcarbamazine is an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism in microfilariae. This makes the microfilariae more susceptible to innate immune attack, but does not kill the parasites outright.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Society and culture

Brand names

Brand names include Hetrazan, Carbilazine, Caricide, Cypip, Ethodryl, Notézine, Spatonin, Filaribits, Banocide Forte, and Eofil.Template:Citation needed

Veterinary uses

Diethylcarbamazine is used to prevent heartworm in dogs.Template:Citation needed

External links

• Template:Cite web