Diethylcarbamazine 100mg Tablet

Diethylcarbamazine 100mg – Antifilarial Agent

Diethylcarbamazine 100mg contains Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), a antifilarial agent. It is indicated for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), loiasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (tpe). WHO first-line for lymphatic filariasis elimination programme; used in global MDA since 1947.

Product Information

People Also Ask

What is diethylcarbamazine used to treat?

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) treats filarial parasitic infections — specifically lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia species), loiasis (Loa loa eye worm), and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. It is not effective against intestinal worms; albendazole or mebendazole are used for those.

What is the correct dose of diethylcarbamazine?

For lymphatic filariasis, the dose is 6mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses for 12 days. In WHO mass drug administration programmes, a single annual dose of 6mg/kg is given. Dosing starts low (1mg/kg day 1, 2mg/kg day 2) and escalates to the full dose to minimise allergic reactions from dying parasites.

What are the side effects of diethylcarbamazine?

Most side effects from DEC are caused by the immune reaction to dying parasites (Mazzotti reaction), not the drug itself: fever, headache, myalgia, rash, and temporary worsening of lymphoedema. Direct drug side effects include nausea, dizziness, and abdominal discomfort. Caution is required in loiasis with high microfilarial loads due to risk of encephalopathy.

Is diethylcarbamazine the same as ivermectin?

No — both treat filarial infections but work differently and have different indications. DEC is the primary drug for lymphatic filariasis and loiasis; ivermectin is used for onchocerciasis and as a second-line option for lymphatic filariasis. In WHO mass drug administration, DEC + albendazole is the standard combination used in countries without onchocerciasis.

Can diethylcarbamazine be used during pregnancy?

DEC is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. WHO guidance on mass drug administration excludes pregnant women and children under 2 years from DEC administration. Individual treatment decisions should be made by a physician weighing the risk of untreated filariasis against potential foetal risk.

How it works

Immobilises microfilariae and alters their surface to enable immune clearance; also directly filaricidal. This mechanism of action makes Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) effective against lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), loiasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (tpe).

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 100mg is an antifilarial medication used as WHO first-line treatment for lymphatic filariasis (the parasitic infection causing elephantiasis), loiasis (eye worm), and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. The 100mg tablet allows precise dose titration based on body weight — standard dosing is 6mg/kg/day over 12 days. DEC has been used in WHO mass drug administration (MDA) elimination programmes since 1947.

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature (15–30°C) away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.