Diethylcarbamazine
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diethylcarbamazine is a medication used in the treatment of filariasis including lymphatic filariasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, and loiasis.[1] It may also be used for prevention of loiasis in those at high risk.[1] While it has been used for onchocerciasis (river blindness), ivermectin is preferred.[2] It is taken by mouth.[3]
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| Other names | DEC, N, N-diethyl-4-methyl-1-piperazine carboxamide |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.840 |
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| Formula | C10H21N3O |
| Molar mass | 199.298 g·mol−1 |
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| Melting point | 47 to 49 °C (117 to 120 °F) |
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Common side effects include itching, facial swelling, headaches, and feeling tired.[3] Other side effects include vision loss and dizziness.[3] It is a recommended treatment in pregnancy and appears to be safe for the baby.[4][5] The World Health Organization; however, recommends waiting until after pregnancy for treatment when feasible.[2] It is made from 4-methyl-piperazine.[6]
Diethylcarbamazine was discovered in 1947[7] by Yellapragada Subbarow.[8][9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[10] It is not commercially available in the United States but can be acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[1]
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.[11] 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.[citation needed]
In India and China, diethylcarbamazine has been added to salt to combat lymphatic filariasis.[12]
Contraindications
Contraindications are previous history of heart problems, gastrointestinal problems, and allergies.[medical citation needed]
Diethylcarbamazine is contraindicated in patients who may have onchocerciasis, due to the risk of the Mazzotti reaction.[13]
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.[14]
Society and culture
Brand names
Brand names include Hetrazan, Carbilazine, Caricide, Cypip, Ethodryl, Notézine, Spatonin, Filaribits, Banocide Forte, and Eofil.[citation needed]
Veterinary uses
Diethylcarbamazine is used to prevent heartworm in dogs.[citation needed]
