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]
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]
^Hewitt R, Wallace W (June 1948). "The treatment of ascariasis in dogs with 1-diethylcarbamyl-4-methylpiperazine hydrochloride". The Journal of Parasitology. 34 (3): 237–239. doi:10.2307/3273270. JSTOR3273270. PMID18867399. S2CID43592055.
^World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
^Ottesen EA (1985). "Efficacy of diethylcarbamazine in eradicating infection with lymphatic-dwelling filariae in humans". Reviews of Infectious Diseases. 7 (3). Oxford University Press: 341–356. doi:10.1093/clinids/7.3.341. JSTOR4453627. PMID3895352.
^El-Shahawi GA, Abdel-Latif M, Saad AH, Bahgat M (December 2010). "Setaria equina: in vivo effect of diethylcarbamazine citrate on microfilariae in albino rats". Experimental Parasitology. 126 (4): 603–610. doi:10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.022. PMID20599991.
External links
"Diethylcarbamazine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.