Diethylcarbamazine

Seek expert advice.

Diethylcarbamazine is effective against microfilariae and adults which cause:

• loasis
• Wucheria bancrofti
• Brugia malayi

Cautions:

• close medical supervision in early phase of treatment which is commenced with a low dose to minimise reactions
• causes gross exacerbation of symptoms and signs of Onchocerciasis

Side-effects:

• in heavy Lao lao infections there is a risk of encephalopathy and treatment must be given as an in-patient
• in heavy infections there may be a febrile reaction

Routes of administration;

• oral