An anthelmintic used primarily as the citrate in the treatment of filariasis, particularly infestations with Wucheria bancrofti or Loa loa. [PubChem]
Indication
Used for the treatment of individual patients with certain filarial diseases including tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, loiasis, and lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori.
Pharmacology
Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic drug that does not resemble other antiparasitic compounds. It is a synthetic organic compound which is highly specific for several parasites and does not contain any toxic metallic elements. Diethylcarbamazine continues to be the mainstay for treatment of patients with lymphatic filariasis and loiasis.
Toxicity
Oral LD50 in rat and mouse is 1400 mg/kg and 660 mg/kg, respectively.
Affected Organisms
Humans and other mammals
Parasitic nematodes and other roundworms
Biotransformation
Partially metabolized to diethylcarbamazine N-oxide.
