Drug Groups

approved

Description

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

Biotransformation

Partially metabolized to diethylcarbamazine N-oxide.

Absorption

Readily absorbed following oral administration.

Half Life

Approximately 8 hours.

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