Diethylcarbamazine

Overview

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) used globally its anti-filaricidal activity[1]

Administration

  • Mechanism of Action: interferes with cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reducing the production of thromboxane, prostacyclin, prostaglandin and leukotrienes
  • Dosage Forms: tablets
  • Routes of Administration: oral
  • Common Trade Names: N/A

Adult Dosing

Lymphatic filariasis

Loa Loa

  • Day 1: 50 mg PO PC
  • Day 2: 50 mg PO TID
  • Day 3: 100 mg PO TID
  • Day 4-21: 9 mg/kg/day PO divided TID

Mansonella streptocerca

  • 6 mg/kg PO qDay x14 days

Pediatric Dosing

  • Day 1: 1 mg/kg orally after meals
  • Day 2: 1 mg/kg orally three times daily
  • Day 3: 1-2 mg/kg orally three times daily
  • Day 4-14: 6 mg/kg/day orally divided three times daily

Special Populations

Pregnancy Rating

  • Do not use diethylcarbamazine in pregnancy.

Lactation risk

Renal Dosing

  • Adult:
  • Pediatric:

Hepatic Dosing

  • Adult:
  • Pediatric:

Contraindications

  • Allergy to class/drug

Adverse Reactions

Serious

  • Anaphylaxis if allergic to Hetrazan

Common

  • Fever
  • GI distress

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 8hrs
  • Metabolism: Partially metabolized to diethylcarbamazine N-oxide.
  • Excretion:

Mechanism of Action

Comments

See Also

References

  1. Peixoto CA et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of diethylcarbamazine: A review. European Journal of Pharmacology 734 (2014) 35–41