Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
About Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is used to treat certain parasitic infections, including Bancroft's filariasis (thread-like worms infect humans' lymphatic system), Eosinophilic lung (increased white blood cells), Loiasis (an infectious parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of Chrysops deerfly species), and River blindness.
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate consists of Diethylcarbamazine citrate, which kills the worms that cause infections. Thus, it helps to treat parasitic infections and their symptoms.
Give this medicine as directed by a healthcare professional. Diethylcarbamazine Citrate may cause side effects such as itching, swelling of the face, especially near the eyes, tight chest or throat, wheezing, feeling sleepy, and nervousness. Contact your healthcare provider if these side effects bother your child or do not resolve gradually.
Do not give Diethylcarbamazine Citrate if your child is allergic to any of its components. Keep the doctor informed about your child’s health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
Medicinal Benefits
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate consists of Diethylcarbamazine citrate, which is used to treat certain types of parasitic infections. It works by killing worms circulating in the bloodstream. It is used to treat Bancroft's filariasis, Eosinophilic lung (tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, Loiasis, and River blindness (onchocerciasis).
Directions for Use
Shake the bottle well before use. Use the measuring cup or dropper in the pack to give your child the recommended dose.
Storage
Side Effects of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, especially near the eyes
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Wheezing
- Feeling sleepy
- Nervousness
Drug Warnings
Do not give Diethylcarbamazine Citrate if your child is allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if your child has a blockage in your stomach or intestine, difficulty in urinating, an enlarged prostate, or an asthma attack. Let the doctor know if your child taking any other medications, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if your child is receiving antihistamine drugs (fexofenadine, loratadine, diphenhydramine), analgesics (acetaminophen), and anti-allergic medicine (montelukast).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform the doctor if your child has seizures, eye complications, severe kidney problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in the stomach or intestines, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, or an asthma attack.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicable-
Pregnancy
not applicable-
Breast Feeding
not applicable-
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
consult your doctorIf your child has liver problems, inform your doctor beforehand.
Kidney
cautionDiethylcarbamazine Citrate should be used with caution in children with kidney impairment. Inform your doctor if your child has kidney problems. The doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on the condition of your child.
Children
safe if prescribedDiethylcarbamazine Citrate can only be used in children aged 2 years and above if prescribed by the doctor. The dose of this medicine will be recommended by the doctor based on your child's age, body weight and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Feed them a balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in refined sugars/processed foods.
- Include fibre-rich foods like oats to support bowel movements.
- Add anti-parasitic foods like pumpkin seeds, garlic, honey, and papaya seeds to their diet.
- Consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice, such as a grain-free or sugar-free diet.
Special Advise
Schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress. Follow your doctor's recommendation for eye check-ups to detect any potential vision problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parasitic infections: Parasites live inside other organisms' bodies (hosts) for survival. Some parasites do not harm their host, while some cause sickness in the human body, resulting in parasitic infection. Three types of organisms are responsible for causing parasitic infections: protozoa (single-celled and multiply inside the body), Helminths (multicelled and live outside the body, like tapeworms), and Ectoparasites (multi-celled and live or feed off the skin, like mites).
Bancroft's filariasis: It is caused by thread-like worms that live inside humans' lymphatic system. The body's lymphatic system consists of fluid and is responsible for fighting infections. This disease spreads from one person to another by mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever and skin exfoliation. And high levels of eosinophils (white blood cells).
Loiasis, also known as an 'African eye worm,' is an infectious parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of Chrysops deerfly species. People with this disease may experience itchy, non-painful swellings in their bodies. Sometimes, they see worms crawling under their skin or in their eyes.
River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm and transmitted through repeated bites by black flies living near rivers and streams. If not treated, it may even cause visual impairment and, sometimes, blindness.
Eosinophilic lung: This is a disease related to lung problems in which white blood cells in the body increase. White blood cells are responsible for fighting allergic reactions and certain infections. Some of the symptoms of this disease include cough, chest pain, tightness, increased mucus, rapid breathing, bloody mucus, and shortness of breath.
FAQs
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is used to treat certain parasitic infections, including Bancroft's filariasis (thread-like worms infect humans' lymphatic system), Eosinophilic lung (increased white blood cells), Loiasis (an infectious parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of Chrysops deerfly species), and River blindness.
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate works by killing worms present in the bloodstream. Thereby, it provides relief from parasitic infection.
Even if your child feels well after receiving a few doses of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate, it is advised that you continue administering it for as long as it has been prescribed to clear the infection from the body.
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is not recommended for children who are hypersensitive to any of the components of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate or dealing with narrow-angle glaucoma, blockage in the stomach or intestines, difficulty urinating, or an asthma attack. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
The common side effects of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate may include itching, swelling of the face, especially near the eyes, wheezing, feeling sleepy, and nervousness. Contact your doctor immediately if these side effects bother your child or do not resolve gradually.
