Diethylcarbamazine Citrate 100mg

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate 100mg — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is mainly used to treat parasitic worm infections spread through mosquito bites.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) caused by filarial worms
• Treatment of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
• Used in mass drug administration programs to control spread of filariasis in endemic areas

HOW IT WORKS

• It immobilises and damages the outer covering of microfilariae, making them easier for the body's immune system to destroy
• It also affects adult worms living in the lymphatic system, reducing the worm burden over time
• This helps lower the level of parasites in blood and tissues, reducing symptoms and further transmission

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for intestinal worm infections like roundworm, hookworm, or tapeworm
• Not effective against malaria or other mosquito-borne viral infections
• Not a treatment for general fever or skin allergies unrelated to filarial infection
• Not used for river blindness (onchocerciasis) due to risk of severe reactions

How to Use Diethylcarbamazine Citrate 100mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually after food to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor tells you to
• Complete the full course even if you feel better, as stopping early may not fully clear the infection
• Your doctor may ask you to take it alongside other medicines as part of a combination treatment

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, inform your doctor so the treatment plan can be reviewed

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Dispose of unused medicine safely, do not flush down the drain

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate 100mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or tiredness
• Dizziness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Fever
• Joint or muscle pain
• Skin rash or itching
• Swelling of lymph nodes

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling
• Signs of a strong immune reaction to dying worms, such as high fever, chills, and severe body ache (especially in heavily infected patients)
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate 100mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Do not self-medicate.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to diethylcarbamazine or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have a confirmed or suspected infection with the parasite causing river blindness (onchocerciasis), unless specifically advised by a specialist
• Are severely ill or debilitated, unless your doctor decides it is necessary

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a history of epilepsy or seizures
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a heart condition
• Have a very high number of microfilariae in your blood, as reactions can be more intense

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other anti-parasitic or anti-worm medicines
• Antihistamines or steroids, which your doctor may prescribe alongside to manage allergic-type reactions
• Any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, so inform your doctor of your complete medicine list

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine without a prescription?

No, this medicine requires a doctor's prescription and supervision in India.

Will I feel worse before I feel better?

Some patients experience fever or body ache as the worms die, this is a known reaction and your doctor can manage it.

Can pregnant women take this medicine?

• It should only be used in pregnancy if the doctor feels it is clearly necessary, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.