Introduction
An anthelmintic used primarily as the citrate in the treatment of filariasis, particularly infestations with Wucheria bancrofti or Loa loa.
Uses
Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic used to treat filarial infections like Wuchereria bancrofti and Loa loa.
Used for the treatment of certain filarial diseases, including tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, loiasis, and lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori.
Associated Conditions
Pharmacodynamics
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.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of diethylcarbamazine is thought to involve sensitizing the microfilariae to phagocytosis. One study showed that diethylcarbamazine's activity against Brugia malayi microfilariae is dependent on inducible nitric-oxide synthase and the cyclooxygenase pathway. It confirmed the important role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in diethylcarbamazine's mechanism of action in vivo and showes that in addition to its effects on the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, it targets the cyclooxygenase pathway and COX-1.
Absorption
Readily absorbed following oral administration.
Half Life
Approximately 8 hours.
Toxicity
Oral LD50 in rat and mouse is 1400 mg/kg and 660 mg/kg, respectively.
