Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Not commercially available in the U.S.
Diethylcarbamazine is available from the CDC Drug Service for patients via an IND protocol for treatment of certain filarial diseases, including lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori; tropical pulmonary eosinophilia; and loiasis
It is also available for prophylactic use in persons determined to be at increased risk for Loa loa infection
To obtain, contact the CDC at 404-718-4745 or email parasites @cdc.gov
tablet
- 100mg
Filarial Diseases
IND protocol from CDC available for treatment of certain filarial diseases, including lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori
Day 1: 50 mg PO PC
Day 2: 50 mg PO TID
Day 3: 100 mg PO TID
Day 4-14: 6 mg/kg/day PO divided TID
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
M. Streptocerca
Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia
IND protocol from CDC available for treatment of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
Pulmonary eosinophilia, tropical: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID x14 days
Larva Migrans, Visceral
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Not commercially available in the U.S.
Diethylcarbamazine is available from the CDC Drug Service for patients via an IND protocol for treatment of certain filarial diseases, including lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori; tropical pulmonary eosinophilia; and loiasis
It is also available for prophylactic use in persons determined to be at increased risk for Loa loa infection
To obtain, contact the CDC at 404-718-4745 or email parasites @cdc.gov
tablet
- 100mg
Filarial Diseases
IND protocol from CDC available for treatment of certain filarial diseases, including lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori
Day 1: 1 mg/kg PO PC
Day 2: 1 mg/kg PO TID
Day 3: 1-2 mg/kg PO TID
Day 4-14: 6 mg/kg/day PO divided TID
Loa Loa
Day 1: 1 mg/kg PO PC
Day 2: 1 mg/kg PO TID
Day 3: 1-2 mg/kg PO TID
Day 4-21: 9 mg/kg/day PO divided TID
Dosing Considerations
Pulmonary eosinophilia, tropical: See adult dosing
Larva migrans, visceral: See adult dosing
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Encepholopathy (rare)
Fever
GI disturbances
Warnings
Contraindications
No studies reported
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: X
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Microfilaricidal and macrofilaricidal
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: readily
Distribution: widely distributed throughout all body compartments, except adipose tissue
Half-life: 8 hr
Peak Plasma Time: 1-2 hr
Peak Plasma Concentration: (50 mg dose) 80-200 ng/mL
Metabolites: diethylcarbamazine N-oxide
Excretion: urine and feces
Images
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
