ABSTRACT
Base: MW 199; citrate: MW 391; pKa 7.7. Freely soluble in water. It should be stored in airtight containers and the solutions protected from light.
Pharmacology and mechanism of action
Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is a piperazine derivative which was introduced in clinical medicine in 1947. The drug is active against adult and microfilariae forms of Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori and Loa loa. Against Onchocerca volvulus, the drug is only effective against the microfilariae. Soon after its administration, it causes rapid disappearance of microfilariae from the blood (lymphatic filariasis) or from the skin (onchocerciasis). Its effect against microfilariae in nodules or in hydroceles and in advanced elephantiasis is minimal (1).
