Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is an anti-parasitic medication primarily used to treat filarial infections caused by parasitic worms, including lymphatic filariasis and loiasis. It works by affecting the parasites' metabolic processes and reducing inflammation associated with these infections. This medication is typically prescribed in regions where these parasitic diseases are endemic.
Anti-parasitic medication used to treat filarial worm infections including lymphatic filariasis.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 203175
- Generic
- Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of lymphatic filariasis (caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori), loiasis (Loa loa infection), and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. It may also be used for certain other helminth infections in some regions.
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by impairing the parasites' energy metabolism and reducing their ability to reproduce. It may also help reduce inflammatory responses caused by the parasites in human tissues.
Treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider familiar with parasitic diseases. Adverse effects may include fever, headache, and joint pain due to inflammatory reactions as parasites die. It is generally not recommended for patients with onchocerciasis due to risk of severe reactions. May interact with other medications; full medical history should be disclosed to your prescriber.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy