Diethylcarbamazine 100 mg (Generic)

Last Updated on 06/20/2026 ✔ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arjun Srivastav

What Is Diethylcarbamazine Tablet?

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 100 mg is an antiparasitic medication used to treat certain anti-worm infections caused by filarial parasites.

It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as lymphatic filariasis, tropical eosinophilia, and some other parasitic infections.

Diethylcarbamazine 100 is a type of generic medicinal substance often also known by the short name DEC, which acts like an anti-parasitic medicine.

This substance is a type of synthetic piperazine derivative, which is useful to treat different types of filarial worm infections.

Primary Use:

The doctors specifically recommend it for infections such as-

• Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti.
• Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is a filarial infection affecting the respiratory tract.
• Loiasis, type of eye infection that occurs due to Loa worms.

Manufacturer

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Composition And Appearance

✓ Active ingredient:

Diethylcarbamazine 100 itself is the chief generic element, but inside each pill, it is present as Diethylcarbamazine citrate form.

✓ Appearance:

In its purest API form, Diethylcarbamazine 100 looks like a white crystalline powder, which looks white or slightly yellowish in colour.

Onset Of Action:

✓ Beginning of action:

The action of the medicine usually peaks within 1 hour of taking the medicine.

✓ Peak action time:

Diethylcarbamazine 100 usually gives a peak action time of 3 to 4 hours.

✓ Complete removal and half-life:

The half-life of DEC is 6 to 12 hours, depending on the amount of dose. For the entire action of the drug to be completely removed from your body, it may take about 30 to 60 hours.

How Does Diethylcarbamazine 100 Work?

✓ Causing paralysis of the worms:

Diethylcarbamazine 100 targets the cell membrane of the floating immature larvae in the bloodstream and lymphatic channels.

It causes hyperpolarisation of the nerve and muscle membranes. This causes a lack of coordination in muscles, leading to rigidity and paralysis.

✓ Immune targeting:

Diethylcarbamazine 100 alters the outer layer of the organelle membrane of the parasites.

This causes structural damage and eventually the body’s own immune system, especially platelets, granulocytes, and macrophages, to attack the parasitic cells.

This causes the killing of the parasites, clearing the infection.

Dosage Of Diethylcarbamazine:

✓ Dosage for lymphatic filariasis:

In case of both adults and children, the standard dose is calculated as 6 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into 3 different doses during the day, taken only after a meal. The duration of such a dose lasts for 12 days.

✓ Dosage for tropical pulmonary eosinophilia:

The dose is again given as 6 mg per kg of body weight, divided into 3 doses taken for 14 to 21 days.

✓ Dose for Loiasis:

Here, the doctors will give 8 mg per kg of body weight, divided into 3 doses for up to 21 days.

✓ Missed dose:

Frequently missing your dose on time may not help treat the infection at all.

✓ Overdose:

Never try to increase the strength or dosage of Diethylcarbamazine 100 antiparasitic in hopes of a faster treatment, as it can cause many side effects.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Diethylcarbamazine?

✓ Reduction of symptoms:

Diethylcarbamazine 100 helps to get rid of the infection and relieve the symptoms as well. The patient starts to notice a reduction of symptoms within 3 to 4 days of using the medicine.

✓ Faster treatment:

You usually get well within 2 to 3 weeks of using the medicine daily. For mild infections, recovery is possible within a week.

✓ Doses suitable for both adults and children:

There are suitable doses of the medicine for both adults and children. However, it is given based on the weight of the adult or the child.

What Drugs Is Diethylcarbamazine Contraindicative?

✓ With acetazolamide:

Diethylcarbamazine 100, given for issues like glaucoma or altitude sickness or sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate used for kidney stones, can prolong the action of DEC in your body, resulting in drug toxicity.

✓ Corticosteroids:

Corticosteroid medicines can suppress the action of the immune system, resulting in a lack of immune targeting actions, which does not lead to the killing of the parasitic cells in your body.

✓ Other antiparasitic medicines:

Pills like Albendazole do not generally cause an interaction; rather,r it is safe and provides a dual action, being more effective in case of infections like lymphatic filariasis.

However, other medicines like Ivermectin can severely interact with, causing allergic side effects.

Precautions & Warnings Of Diethylcarbamazine:

✓ Addictions:

Use of any additives in the end is going to make the action of the Diethylcarbamazine 100 less effective. Studies show that it may also increase the chances of many side effects.

✓ Driving:

Even though no major interaction has been found, do not drive if you get a headache or feel dizzy or restless after taking the pill.

✓ Use with existing health disorders:

Use of Diethylcarbamazine 100 may not be safe if the patient has certain other health issues, like-

• Kidney infections
• Liver disorders
• Low hormonal levels
• Heart problems

When Not To Use Diethylcarbamazine 100?

✓ Pregnancy:

Studies show that although no major interaction was found, the use of a high dose might not be safe. Neither is it safe to use the medicine for a longer tenure in such cases.

✓ Breastfeeding:

In 2018, the WHO scientists found that traces of Diethylcarbamazine 100 were found in the breastmilk of mothers after studying it.

Thus, use of the dose may not be safe if you have an infant who is very dependent on your milk. Tell the doctors about it in advance.

✓ Signs of Mazzotti reaction:

On the initial intake, people who are allergic to using Diethylcarbamazine must avoid using a small dose.

✓ In case of any severe side effects:

Those who suffer from any major side effects as given above must stop the course immediately. It includes blurred vision, diarrhoea with blood, persistent fever, and bloody diarrhoea.

Storage And Disposal Of Diethylcarbamazine:

• Store at room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging until use.
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Do not store the medication in bathrooms or other damp areas.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Store out of the reach of children and pets.

✓ Disposal

When Diethylcarbamazine expires or is no longer needed:

• Do not use expired medication.
• Follow local guidelines for medication disposal.
• If a medicine take-back program is available, use it for safe disposal.
• Do not flush Diethylcarbamazine down the toilet unless specifically instructed by local authorities or the product label.
• Do not throw loose tablets into household waste where children or animals may access them.

Where To Buy Diethylcarbamazine In Australia?

You can rely on trusted platforms such as australiarxmeds.com for secure and discreet delivery across Australia.

Diethylcarbamazine 100 is available for online purchase on pharmacy websites, but it’s important to choose reputable, licensed sellers to ensure product quality, authenticity, and safety.