Diethylcarbamazine
Diethylcarbamazine
Diethylcarbamazine (pronunciation: dye-eth-il-car-bam-a-zeen) is a medication primarily used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.
Etymology
The term "Diethylcarbamazine" is derived from its chemical structure. It is a derivative of piperazine, which is a compound containing a six-membered ring with two nitrogen atoms (N) and four carbon atoms (C). The "diethyl" part of the name refers to the two ethyl groups (C2H5) attached to the nitrogen atoms in the piperazine ring. The "carbamazine" part of the name refers to the carbamate group (NHCOO) attached to one of the nitrogen atoms in the piperazine ring.
Usage
Diethylcarbamazine is primarily used in the treatment of filariasis, a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms. It is also used to treat tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and loiasis.
Mechanism of Action
Diethylcarbamazine works by killing the parasitic worms directly and by making them more susceptible to the body's immune response. It is believed to disrupt the worms' surface membranes, making them more vulnerable to the body's immune cells.
Side Effects
Common side effects of diethylcarbamazine include nausea, headache, dizziness, and muscle or joint pain. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diethylcarbamazine
- Wikipedia's article - Diethylcarbamazine
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