Filazine

Introduction
Filazine belongs to a class of medication called anti-helminthic. It is used in the treatment of worm infections and filariasis. It can act against both the larval and adult forms of the parasitic worms that cause filariasis. Filazine should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It should be taken with food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned. Some people may experience a headache, dizziness, vomiting and abnormal liver function tests as the side effects of this medicine. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. You may be monitored with blood tests and liver function tests throughout your treatment.

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Uses of Filazine
Worm infections
Filariasis
Side effects of Filazine
Common
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Abnormal liver function tests
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Hair loss
Fever
Vertigo
How to use Filazine
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Filazine is to be taken with food.
How Filazine works
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Quick Tips
You have been prescribed Filazine to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.
It should be taken with food.
If you are unable to swallow the whole tablet, it may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a full glass of water.
It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking Filazine.
Your doctor may monitor your blood counts and liver function before you start taking this medicine and regularly throughout your treatment.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Inform your doctor if you develop signs of infection.
Do not skip doses and finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may increase your risk of further infection.
Brief Description
Indication
Filariasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Pulmonary eosinophilia, Loiasis, Toxocariasis
Adult Dose
W. Bancrofti, B Malayi Day 1: 50 mg PO PC Day 2: 50 mg TID Day 3: 100 mg TID Day 4-14: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID Loa Loa Day 1: 50 mg PO PC Day 2: 50 mg TID Day 3: 100 mg TID Day 4-21: 9 mg/kg/day divided TID M. Streptocerca 6 mg/kg PO qDay x14 days Pulmonary Eosinophilia, Tropical Pulmonary eosinophilia, tropical: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID x14 days Larva Migrans, Visceral 6 mg/kg/day divided TID x7-10 days

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Child Dose
W. Bancrofti, B Malayi 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 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 divided TID Pulmonary Eosinophilia, Tropical Pulmonary eosinophilia, tropical: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID x14 days Larva Migrans, Visceral 6 mg/kg/day divided TID x7-10 days

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Contraindication
Pregnancy, hypersensitivity; lactation; infants, elderly or debilitated patients; impaired renal function; cardiac disease.
Mode of Action
Diethylcarbamazine is an anthelmintic that is used in the treatment of lymphatic filariasis. It is active against the microfilariae and adult worms of W. bancrofti, B. malayi, B. timori and Loa loa but only against the microfilariae of O. volvulus. It is also used in treatment of toxocariasis. Repeated courses may be necessary.
Precaution
Patients with poor health. Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk

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Side Effect
Fever, headache, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, chills. Potentially Fatal: Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur especially in the treatment of onchocerciasis where rare Mazzotti reaction characterised by rash, itching, headache, muscle and joint pains, tachycardia, postural hypotension may start within 2 hr of drug administration. Encephalitis and retinal haemorrhage.

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Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: X Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk

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