DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE

synthetic anthelmintic drug (worming agent) effective against most of the parasitic filarial worms, which are endemic throughout most of the subtropical and tropical regions of the world. These parasites infect the blood and lymph channels in human beings, causing the debilitating disease filariasis (q.v.). Diethylcarbamazine citrate is effective in treating filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi (which infect the lymphatic system, causing diseases such as elephantiasis) and Loa loa (which infects the subcutaneous tissues). The drug is administered orally.