Diethylcarbamazine adverse reactions

Immunological disturbances similar to the Mazzotti reaction-in onchocerciasis are induced by disintegrating microfilariae and dead adult worms. The incidence and severity of these reactions are correlated both with the degree of microfilaraemia and with the dose of diethylcarbamazine. Fever, headache, dizziness, anorexia, malaise, urticaria, vomiting and asthmatic attacks may occur within a few hours of the first dose and usually subside by the fifth day of treatment. Reversible proteinuria may also occur.

Recently killed adult worms often form nodules which are palpable subcutaneously and along the spermatic cord. Their death may result in transient lymphangitis and an exacerbation of lymphedema.^[1]

Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.