Is Diethylcarbamazine The Right Medicine For Filariasis?

Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 May 2014 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor,
I have been detected with phyleria by a doctor,no blood checking has been done ,no fewer also.have pain on the leg and small swelling .have been advised to have dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate 100mg daily 3 and with serratiopeptidase 10mg daily 2 dose. Is this ok and with how many days can it be completely cured.need ur advise on this regard. XXXXXXX 33years

Answered by Dr. Hardik Thakker (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
eosinophila and peripheral smear for microfilaria

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question.

Your doctor has empirically started you on treatment for filariasis.

However I wish to know the following:

Where do you reside?

Any history of fever/ chills/ leg swelling/ groin mass

Any history of filariasis before?

I would recommend you to perform a complete blood count and a peripheral smear to look for microfilaria. If they are found and the eosinophil counts are high, then we can start the drug diethycarbamazine. I wouldn't empirically start you on filarial treatment.

I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.

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