Banocide Tab

BANOCIDE (Diethylcarbamazine Citrate) Tablets

BANOCIDE Tablets, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd., are an antiparasitic medication used to treat various worm infections. It is also known by its active ingredient, Diethylcarbamazine citrate, and sometimes as Banocide Forte Tablet.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Diethylcarbamazine citrate
  • Brand Name: BANOCIDE, BANOCIDE Forte Tablet

• Composition:

  • The active ingredient in BANOCIDE is Diethylcarbamazine citrate, an anthelmintic agent.

• Uses: BANOCIDE is primarily used to manage and treat parasitic worm infections. These include:

  • Filarial infections (Filariasis), characterized by swelling of limbs and genital areas, caused by roundworms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
  • Tropical eosinophilia, a condition involving lung-related allergic reactions, coughing, wheezing, and fever due to parasitic infections.
  • Toxocariasis, a worm infection that can affect various organs, including the liver, lungs, and eyes.
  • Loiasis (eye worm infection), caused by the Loa loa worm.
  • River blindness (Onchocerciasis).

• Dosage and Administration: BANOCIDE Tablets should be taken orally, preferably after meals, to avoid stomach discomfort. The dosage and duration of treatment vary based on the patient's age, body weight, and the specific medical condition. Treatment often starts with a low dose, gradually increasing over 2-3 days, and is maintained for the prescribed period. For lymphatic filariasis, a typical adult starting dose is 1 mg/kg on the first day, increasing to 6 mg/kg daily, in divided doses, for 12 to 14 days. Children's doses are adjusted based on age and weight, typically under close medical supervision. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Headache.
  • Lassitude (lack of energy), unusual tiredness, weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Joint pain.
  • Itching, swelling of the face (especially near the eyes), tightness in the chest or throat, wheezing, feeling sleepy, and nervousness.
  • In cases of onchocerciasis, a severe Mazzotti reaction with fever, headache, vomiting, and asthmatic attacks may occur.

• Precautions:

  • Not recommended for individuals with known allergy to Diethylcarbamazine or other ingredients.
  • Use with caution in patients with seizures or liver diseases.
  • Not recommended for patients with kidney or heart disease.
  • Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor.
  • May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if affected.
  • Contains lactose and should not be taken by patients with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.
  • Patients with onchocerciasis may experience a Mazzotti reaction and require close monitoring.
  • Alcohol interaction is unknown; consult a doctor.

• Storage: Store BANOCIDE Tablets below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

BANOCIDE TAB contains Diethylcarbamazine as its active ingredient, an anti-worm medication used to treat various parasitic infections.

What is BANOCIDE TAB used for?

BANOCIDE TAB is primarily used to treat parasitic infections caused by filarial worms, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, loiasis (African eye worm), and toxocariasis. It can also be used for certain worm infections affecting the eyes, joints, nervous system, or respiratory system.

How does BANOCIDE TAB work?

Diethylcarbamazine, the active ingredient, works by interfering with the metabolic processes of the parasitic worms. It immobilizes the worms' muscles, alters their skin membranes, and makes the microfilariae (larval forms of the worms) more susceptible to destruction by the body's immune system.

What is the usual dosage of BANOCIDE TAB?

The dosage of BANOCIDE TAB varies significantly based on the type of infection, the patient's body weight, and age. It is typically taken orally after meals, and the dose may be gradually increased over several days. For filariasis, a common adult dosage might start at 50 mg on Day 1, increase to 50 mg three times daily on Day 2, then 100 mg three times daily on Day 3, followed by a maintenance dose for 4-14 days. For tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a dose of 6 mg/kg/day for 14 days may be prescribed. It is crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosage and duration.

What are the possible side effects of BANOCIDE TAB?

Common side effects can include fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, muscle pain, itching, skin rash, swelling (especially around the eyes), tightness in the chest or throat, wheezing, drowsiness, and nervousness. In rare cases, more severe reactions such as brain disease (encephalopathy) or vision changes, particularly when used for river blindness, can occur.

Is BANOCIDE TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

BANOCIDE TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and treatment should be delayed until after delivery if possible. The risks involved are considered to outweigh potential benefits, and pregnant women are usually excluded from mass drug administration programs. It is not known if diethylcarbamazine is excreted into breast milk, so it is also generally not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can BANOCIDE TAB be taken with other medications?

While BANOCIDE TAB does not have many listed severe drug interactions, it can have moderate and mild interactions with numerous other medications. Certain antimalarial drugs like Amodiaquine, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Primaquine may decrease the effectiveness of Diethylcarbamazine. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and nutritional supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using BANOCIDE TAB?

Do not take BANOCIDE TAB if you are allergic to diethylcarbamazine or any of its components. Caution is advised for patients with a history of seizures, liver disease, kidney disease, heart conditions, or an enlarged prostate. If treating river blindness (onchocerciasis), close monitoring is necessary due to the risk of a severe Mazzotti reaction, and corticosteroids may be co-administered. Due to potential drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol, as it may worsen dizziness. Complete the full prescribed course of treatment even if symptoms improve to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

What happens if a dose of BANOCIDE TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of BANOCIDE TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

How should BANOCIDE TAB be stored?

BANOCIDE TAB should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably below 30°C. Protect it from direct sunlight and moisture. Always keep the medication out of reach of children.