Hetrazan 100 Mg Tablet (30 Tab)

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET (30 TAB) by WYETH

Hetrazan 100 mg Tablet is an anti-helminthic medication primarily used to treat various parasitic worm infections.

Name

• Brand Name: Hetrazan
• Common Name (Active Ingredient): Diethylcarbamazine Citrate

Composition

Each uncoated tablet contains Diethylcarbamazine citrate I.P. 100 mg.

Uses

Hetrazan 100 mg Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of several parasitic infections, including:

• Filariasis (e.g., Bancroft's filariasis), caused by thread-like parasitic roundworms.
• Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (eosinophilic lung).
• Loiasis.
• River blindness (onchocerciasis).
• Toxocariasis. The medicine works by eliminating the larval and adult forms of the parasitic worms responsible for these infections.

Dosage and Administration

Hetrazan 100 mg Tablet is administered orally and should generally be taken after meals to prevent stomach discomfort. The specific dosage and duration of treatment depend on the medical condition and body weight, and should be strictly followed as advised by a healthcare professional. For filariasis, a common adult dosage is 2 mg/kg body weight, three times a day for 3 to 4 weeks. For tropical eosinophilia, the usual dose is 13 mg/kg body weight once daily or in divided doses for 4 to 7 days. It is essential to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the parasites. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with renal impairment.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache, dizziness, and unusual tiredness.
• Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain.
• Joint pain.
• Itching and swelling, particularly around the face.
• Tightness in the chest or throat, wheezing.
• Feeling sleepy or nervous.
• Abnormal liver function tests.
• Hair loss and fever. More serious, though less common, side effects can include visual disturbances such as loss of vision, night blindness, or tunnel vision, especially with prolonged use. Allergic reactions may also occur, particularly in severe infections.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Hetrazan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to diethylcarbamazine. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy (treatment should be delayed until after delivery), in infants, and in patients with cardiac disease or impaired renal function.
• Specific Conditions: Exercise caution in patients with eye disorders like river blindness, as the medication could potentially worsen their condition. Patients with a history of seizures or liver diseases should also use this medicine cautiously and consult their doctor.
• Driving and Machinery: Due to potential side effects like dizziness and blurred vision, it is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Hetrazan.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided as it may increase drowsiness and affect liver function.
• Monitoring: Regular medical check-ups, including blood tests, liver function tests, and possibly eye check-ups, are recommended throughout the course of treatment to monitor progress and detect any adverse effects.
• Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use if breastfeeding, as it is not known whether Diethylcarbamazine is distributed in breast milk.

Storage

Store Hetrazan 100 mg Tablet below 30°C. Protect it from moisture, heat, and light, and keep it in an airtight container. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.

What is HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET used for?

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET, containing Diethylcarbamazine, is an anti-helminthic medication primarily used to treat and prevent various parasitic worm infections. It is effective against conditions such as filariasis (including Bancroft's filariasis, which can cause swelling of the arms, legs, or other body parts), tropical eosinophilia (a lung condition caused by parasites), toxocariasis, and loiasis (eye worm infections). This medicine also addresses worm infections that may lead to breathing disorders, joint pains, and nervous system disorders.

How does HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET work?

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET works by paralyzing and killing parasitic worms. Its active ingredient, Diethylcarbamazine, achieves this by interfering with the parasite's metabolism, inhibiting its mobilization within the body, and enhancing the host's immune response to facilitate the elimination of the worms. It targets and eliminates both the larval and adult forms of the parasitic worms responsible for causing infections like filariasis.

What is the usual dosage of HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET?

The dosage and duration of HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET are determined by a doctor based on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's body weight and medical condition. For filariasis, a common regimen involves 2 mg/kg body weight, three times a day after meals, for 3 to 4 weeks. For tropical eosinophilia, it might be 13 mg/kg body weight once daily or in divided doses for 4 to 7 days. It is crucial to take the medicine with food and at a consistent time to optimize its effectiveness, and to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve.

What are the possible side effects of HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, unusual tiredness, itching, swelling (especially facial swelling near the eyes), chest tightness, wheezing, drowsiness, and abnormal liver function tests. If these side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Rarely, severe allergic reactions or unusual weakness can occur.

Is HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should consult their doctor before taking this medicine, and birth control measures may be advised. For breastfeeding women, caution is advised as it is not known if the medicine passes into breast milk and could harm the baby. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Can it be taken with other medications?

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET may interact with other medications. For example, when taken with beta-blockers like bisoprolol and acebutolol, it may cause a decrease in heart rate. The effect of antidepressants such as amitriptyline may be reduced when combined with Hetrazan. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be observed while taking HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET. Individuals with a history of seizures, liver diseases, kidney disease, or heart conditions should use this medicine with caution and consult their doctor. Patients with eye disorders like river blindness or asthma should also exercise caution. Since it can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, activities like driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided. Regular doctor visits, blood tests, and liver function tests may be necessary during treatment. Alcohol consumption should be limited as it may increase side effects and is processed by the liver.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose of HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. It is crucial not to double the dose to compensate for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

How should it be stored?

HETRAZAN 100 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally below 30°C, and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. It should be kept in an airtight container and out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Any unused medicine should be disposed of properly.