DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE

Description

Diethylcarbamazine citrate is an odorless,white crystalline powder; Molecular weight=391.48;Freezing/Melting point=135-143℃. HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.

Chemical properties

White or almost white, crystalline powder, slightly hygroscopic.

Originator

Hetrazan,Lederle,US,1949

The Uses of DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate can be used as an anthelmintic. The LD50 in rats is 1.38 g/kg.

Definition

ChEBI: Diethylcarbamazine citrate is a piperazinecarboxamide.

Manufacturing Process

To 50 cc of water was added 18 grams of 1-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride and 8.34 grams of sodium hydroxide. When solution had been effected the beaker was cooled to 10°C and with stirring, 4.17 grams of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 15 cc of water and 14 grams of diethyl carbamyl chloride were added simultaneously. When all had been added, the solution was extracted 3 times with ether which was then dried and filtered. The ether solution was saturated with dry hydrogen chloride. A yellow gum appeared which on trituration gave a white, hygroscopic solid which was filtered and dried in a drying pistol. The N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-1-piperazine-carboxamide hydrochloride had a melting point of 150°-155°C.
If the compound itself is desired, the salt is dissolved in water and the solution saturated with a mild alkali such as potassium carbonate. The product is then extracted with chloroform, dried, and after removal of the chloroform, distilled.

Therapeutic Function

Anthelmintic

General Description

Crystalline solid, scored white tablets. Used against filariasis in man and animals.

Health Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Drugs, n.o.s.) May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. The average adult man tolerates a single dose of 1.5 gm without ill effects.

Fire Hazard

When heated to decomposition, DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. Avoid decomposing heat.

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation and intravenous routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal routes. An experimental teratogen. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Potential Exposure

Used against filariasis in humans andanimals. Especially popular in veterinary medicine(anthelmintic).

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Once the hallmark agent for heartworm disease prophylaxis in dogs, DEC is no longer commercially available in the USA (in oral veterinary dosage forms). DEC is approved for use for the prophylaxis of heartworm disease (D. immitis), and/or the treatment of ascariasis in dogs. The drug is also used in ferrets and zoo animals susceptible to heartworm. DEC is used in dogs at higher dosages as alternative therapy for several other parasites (see Dosage section below). Some products were labeled for use in cats to treat ascarid infections.
In cats, DEC may help alleviate the course (preventing lymphoma development) of FeLV infection.
In the U.K., DEC is used as an injectable product to control parasitic bronchitis (Dictyocaulus viviparous) in sheep and cattle.
In humans, DEC is indicated as a filaricidal for the treatment of Wucheria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Loa loa, and Onchocerca volvulus.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area.

Shipping

Medicine, solid, toxic, n.o.s. requires a label of“POISONOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS.” They fall in HazardClass 6.1.