CompositionHetrazan Tablet is used to treat lymphatic filariasis, a worm infection spread by mosquitoes that can cause swelling of the legs and other body parts (elephantiasis). It is a single-ingredient medicine containing diethylcarbamazine (DEC), which belongs to a class of medicines called anthelmintics (antifilarial medicines).
This medicine is also used to treat tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a filarial infection affecting the lungs that causes cough and wheezing, and loiasis (eye worm) under specialist care. It is used in mass treatment programmes to prevent filariasis. Take it after meals, as prescribed, for the full course.
Using mosquito nets, repellents and covering the skin in the evening helps prevent filariasis. For swollen limbs, daily washing, drying and care of the skin, raising the limb and gentle exercise help reduce swelling and infection.
As the worms die, reactions such as fever, headache, body aches, itching and swelling can occur, especially in the first few days; tell your doctor if these are severe. This medicine should not be given to people who may have onchocerciasis (river blindness), and people with heavy loiasis infection need specialist assessment first, as serious reactions can occur. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, heart or kidney disease, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
