DEC Forte Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe skin rash or blistering
- Vision changes or eye pain
- Confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of Diethylcarbamazine and Chlorpheniramine Maleate used to treat lymphatic filariasis and other filarial infections. It works by killing the parasitic worms and reducing allergic reactions.
- Generic Name: Diethylcarbamazine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
- Manufacturer: Ashok Pharmaceuticals
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डाइएथिलकार्बामाज़ीन और क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग लिम्फैटिक फाइलेरिया (हाथी पाँव) और अन्य फाइलेरिया संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह परजीवी कीड़ों को मारती है और उनसे होने वाली एलर्जी और खुजली को कम करती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और नींद आना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि आपको सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या तेज़ धड़कन हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। दवा लेते समय शराब न पिएं और वाहन चलाने से बचें क्योंकि इससे नींद आ सकती है। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, बीच में दवा न छोड़ें।
💊 delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Lymphatic filariasis","description":"This medicine is used to treat lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
- It kills the microfilariae and adult worms, reducing the spread of infection and preventing progression to elephantiasis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia","description":"This medicine is effective in treating tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a condition caused by an exaggerated allergic response to filarial parasites in the lungs.
- It helps relieve symptoms like cough and wheezing.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Loiasis","description":"This medicine is used to treat loiasis, also known as African eye worm, caused by Loa loa.
- It reduces microfilarial load and helps manage symptoms.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Onchocerciasis","description":"This medicine may be used in combination with other drugs for onchocerciasis (river blindness) caused by Onchocerca volvulus, though it is not the first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"The Chlorpheniramine component may provide relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms, but this is not a primary indication for the combination.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Lymphatic filariasis
Also treats: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, Loiasis, Onchocerciasis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Diethylcarbamazine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate |
| Brand Name | Aceeforte 150mg/2.5mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Ashok Pharmaceuticals |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Anthelmintic + Antihistamine |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends Diethylcarbamazine in combination with Albendazole for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas. This medicine is part of the recommended strategy. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends Diethylcarbamazine for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis in India, often in combination with Albendazole. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Diethylcarbamazine works by altering the parasite's cell membrane, making it more susceptible to the host's immune system. It also inhibits the production of arachidonic acid metabolites, which are important for the parasite's survival. This leads to the death of microfilariae and adult worms. Chlorpheniramine Maleate is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose that can occur due to the dying parasites.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains Diethylcarbamazine 250 mg and Chlorpheniramine Maleate 5 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose for lymphatic filariasis is 6 mg/kg of Diethylcarbamazine per day in divided doses for 12 days, often combined with other antifilarial drugs. For this fixed-dose combination, the typical dose is one tablet once daily for 12 days, but the exact dose and duration must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the specific infection, patient weight, and renal function. Do not self-medicate. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate, such as drowsiness and confusion. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal and hepatic function. Consult your doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. Diethylcarbamazine is excreted by the kidneys. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment. Chlorpheniramine Maleate is metabolized in the liver. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult your doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose of Diethylcarbamazine is 6 mg/kg per day. For a 60 kg adult, this is 360 mg per day. The maximum daily dose of Chlorpheniramine Maleate is 24 mg per day. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Major | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Central nervous system depressants
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs
- CYP2D6 inhibitors
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Chlorpheniramine Maleate and may worsen liver metabolism of the drug.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to Diethylcarbamazine or Chlorpheniramine Maleate","Severe renal impairment","Severe hepatic impairment","Concurrent use with MAOIs","Children under 2 years of age"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.","Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.","Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, or urinary retention.","May cause severe allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms occur.","Do not use in patients with onchocerciasis without medical supervision due to risk of severe reactions.","Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Diethylcarbamazine and Chlorpheniramine Maleate are excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and anticholinergic effects. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor. This medicine can cause drowsiness, so avoid alcohol and activities requiring alertness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose. Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate. Dose adjustment may be needed based on renal and hepatic function. Monitor for confusion and falls.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not well established, and alternative treatments may be considered.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with anesthetic agents and increase sedation.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine, as it can cause dry mouth and may interact with medications used during dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel dizzy or drowsy. Light activities are fine, but listen to your body and rest when needed.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is advisable to take it at bedtime if it makes you sleepy during the day.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Complete the full course as prescribed. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately; they may adjust or stop the treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not typically required for filariasis, as treatment courses are usually short (12 days). However, in some cases, repeated courses may be needed. Prolonged use of Chlorpheniramine Maleate can lead to tolerance and dependence. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function is advised if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
WHO recommends combining Diethylcarbamazine with Albendazole for more effective elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
Evidence: Well-establishedUsed in some regions for filariasis, but not as first-line in all areas.
Evidence: Established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific interactions with vaccines are known. However, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine while on this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust your dosing schedule gradually in consultation with your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working within a few hours, but the full effect on the infection may take several days to weeks. You may notice improvement in symptoms within a week.
A: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as this medicine can interact with certain drugs like MAOIs and CNS depressants.
A: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not well established.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for delcar forte 250 mg/5 mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
carbarem forte 250mg/5mg tabletSuzikem Drugs Pvt Ltd ₹25.00 7.1% CHEAPER
-
pavlozide 250mg/5mg tabletPavlola India Laboratories ₹25.00 7.1% CHEAPER
-
dec forte tabletShrinivas Gujarat Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹46.88 74.3% COSTLIER
-
unicarbazan forte tabletTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹335.48 1147.1% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure all types of worm infections.
Fact: This medicine is specifically effective against filarial worms. It is not effective for other types of worm infections like roundworm or tapeworm. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once symptoms improve.
Fact: You must complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent recurrence. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take without a prescription.
Fact: This is a prescription medicine. It should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Diethylcarbamazine 250 mg + Chlorpheniramine Maleate 5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- DEC Forte Tablet