Delcar Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide for Filariasis Treatment
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, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe rash or blistering of the skin
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Dark urine or severe abdominal pain
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe drowsiness or confusion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is delcar tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of diethylcarbamazine and chlorpheniramine used to treat lymphatic filariasis and other filarial infections. Diethylcarbamazine kills the parasitic worms, while chlorpheniramine reduces allergic reactions like itching and rash. It is taken orally as prescribed by a doctor.
- Generic Name: Diethylcarbamazine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
- Manufacturer: Ashok Pharmaceuticals
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 delcar tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डाइएथिलकार्बामाज़ीन और क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से लिम्फेटिक फाइलेरिया (हाथी पाँव) और अन्य फाइलेरिया संक्रमणों के इलाज में किया जाता है। डाइएथिलकार्बामाज़ीन परजीवी कीड़ों को मारता है, जबकि क्लोरफेनिरामाइन खुजली, दाने और एलर्जी जैसे लक्षणों को कम करता है। यह दवा मलेरिया या सामान्य बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण के लिए नहीं है। इसे डॉक्टर के परामर्श के बिना न लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुँह सूखना, जी मिचलाना, सिरदर्द और पेट में हल्की परेशानी शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को खुजली, दाने या हल्की सूजन हो सकती है, जो मरते हुए कीड़ों के कारण होती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन साँस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या गंभीर दाने होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें। धुंधली दृष्टि, पेशाब में कमी, या पीलिया जैसे लक्षण दिखने पर भी डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे भोजन के साथ या बिना भोजन के लिया जा सकता है, लेकिन भोजन के बाद लेने से पेट की परेशानी कम हो सकती है। इस दवा को चबाएं या तोड़ें नहीं। नींद आने के कारण वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं, या गुर्दे/लिवर की बीमारी है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। अन्य दवाओं के साथ लेने से पहले डॉक्टर या फार्मासिस्ट से सलाह लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 delcar tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Lymphatic filariasis","description":"This medicine is used to treat lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
- Diethylcarbamazine kills the microfilariae and adult worms, while chlorpheniramine helps control allergic reactions from dying parasites.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas","description":"In mass drug administration programs, diethylcarbamazine is used to reduce transmission in communities where the disease is common.
- This medicine may be part of such programs under public health guidance.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia","description":"This medicine may be used to treat tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a condition caused by an exaggerated immune response to filarial parasites in the lungs.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Loiasis (African eye worm)","description":"Diethylcarbamazine is effective against Loa loa infection, but treatment must be supervised because of the risk of severe reactions when many microfilariae are present.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Allergic reactions associated with filarial treatment","description":"Chlorpheniramine maleate in this medicine helps relieve itching, rash, and mild inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling that can occur during treatment of filarial infections.","evidence":"Supportive"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Cutaneous larva migrans","description":"Diethylcarbamazine has been used in some cases of creeping eruption caused by hookworm larvae, but this is not a standard first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Some cases of eosinophilic lung disease","description":"In selected patients with eosinophilic lung conditions, diethylcarbamazine may be tried under specialist supervision, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Lymphatic filariasis
Also treats: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, Loiasis, Other filarial infections
📋 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 between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container, tightly closed. Do not refrigerate unless specified. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | Not established from the available information. Refer to the packaging for the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends diethylcarbamazine as part of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas, often in combination with other antifilarial medicines. However, this specific combination product should be used as per national guidelines and medical advice. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Refer to national filariasis control programs and local guidelines. |
👨⚕️ 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
This medicine combines two active ingredients with different actions. Diethylcarbamazine is an antifilarial agent that works mainly by altering the parasite's cell membranes, making the worms more susceptible to the body's immune defenses. It also affects the parasite's metabolism and neuromuscular function, leading to paralysis and death of microfilariae and adult worms. Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors. By blocking histamine, it reduces allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and rash that may occur when filarial worms die and release foreign proteins. The combination helps treat the infection while easing the allergic reactions that can happen during treatment.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take delcar tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains diethylcarbamazine 125 mg and chlorpheniramine maleate 2.5 mg. Immediate-release oral tablet.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is determined by the doctor based on the specific condition being treated, such as lymphatic filariasis or tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. For lymphatic filariasis, diethylcarbamazine is often given as 6 mg per kg per day in divided doses for 12 days, but the exact regimen varies. This medicine contains 125 mg diethylcarbamazine and 2.5 mg chlorpheniramine per tablet. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, kidney and liver function. Do not self-medicate or change the dose without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and anticholinergic effects. The dose may need to be reduced, and kidney function should be checked before starting treatment. Use with caution and under medical supervision. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with kidney impairment, the dose of diethylcarbamazine may need to be reduced because it is excreted by the kidneys. Chlorpheniramine may also accumulate. Consult a doctor for dose adjustment based on kidney function tests. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with liver impairment, this medicine should be used with caution because chlorpheniramine is metabolized in the liver. Dose adjustment may be needed. Consult a doctor before use. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose depends on the indication and patient factors. For lymphatic filariasis, diethylcarbamazine is often given up to 6 mg per kg per day. The maximum daily dose must be determined by a qualified clinician. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of delcar tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Major | |
| MAO inhibitors | Major | |
| Other antihistamines | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergic drugs | Moderate | |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Alcohol
- CNS depressants (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, opioids, antidepressants)
- MAO inhibitors
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Other antihistamines
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, benztropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impair coordination. The combination can also increase the risk of falls and accidents. If you drink alcohol regularly, discuss this with your doctor before starting this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to diethylcarbamazine or chlorpheniramine maleate","Severe kidney disease without dose adjustment","Severe liver disease","Use with MAO inhibitors","Narrow-angle glaucoma","Urinary retention due to prostate enlargement","Severe heart disease"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.","Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of confusion and falls.","Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.","May cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision due to anticholinergic effects.","Do not use for longer than prescribed without medical review.","Report any signs of severe allergic reaction immediately.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Diethylcarbamazine and chlorpheniramine may pass into breast milk. Chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness in the infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine. Monitoring the infant for drowsiness or poor feeding is advised.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a medical professional.
⏰ 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food, but taking it after a meal may reduce stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing tasks that need full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you, because chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, because the safety of this combination in these situations must be assessed individually. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially sedatives, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, antidepressants, and other antihistamines, as they can add to the drowsiness. If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or monitor you more closely. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, and do not use this medicine for longer than recommended without medical review. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and urinary retention. The dose may need to be reduced, and kidney function should be checked. Use with caution and under medical supervision.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this combination in pregnancy is not well established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks and may recommend an alternative treatment if needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Not established from the available information. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are taking this medicine before surgery, as it may interact with other medicines used during surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it can cause dry mouth and may interact with other medicines used during dental procedures. No specific precautions are established, but it is important to disclose all medicines.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Mild to moderate exercise is generally safe, but if you feel drowsy or dizzy from this medicine, avoid activities that require balance or coordination. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have swelling in the legs.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring alertness. It is best to avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves such tasks. Most people can continue their normal daily activities with caution.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or signs of liver problems, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical help. Your doctor will advise you on whether to stop or adjust the dose based on your response and any side effects.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine should be under medical supervision. Prolonged use may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and rarely blood or liver problems. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function may be needed. Do not continue this medicine for longer than prescribed without a medical review.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another antifilarial medicine used in mass drug administration programs for lymphatic filariasis.
Evidence: Well-establishedOften used in combination with other antifilarials for filariasis.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan help reduce swelling in limbs affected by lymphedema.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Not established from the available information. There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine while taking 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
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, 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 you are crossing time zones, continue taking your doses at the same intervals as prescribed, but consult your doctor for specific advice. Keep enough supply for your entire trip. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines in your destination country. Do not stop the medicine abruptly while traveling without medical advice.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The antihistamine effect starts within 30 to 60 minutes, but the antifilarial effect may take days to weeks as the worms die and are cleared from the body.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
A: 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.
A: The safety of this combination in pregnancy is not well established. Consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
A: No, alcohol should be avoided because it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure all types of swelling in the legs.
Fact: This medicine is specifically for filarial infections. Leg swelling can have many causes, and only a doctor can determine if it is due to filariasis. - Myth: I can stop taking this medicine as soon as I feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully treated 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 medical supervision because of potential side effects and interactions.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Diethylcarbamazine 125 mg + Chlorpheniramine maleate 2.5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Delcar tablet