Abstract
The efficacy of diphenhydramine, an antihistaminic, in preventing adverse reactions to diethylcarbamazine (DEC) in patients infected with Wuchereria bancrofti, was assessed by treating 50 patients with both drugs and 57 with DEC alone. It was found to be ineffective, and to cause drowsiness in all those unaffected by adverse reactions. The authors conclude that the combined use of both drugs for the treatment of Bancroftian filariasis, which is the usual practice in Brazil, should be avoided.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Randomized Controlled Trial
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Animals
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Diethylcarbamazine / adverse effects
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Diethylcarbamazine / therapeutic use*
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Diphenhydramine / adverse effects
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Diphenhydramine / therapeutic use*
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Drug Combinations
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Elephantiasis, Filarial / drug therapy*
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Filariasis / drug therapy*
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Humans
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Infant
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Middle Aged
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Random Allocation
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Sleep Stages / drug effects
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Wuchereria bancrofti
Substances
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Drug Combinations
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Diphenhydramine
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Diethylcarbamazine