Douglas J. Rhee, MD

(b) Loasis (loa loa)Drug Trade Dosediethylcarbamazine Hetrazan 6 mg/kg in 3 doses × 14 days Pediatric dose the sameNotes: 1. Heavy filaria burden may induce encephalopathy; may use ivermectin or albendazole or apheresis to reduce microfilarialcounts. 22. Consider antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce allergic reaction caused by dead microfilaria (“Mazzotti reaction”).(1) Tapeworm (Taenia solium ) (“Cysticercosis ”)Notes: 1. Antihelminth treatment is usually not indicated for isolated conjunctival or retinal disease, but is indicated for orbitalinvolvement.2. Consider obtaining CT scan to rule out neurocystercercosis, especially if antihelminth medications are going to be used sinceinflammation secondary to death of organism can be fatal.3. Isolated conjunctival involvement may be treated with surgical excision alone.4. For posterior segment involvement, laser of worm or vitrectomy to remove the organism may be preferable.5. Antihelminth medical regimens for orbital involvement are not standardized, but some regimens are described. Combinationof albendazole or praziquantel in conjunction with prednisone (to decrease inflammation) for four weeks has beenrecommended, 3 although single dose praziquantel has also been described. 1albendazole Zentel 15 mg/kg/day PO × 4 weeks Pediatric dosing same 3praziquantel Biltricide 5–10 mg/kg once Pediatric dosing same 1prednisone 1.5–2.0 mg/kg/day × 4 weeksAntiparasitic Agents 53