Hetrazan

Hetrazan side effects can be minimized by a simultaneous administration of an antihistamine or a corticosteroid. Due to the destruction of a large number of microfilariae, there is a risk of renal and central nervous system complications. This risk can be minimized by withholding the treatment with an anthelmintic drug, removal of microfilariae before the administration of Hetrazan and administering a single dose of ivermectin.

Yes, Hetrazan can cause abdominal discomforts like pain and diarrhea. You must speak to your doctor immediately if you suffer from any of these symptoms. 

Hetrazan belongs to a group of medicines known as anthelmintics which are used against the parasitic worms. It is used against the larval and adult forms of parasitic worms which give rise to lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is a disorder in which the legs, arms, male genitals and female breasts may get swollen and disfigured. It kills adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori. It is also used against topical pulmonary eosinophilia [Also known as Loeffler syndrome, pulmonary eosinophilia is a temporary and a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils (a type of white blood cells) in the lungs] and loiasis (Also known as African eye worm, loiasis is caused by parasite Loa loa. The parasite is passed on to humans through the repeated bites of the deer flies). The infection leads to itchy swellings of the body.

Hetrazan alters the muscular activity of the filaria, also alters its surface membranes making it more susceptible to the host. The destruction of organisms and release of antigens can lead to toxicity and produce an inflammatory reaction which may be present in the form of severe itching, rash, edema, hypotension, fever, presence of protein in urine, painful joints, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, and abnormal enlargement of the spleen. These complications can be lessened by pre-treatment with corticosteroids. 

No, Hetrazan is not used for the treatment of ocular onchocerciasis because of the fear of antigen-antibody inflammatory reaction. Ivermectin is now used of the treatment of ocular onchocerciasis. Onchocerciasis is also known African River Blindness. It is caused by O. volvulus and it can lead to severe visual impairment.