Mercaptothion
Mercaptothion Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Mercaptothion is a parasympathomimetic organophosphate compound that is used as an insecticide for the treatment of head lice. Mercaptothion is an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor and has low human toxicity.
Mercaptothion is an organophosphate insecticide commonly used to control mosquitos and other flying insects. Pharmaceutically, malathion is used to eliminate head lice. The principal toxicological effect of malathion is cholinesterase inhibition, due primarily to malaoxon and to phosphorus thionate impurities.
| Trade Name | Mercaptothion |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Malathion |
| Malathion Other Names | Carbophos, Karbofos, Malathion, Maldison, Mercaptothion |
| Related Drugs | ivermectin topical, sodium chloride topical, permethrin topical, Elimite, acetic acid topical, Natroba |
| Type | |
| Formula | C10H19O6PS2 |
| Weight | Average: 330.358 Monoisotopic: 330.036066232 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Mercaptothion is a parasympathomimetic organophosphate used to treat head lice.
For patients infected with Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice and their ova) of the scalp hair.
Mercaptothion is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Head Lice Infestation
How Mercaptothion works
Mercaptothion is a nonsystemic, wide-spectrum organophosphate insecticide. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity of most eukaryotes. Mercaptothion is toxic to aquatic organisms, but has a relatively low toxicity for birds and mammals. The major metabolites of malathion are mono- and di-carboxylic acid derivatives, and malaoxon is a minor metabolite. However, it is malaoxon that is the strongest cholinesterase inhibitor. Cholinesterases catalyze the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, a reaction necessary to allow a cholinergic neuron to return to its resting state after activation. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of cholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing muscle spasms and ultimately death.
Toxicity
Mercaptothion is slightly toxic via the oral route, with reported oral LD50 values of 1000 mg/kg to greater than 10,000 mg/kg in the rat. It is also slightly toxic via the dermal route, with reported dermal LD50 values of greater than 4000 mg/kg in rats. Moderate poisoning can result in chest tightness, difficulty breathing, bradycardia, tachycardia, tremor/ataxia, blurred vision, and confusion. Severe, life-threatening signs include coma, seizures, respiratory arrest, and paralysis. Mercaptothion may also be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Elimination Route
Mercaptothion in an acetone vehicle has been reported to be absorbed through normal human skin only to the extent of 8% of the applied dose. Absorption may be increased when malathion is applied to damaged skin. Mercaptothion is rapidly and effectively absorbed by practically all routes including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, mucous membranes, and lungs. However, it is readily excreted in the urine, and does not accumulate in organs or tissues.
Half Life
8-24 hours
Innovators Monograph
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