Malathion is a parasympathomimetic organophosphate used to treat head lice. Malathion is an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor and has low human toxicity.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Malathion is a nonsystemic, wide-spectrum organophosphate insecticide. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity of most eukaryotes. Malathion 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.
- Primary indication
- For patients infected with Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice and their ova) of the scalp hair.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C10H19O6PS2 · 330.358 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 1982
- Also known as
- Carbophos · Karbofos · Maldison · Mercaptothion
- Code names
- ENT-17034 · NSC-6524
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Malathion, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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