fipronil

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide belonging to the phenylpyrazole chemical class. It functions by disrupting the insect central nervous system through the blockage of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels and glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels. This action prevents the influx of chloride ions, leading to hyperexcitation of the insect's nervous system, resulting in paralysis and eventual death. Fipronil exhibits selective toxicity, binding with higher affinity to insect receptors than to mammalian receptors, which contributes to its safety margin for mammals. It is widely used in veterinary medicine for controlling fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in pets, and in agriculture and household pest control for a variety of insects including ants, cockroaches, termites, beetles, and thrips. Fipronil is typically applied topically in veterinary products or as sprays, baits, and granular formulations for environmental pest control. It was first registered for use in the United States in 1996.

Brand names

FrontlineBarricadeEasyspotEffiproSentry FiproguardParastarPetArmorPronyl OTCSpectra SureTermidorMaxforceTaurus SCFUSE Termiticide/InsecticideRegent 500FSRegent500FSRegent-500FSRegencySofionTransfer Residual TermiticideAlfamed Cutaneous SprayChanonil Spot-on SolutionGoliath GelVi-NilRaygant FipronilNavigator SC

Other names

5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethylsulfinyl)pyrazole-3-carbonitrile120068-37-3