fluazuron

Fluazuron is a benzoylphenylurea compound and an insect growth regulator used primarily in veterinary medicine for the control of cattle ticks, especially Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. It acts as a chitin synthesis inhibitor, interfering with the formation and deposition of chitin in ticks during engorgement, molting, and hatching. This disrupts the development of tick larvae and nymphs, preventing successful molting and leading to death during these stages. Adult female ticks exposed to fluazuron may lay eggs that fail to hatch due to impaired chitin synthesis in developing embryos[1][3][5][6]. Fluazuron is administered topically as a pour-on formulation for beef cattle at doses typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg body weight[1][3]. The drug has a systemic mode of action; after absorption through the skin or ingestion by licking, it distributes throughout the animal's body fat and is slowly released back into circulation over several months[6]. Its use is mainly preventative or for population control rather than rapid elimination of existing heavy infestations[6].

Brand names

Acatak

Other names

Fluazuronum