malathion

Malathion is a parasympathomimetic organophosphate compound primarily used as an insecticide and pediculicide. In medicine, it is approved as a topical lotion for the treatment of head lice in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Malathion acts as an irreversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve endings and disruption of normal nerve signal transmission in insects. Its principal toxicological effect is cholinesterase inhibition due to its active metabolite malaoxon. Malathion has relatively low toxicity in humans compared to insects because mammals metabolize it more rapidly into non-toxic products[1][2][3][4][5][7]. It is also widely used as an agricultural insecticide for controlling mosquitoes, fruit flies, fleas on pets, and other pests[8].

Brand names

Ovide

Other names

carbophosmercaptothionmaldisonCythion