piperonyl butoxide

Piperonyl butoxide is a semisynthetic organic compound used as a pesticide synergist. It has no pesticidal activity of its own but enhances the effectiveness of insecticides such as pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (mixed-function oxidase system) in insects. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of insecticides within the pest organism and allows for lower doses to be effective. Piperonyl butoxide is commonly used in combination with other agents to treat lice infestations (head lice, body lice/crabs). It does not significantly affect human cytochrome P450 enzymes at therapeutic doses[1][5][6][8].

Brand names

Pronto PlusRidA-200 Lice TreatmentA200 Lice TreatmentA 200 Lice TreatmentGood Sense Lice Killing ShampooStep 1Step1Step-1Leader Lice SolutionPronto Lice Kill SystemA–200LiceOutProntoR&CTriple XVanaLice

Other names

PBO