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Malathion: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses, Side Effects

sachinkumar244
1 min read

Chemical Structure:

  • C10H19O6PS2

Chemical Structure
Chemical Structure

Mechanism of Action:

  • Malathion is bioactivated to malaoxon, which is an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine.

Uses:

  • It's used as an insecticide and for treatment of head lice and body lice.

Side Effects:

  • At therapeutic levels, it's quite safe, but overexposure can lead to cholinergic toxicity, which includes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and respiratory depression.

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