Delta Force 100

Indications

• Control of agricultural pests
• Public health insect control
• Household pest management
• Vector control for disease prevention

Dosage

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosages based on the target pest and application method. Deltamethrin is usually applied as a formulation rather than a dosage for individual use in adults

Mechanism of action

Deltamethrin primarily acts on sodium channels in the nervous system of insects. It delays the closure of these channels, resulting in a prolonged influx of sodium ions during depolarization, which disrupts normal nerve signal transmission. This effect leads to hyperactivity, paralysis, and ultimately death in insects. Additionally, deltamethrin may also influence other neurotransmitter systems, such as antagonizing GABA-mediated inhibition and modulating nicotinic cholinergic transmission, although these mechanisms are less clearly defined.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of deltamethrin involve its interaction with the sodium ion channels on the neuronal membranes of insects. By prolonging the activation of these channels, deltamethrin alters the normal electrical activity of nerve cells, leading to increased neuronal excitability and eventual paralysis. This action is particularly effective against insects due to their sensitivity to such disruptions in neural function. Deltamethrin's effects can vary based on insect species, developmental stage, and environmental factors.

Pharmacokinetics

Deltamethrin demonstrates variable absorption and distribution characteristics depending on the route of exposure. It is lipophilic, allowing it to penetrate biological membranes effectively. Following application, it is metabolized primarily in the liver, with various metabolites being excreted through urine and feces. The elimination half-life can vary widely, influenced by factors such as formulation, exposure route, and environmental conditions. Its residual effects can last from days to months in treated environments, depending on the formulation and application method.

Pregnancy

Deltamethrin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether deltamethrin is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing women.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Topical solution
• Emulsifiable concentrate
• Aerosol spray

Mechanism of action

The lowest concentration of deltamethrin to have an effect in crayfish stretch receptor neurons on sodium channels was 1X10-12 mol/L, but the response of the preparation to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) appeared to be unaffected by concentrations of deltamethrin up to 1X10-7 mol/L. Although 1X10-6 mol/l deltamethrin had a slight effect on the GABA response of the dactyl abductor muscle, it appears that the majority of the effects of cyano-pyrethroids in invertebrates could be accounted for solely by their action on sodium channels. The synthetic pyrethroids delay closure of the sodium channel, resulting in a sodium tail current that is characterized by a slow influx of sodium during the end of depolarization. Apparently the pyrethroid molecule holds the activation gate in the open position. Pyrethroids with an alpha-cyano group (e.g., fenvalerate) produce more prolonged sodium tail currents than do other pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, bioresmethrin). The former group of pyrethroids causes more cutaneous sensations than the latter. /Pyrethroids/ Interaction with sodium channels is not the only mechanism of action proposed for the pyrethroids. Their effects on the CNS have led various workers to suggest actions via antagonism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition, modulation of nicotinic cholinergic transmission, enhancement of noradrenaline release, or actions on calcium ions. Since neurotransmitter specific pharmacological agents offer only poor or partial protection against poisoning, it is unlikely that one of these effects represents the primary mechanism of action of the pyrethroids, & most neurotransmitter release is secondary to incr sodium entry. /Pyrethroids/ The interaction of a series of pyrethroid insecticides with the sodium channels in myelinated nerve fibers of the clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, was investigated using the voltage clamp technique. Of 11 pyrethroids, 9 insecticidally active cmpd induced a slowly decaying sodium tail current on termination of a step depolarization, whereas the sodium current during depolarization was hardly affected. /Pyrethroids/ For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for DELTAMETHRIN (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.