What it does
Phoxim is used as an insecticide to control pests in agriculture and public health.
Commonly used for: insecticide for agricultural pests, insecticide for public health
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:42 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05
About this medicine
Phoxim is used as an insecticide to control pests in agriculture and public health.
What it treats
- insecticide for agricultural pests
- insecticide for public health
How it works
Phoxim works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to their death.
Who it's for
It is intended for use by farmers and pest control professionals.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: phoxim
BNF-referencedPhoxim is an organophosphate compound primarily used as an insecticide and acaricide. It acts on the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. This chemical is utilized in agricultural settings to control pests on various crops. Phoxim is known for its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for the proper functioning of neurotransmission in insects.
Indications
- Insect control in agriculture
- Pest management in horticulture
- Acaricide for tick and mite control
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing considerations and guidelines.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the formulation and application method used.
Mechanism of action
Phoxim exerts its insecticidal effects by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, resulting in prolonged stimulation of acetylcholine receptors. The overstimulation causes paralysis and eventually death in insects, as their nervous system becomes overwhelmed.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of phoxim involve its interaction with cholinergic receptors due to the accumulation of acetylcholine. In insects, this leads to a disruption in normal nerve signal transmission, causing symptoms such as twitching, convulsions, and ultimately paralysis. The selectivity of phoxim for insect acetylcholinesterase over mammalian forms contributes to its safety profile for non-target species when used appropriately.
Pharmacokinetics
Phoxim is absorbed through the cuticle of insects, and its distribution and metabolism can vary based on the mode of application. It is generally metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, and its metabolites may also have insecticidal properties. The elimination half-life can vary, depending on environmental conditions and the formulation used.
Pregnancy
There is limited data on the use of phoxim during pregnancy. Caution is advised.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown if phoxim is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: phoxim
PubChem CID 26927Molecular formula: C12H15N2O3PS
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.