SYPERTIX 10% EMULSIFIABLE CONCETRATE
ALPHACYPERMETHRIN
What it does
Alphacypermethrin is an insecticide used to kill pests on various plants and crops.
Commonly used for: insect bites, pest control
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 17:37:41 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05
About this medicine
Alphacypermethrin is an insecticide used to kill pests on various plants and crops.
What it treats
- insect bites
- pest control
How it works
It works by attacking the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.
Who it's for
This product is typically used by farmers and gardeners to protect their crops from harmful insects.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: alphacypermethrin
BNF-referencedAlphacypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, commonly used for its effectiveness in controlling a wide range of pests. It acts primarily by affecting the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Its usage is prevalent in agricultural settings and public health for vector control due to its potency and relatively low toxicity to mammals when applied correctly.
Indications
- Control of agricultural pests
- Vector control for disease-carrying insects
- Household pest management
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines for paediatric dosage, as it must be determined based on age, weight, and specific application.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for adult dosage as it varies based on formulation and application method.
Mechanism of action
Alphacypermethrin delays the closure of sodium channels in the neuronal membranes of insects, which results in a prolonged influx of sodium ions during depolarization. This sustained depolarization leads to continuous nerve signal transmission, causing paralysis. Additionally, it may interfere with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition and affect nicotinic cholinergic transmission, although these are considered secondary mechanisms.
Pharmacodynamics
The primary pharmacodynamic effect of alphacypermethrin is neurotoxicity in insects, characterized by excessive nerve firing, leading to symptoms such as twitching, uncoordinated movement, and eventually paralysis. This mechanism is similar to that of other pyrethroids but is particularly effective due to the presence of an alpha-cyano group that enhances its potency and persistence.
Pharmacokinetics
Alphacypermethrin is absorbed through the insect cuticle and is metabolized in the body to various metabolites. Its persistence in the environment can vary, but it generally degrades relatively quickly compared to older insecticides like DDT. The half-life in the environment can be influenced by factors such as temperature and pH, with degradation primarily occurring through photolysis and microbial action.
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Neurological symptoms (in case of poisoning)
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with a history of allergic reactions to pyrethroids
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Use protective clothing and equipment when handling
Pregnancy
There is limited information on the safety of alphacypermethrin during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed and after a risk-benefit assessment.
Breast-feeding
Limited data is available on the excretion of alphacypermethrin in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administered to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Ensure the container is tightly closed.
Formulations
- Topical formulations for pest control
- Insecticide sprays
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: alphacypermethrin
PubChem CID 93357Molecular formula: C22H19Cl2NO3
Mechanism of action
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. /Synthetic 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 partical 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 symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning follow the typical pattern ... : (1) excitation, (2) convulsions, (3) paralysis, and (4) death. The effects of pyrethrins on the insect nervous system closely resemble those of DDT, but are apparently much less persistent. Regular, rhythmic, and spontaneous nerve discharges have been observed in insect and crustacean nerve-muscle preparations poisoned with pyrethrins. The primary target of pyrethrins seems to be the ganglia of the insect central nervous system although some pyrethrin-poisoning effect can be observed in isolated legs. /Pyrethrins/ Electrophysiologically, pyrethrins cause repetitive discharges and conduction block. /Pyrethrins/ For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for ALPHACYPERMETHRIN (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.