What it does
Chlorfenvinphos is an insecticide used to control pests.
Commonly used for: pest control, insect eradication
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 17:37:40 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05
About this medicine
Chlorfenvinphos is an insecticide used to control pests.
What it treats
- pest control
- insect eradication
How it works
Chlorfenvinphos works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to their death.
Who it's for
It is intended for use in agricultural settings to protect crops from pests.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: chlorfenvinphos
BNF-referencedChlorfenvinphos is an organophosphorus compound primarily used as an insecticide and acaricide. It exhibits potent activity against a wide range of agricultural pests due to its ability to inhibit cholinesterase enzymes, thereby disrupting normal neurotransmission. Chlorfenvinphos is not commonly used in human medicine and is primarily of interest in agricultural settings.
Indications
- Insecticide
- Acaricide
Mechanism of action
Chlorfenvinphos acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. By binding to the active site of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, it prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, resulting in continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic receptors, which disrupts normal neuronal signaling and causes paralysis in insects.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of chlorfenvinphos involve its action as a neurotoxin. Its inhibition of acetylcholinesterase results in increased levels of acetylcholine, causing prolonged stimulation of cholinergic receptors. This can lead to symptoms such as muscle twitching, salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and central nervous system effects, including seizures.
Pharmacokinetics
Chlorfenvinphos is absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, it is distributed throughout body tissues. The compound is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through urine. The half-life and specific metabolic pathways can vary based on individual factors and exposure levels.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to chlorfenvinphos or any of its components
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Severe liver or kidney impairment
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching
- Respiratory distress
Interactions
- Cholinergic drugs may enhance the effects of chlorfenvinphos
- Anticholinergic drugs may counteract the effects of chlorfenvinphos
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Avoid use in patients with a history of cardiac disease
- Monitor for signs of cholinergic toxicity
Pregnancy
Chlorfenvinphos should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not recommended to breastfeed while using chlorfenvinphos due to potential harmful effects on the infant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Liquid formulations for agricultural use
- Emulsifiable concentrates
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: chlorfenvinphos
PubChem CID 10107Molecular formula: C12H14Cl3O4P
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.