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Pesticide Potentiating Agents |  |
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Piperonyl butoxide is used as a potentiator in many pesticide formulations including pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and d-limonene. It decreases breakdown of the chemical in the animal or insect’s body by inhibiting mixed function oxidase enzymes and makes the pesticide more toxic to the insect—and the host. Animals that are debilitated or have decreased drug metabolizing capability become more susceptible to the pesticide. However, toxins that must be activated in the
body to a toxic form are frequently less toxic when piperonyl butoxide exposure occurs at the same time. This effect has been seen in many species, including cats, dogs, rats, humans, etc. Cimetidine, a drug that reduces stomach acid secretion by blocking gastric H2 receptors, and the antibiotic chloramphenicol have the same effect. |
