Indoxacarb


Indoxacarb is an oxadiazine pesticide developed by DuPont that acts against lepidopteran larvae. It is marketed under the names Indoxacarb Technical Insecticide, Steward Insecticide and Avaunt Insecticide. It is also used as the active ingredient in Syngenta line of commercial pesticides: Advion and Arilon.
Its main mode of action is via blocking of neuronal sodium channels. It is fairly lipophilic with a Kow of 4.65. This pesticide should be used with caution since some insects such as the oriental tobacco budworm become resistant when exposed.

Household products

Indoxacarb is the active ingredient in a number of household insecticides, including cockroach and ant baits, and can remain active after digestion.
In 2012 DuPont's Professional Products including the line of Advion and Arilon products was purchased by Syngenta.
Indoxacarb is the active ingredient in the new pet product, Activyl from Merck Animal Health. It is marketed to kill fleas on dogs and cats.

Toxicity to humans

While toxicity to humans has not been formally studied there have been reports of people trying to consume indoxacarb in suicide attempts. Consumption of indoxacarb can cause acute onset of methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is a condition which ultimately decreases the effectiveness of red blood cells to exchange oxygen with organs. Methemoglobinemia can be fatal if left untreated, but proper treatment of this condition can rapidly begin reversing it.