Malathion

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance|Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic phosphorous compound and cholinesterase inhibitor that is strictly used as a topical pediculicide. Malathion exerts its action on the nervous system of the lice by irreversibly inhibiting the activity of cholinesterase, thereby allowing acetylcholine to accumulate at cholinergic synapses and enhancing cholinergic receptor stimulation. This eventually leads to the head lice's death.

**Synonyms:** - Butanedioic Acid,((dimethoxyphosphinothioyl)thio)-, Diethyl Ester - MALATHION - MALATHION - Ovide - Succinic Acid, mercapto-, Diethyl Ester, S-ester with O,O-Dimethylphosphorodithioate