WHO Acute Hazard classification of pesticides: not listed

Mechanism of action of Nitroscanate

The molecular mode of action of nitroscanate has not been elucidated. It is assumed that it acts as an uncoupler of the oxidative phosphorylation in the cell mitochondria, which disturbs the production of ATP, the cellular "fuel". This impairs the parasites' motility and probably other processes as well.

Acute Toxicity and Tolerance of Nitroscanate

• LD50 acute, rats, p.o. 3177 mg/kg; micronized nitroscanate (95% of particles <5 µm)
• LD50 acute, mice, p.o. 3503 mg/kg; micronized nitroscanate (95% of particles <5 µm)
• LD50 acute, rabbits, p.o. >10000 mg/kg; micronized nitroscanate (95% of particles <5 µm)
• LD50 acute, dogs, p.o. >10000 mg/kg; normal particle size (95% of particles <25 µm)
• Dogs tolerate nitroscanate usually very well.
• Therapeutic margin in dogs is 20 to 40.
• Puppies tolerate up to 1000 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
• In dogs, daily oral doses of 500 to 100 mg/kg during 10 days caused loss of appetite, lethargy, vomit and diarrhea. Usual therapeutic dose is 50 mg/kg

Toxic Symptoms caused by Nitroscanate Poisoning

• Predominant symptoms after heavy overdosing are vomit, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and slight sedation (tranquilizing effect). In cats drowsiness and transient paralysis have been observed as well.
• Additional symptoms reported are dispnea (difficult breathing), exophthalmos (bulging of the eye out of its orbit) and curved position.
• In tolerance studies highest doses resulted in increased plasma ALT and ALK levels suggesting liver disturbance.

Nitroscanate Side Effects, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and Warnings

• Due to irritation of the gut, diarrhea and mainly vomit are not rare after oral administration of therapeutic doses. Vomit occurs usually 1 to 24 hours, diarrhea 12 to 24 hours after administration. Fasting 12 to 24 hours before administration and reducing the feed to 1/4 of the usual ration helps diminishing the intensity of such ADRs. 
• Vomit is usually not detrimental for the anthelmintic effect, unless immediately after administration.
• At doses > 64 mg/kg dogs show a sedation effects 24 to 72 hours after administration.
• Nitroscanate should not be administered to dogs with liver disturbances.
• Do not use tablets for dogs ion cats, and never use tablets for large dogs in small dogs. It happens that some users want to save money buying tablets for large dogs for treating smaller dogs (or even cats!) twice or more times. The risk of overdosing is considerable, either due to erroneous calculations or to unskilled manipulation. In addition, dog medicines may sometimes contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.

Antidote and Treatment of Nitroscanate Intoxication

• There is no antidote for nitroscanate poisoning.
  
• Treatment consists in preventing further exposure together with supportive and symptomatic measures. Administration of active charcoal and electrolytes may be considered.

Pharmacokinetics of Nitroscanate

• After oral administration nitroscanate is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Highest plasma levels are reached 24 hours after treatment. Absorption is substantially higher if administered together with food.
• Excretion is rather fast, mainly through feces and urine in the form of the parent molecule.

Environmental Toxicity of Nitroscanate

• Not being used in crop pesticides, there is very little information on the environmental fate and toxicity of nitroscanate.
• Correct use in dogs is unlikely to be detrimental for the environmental, including coprophagous insects.

Additional information

Click here for a list and overview of all safety summaries of antiparasitic active ingredients in this site.

• Nitroscanate is belongs to the chemical class of the isothiocyanates.
• Nitroscanate is not used in livestock.
• Nitroscanate is not used in human medicines.
  
• Nitroscanate is not used in crop pesticides.
• Nitroscanate is not used in public and domestic hygiene as a biocide.
• Click here for General safety of antiparasitics for domestic animals.
• Click here for General safety of antiparasitics for humans.
• Click here for General safety of antiparasitics for the environment.
• Click here for technical and commercial information on nitroscanate.