Flocoumafen is a fluorinated, second-generation anticoagulant of the 4-hydroxycoumarin vitamin K antagonist type.[1] It is a second generation (i.e., high potency) chemical in this class, used commercially as a rodenticide. It has a very high toxicity and is restricted to indoor use and sewers (in the UK). This restriction is mainly due to the increased risk to non-target species, especially due to its tendency to bio-accumulate in exposed organisms. Studies have shown that rodents resistant to first-generation anticoagulants can be adequately controlled with flocoumafen.[1] It was synthesized in 1984 by Shell International Chemical.[2]

Toxicity

In most rodents, the LD50 is 1 mg/kg, but it can vary between species: from 0.12 mg/kg in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) to more than 10 mg/kg in the Cairo spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). For dogs the LD50 is 0.075-0.25 mg/kg.[2]

Antidote

The antidote to flocoumafen is vitamin K1, which must be administered over a period of several weeks or even months.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Watt, Barbara E.; Proudfoot, Alex T.; Bradberry, Sally M.; Vale, J Allister (2005). "Anticoagulant Rodenticides". Toxicological Reviews. 24 (4): 259–269. doi:10.2165/00139709-200524040-00005. PMID 16499407.
  2. ^ a b Flocoumafen -- A new anticoagulant rodenticide
  3. ^ "Flocoumafen: Antidote and Emergency Treatment". PubChem.

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