Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Paraoxon
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Paraoxon is a parasympathomimetic which acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It is an organophosphate oxon, and the active metabolite of the insecticide parathion. It is also used as an ophthalmological drug against glaucoma. Paraoxon is one of the most potent acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides available, around 70% as potent as the nerve agent sarin, and so is now rarely used as an insecticide due to the risk of poisoning to humans and other animals. It is easily absorbed through skin, and was used as an assassination weapon by the apartheid-era South African chemical weapons program Project Coast.[1]
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]