Drug reference
parathion
Organophosphate insecticide · Insecticide
Organophosphate insecticideInsecticide
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Parathion is an organophosphate that is inactive in vitro but acts via its active metabolite, paraoxon. This active metabolite inhibits acetylcholinesterase by forming a stable conjugate with the active center serine through phosphorylation.
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism
Requires conversion of a sulfur atom to oxygen (desulfuration), predominantly by hepatic cytochrome P450s (CYPs), to form the active metabolite paraoxon. This reaction also occurs in insects, typically with more efficiency.
Ask House about parathion
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team