Products
Brodifacoum is found in mouse and rat poisons.
Structure and properties
Brodifacoum (C31H23BrO3, Mr = 523.4 g/mol) is a brominated coumarin (4-hydroxycoumarin) and warfarin derivative. It was developed because resistance occurred with the use of warfarin. Brodifacoum exists as an off-white to beige powder that is sparingly soluble in water. The melting point is about 230 °C. The substance is structurally closely related to difenacoum.
Effects
Brodifacoum has rodenticidal properties. Unlike other mouse and rat poisons, a single ingestion is sufficient. Brodifacoum is many times more potent than warfarin and has a longer half-life. It is therefore also referred to as superwarfarin. The effects are based on indirect inhibition of blood clotting.
Indications
As a mouse and rat poison. Brodifacoum may also be used for other mammals.
Abuse
Brodifacoum can theoretically be abused for suicides and for poisoning. However, the amount of bait needed to do this is high because the concentration in the bait is relatively low.
Dosage
According to the directions for use.
- Wear gloves when spreading (the active ingredient may be absorbed through the skin).
- Must not get into the hands of children.
- Lay out out of reach of pets, children and birds.
- Check the bait sites regularly.
- Collect dead mice and rats.
- Keep separate from food and drink and do not eat or drink when put out.
- Dispose of properly and do not allow to enter water.
Adverse effects
In case of accidental ingestion, life-threatening poisoning with bleeding is possible. Children, pets, birds, fish and livestock are particularly at risk. Activated charcoal and vitamin K1 are used as antidotes.
