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| Trade names | ProMeris, Alverde |
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| CompTox Dashboard(EPA) | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.107.480 |
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| Formula | C24H16F6N4O2 |
| Molar mass | 506.408 g·mol−1 |
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Metaflumizone is asemicarbazone broad-spectruminsecticide developed by Nihon Nohyaku with activity onLepidoptera,Coleoptera, and certainHemiptera.[1] It is also used for theveterinary treatment offleas andticks, marketed under the brand nameProMeris.A discontinued variant ofProMeris, calledProMeris Duo orPromeris for Dogs, was indicated for canine use and was a formulated blend of metaflumizone andamitraz.[2] The metaflumizone-only formulation is waterproof and typically remain effective for 30–45 days in a cutaneous application at the base of the neck.
Metaflumizone is chemically similar to pyrazolinesodium channel blocker insecticides (SCBIs) discovered at Philips-Duphar in the early 1970s, but is less dangerous to mammals than earlier compounds.[3]
Metaflumizone belongs toIRAC group 22B and works byblocking sodium channels in target insects, resulting in flaccid paralysis. Metaflumizone blocks sodium channels by binding selectively to the slow-inactivated state, which is characteristic of the SCBIs.[3] The toxin has been tested for efficacy againstSpodoptera eridania moths[3] and is indicated for control of fleas and ticks. However, in a cross comparison with other veterinary flea control substances, Metaflumizone was not shown to result in a significant reduction in the number of engorged adult femaleCulex mosquitoes.[4] Therefore, its usefulness as a heartworm control treatment is likely to be insignificant when compared with comparable treatments such asselamectin that do impact the mosquito disease vector.
In 2011,Pfizer Animal Care decided to cease production of the drug based on findings which linked its use to an elevated incidence of the autoimmune disorderpemphigus foliaceus.[5]