Nitarsone

Nitarsone is an organic compound used in the poultry industry as a feed additive to promote growth, improve feed efficiency, and prevent parasitic infections. It is a member of the arsenical class of drugs, which also includes roxarsone and carbarsone. Nitarsone is marketed under the trade name Histostat.

History[edit | edit source]

Nitarsone was first synthesized in the 1940s as part of a broader effort to develop new antimicrobial agents. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1944 for use in poultry.

Use[edit | edit source]

Nitarsone is used in the poultry industry to control Blackhead disease (Histomoniasis), a serious disease of turkeys, chickens, and game birds. It is also used to improve feed efficiency and promote growth.

Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]

The exact mechanism of action of nitarsone is not fully understood. However, it is believed to inhibit the enzyme thioredoxin reductase, which is essential for the survival of certain parasites.

Safety and regulation[edit | edit source]

In 2015, the FDA withdrew its approval for the use of nitarsone in animal feed, citing concerns about the potential for arsenic contamination of poultry meat. This followed similar actions taken against other arsenical drugs, including roxarsone and carbarsone.

References[edit | edit source]

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