Vacor

Vacor rat kiiier (2% /V-3-pyridy]methy]-/ / -p-nitropheny]urea PNU) is a unique roden-ticide that causes irreversibie insuiin-dependent diabetes and autonomic nervous system injury, it was removed from generai saie in the United States in 1979 but is still available in some homes and for use by licensed exterminators. The product was sold in 39-g packets of commeal-like material containing 2% PNU. 

II. Toxic dose. Acute toxicity has usually occurred after ingestion of one 39-g packet of Vacor (approximately 8 g of PNU). The smallest dose rejxrrted to cause toxicity was 390 mg. 

IV. Diagnosis. Sudden onset of orthostatic hypotension or diabetes mellitus should suggest the possibility of Vacor ingestion. A careful investigation should be performed to determine what rat-killing chemicals may be present in the home. 

Seon YD et al Changes of glomerular basement membrane components in Vacor-induced diabetic nephropathy. Korean J Intern Med 1999 14(1) 77-84. [PMID 10063318] (Rat study examining diabetic nephropathy following Vacor poisoning.)... 

II. Indications. Nicotinamide is used to prevent the neurologic and endocrinologic toxicity associated with the ingestion of Vacor (PNU), a rodenticide that is believed to act by antagonizing nicotinamide (see p 361). Best results are achieved when nicotinamide therapy is instituted within 3 hours of ingestion. It may also be effective for treatment of Vacor analogs such as alloxan and streptozocin. 

Note Nicotinic acid (niacin) is not a substitute for nicotinamide in the treatment of Vacor ingestions. 

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