The adverse effects are discussed with special reference to dichlorvos. Those of other organophosphates will be very similar. The margin of safety is very narrow. The drugs are safe to approximately 2-times the recommended dose. Signs of toxicity are typical of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and include evidence of excessive acetylcholine at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.
Treatment is with atropine and pralidoxime.
Formulations of the organophosphate compounds are very specific for the target species , especially in flea collars and in the resins intended for oral administration. A summary of the Roberson material follows. Dichlorvos is formulated in resins to make a slow release dose form. Task , for the dog, has smaller pellets and faster release rate to accomodate the shorter gastrointestinal tract. For swine, Atgard V has larger pellets and a moderate release rate for the longer tract.