Insect repellent, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, effect on ammonia metabolism.

There appear to be at least three mechanisms for systemic reactions to diethyltoluamide. As with most substances, allergy is possible. The ingestion of large doses can produce seizures and coma by a direct action on the CNS. This occurs in experimental animals in which seizures and coma followed by death can be produced rapidly if sufficiently large doses are given. Finally, with smaller systemic doses as may occur with absorption during heavy topical use, there is also the possibility of a perturbation of ammonia metabolism. Diethyltoluamide may then pose a substantial hazard to individuals with defects in ammonia metabolism.