Dimercaprol
About Dimercaprol
Dimercaprol belongs to the group of medicines called chelating agents. It is mainly used to treat arsenic, gold and mercury poisoning. It is also indicated in the treatment of acute lead poisoning in combination with edetate disodium (EDTA).
Dimercaprol contains Dimercaprol, which works by forming a stable five-membered ring between its sulfhydryl groups and certain heavy metals, thereby neutralising its toxicity and promoting its elimination.
Dimercaprol may cause certain side effects such as weakness, headache, fever, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any components in Dimercaprol. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform the doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Dimercaprol
Medicinal Benefits
Dimercaprol belongs to the group of medicines called chelating agents used to treat arsenic, gold and mercury poisoning. It is also indicated in the treatment of acute lead poisoning in combination with edetate disodium (EDTA). Dimercaprol contains Dimercaprol, which works by forming a stable five-membered ring between its sulfhydryl groups and certain heavy metals, thereby neutralising its toxicity and promoting its elimination.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dimercaprol
- Weakness
- Headache
- Fever
- Injection site reactions
Drug Warnings
Do not use Dimercaprol if you are allergic to any of its components. Also, inform your doctor if you observe any allergic reactions after receiving Dimercaprol. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform the doctor if you have hepatic or renal insufficiency or are allergic to peanuts/peanut oil or soya. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicinal iron.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have hepatic or renal dysfunction, high blood pressure, or peanut allergy.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Dimercaprol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionDimercaprol should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant before receiving Dimercaprol.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Dimercaprol passes in breast milk. Caution should be exercised while administering Dimercaprol to breastfeeding women.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Dimercaprol affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Dimercaprol. This medicine is not recommended in case of hepatic insufficiency.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Dimercaprol. This medicine should be used with extreme caution if the patient develops renal insufficiency during therapy.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Dimercaprol in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat heavy metal detox foods like garlic, cilantro, wild blueberries, lemon water, green tea, tomatoes, and probiotics.
- Avoid or limit rice (specifically brown rice), alcohol, non-organic food, and certain fish.
- Follow a bland diet. Include fruits and juices.
- Include vitamin and mineral-rich food as they may have protective effects for those exposed to heavy metals.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Heavy metal poisoning: Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of toxic amounts of heavy metals in the soft tissues of the body. Common symptoms of metal poisoning include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, chills, weakness, shortness of breath, and tingling of hands and feet.
FAQs
Dimercaprol is used to treat Heavy metal poisoning.
Dimercaprol works by forming a stable five-membered ring between its sulfhydryl groups and certain heavy metals, thereby neutralising its toxicity and promoting its elimination.
Dimercaprol is effective for use in acute poisoning by mercury salts if treatment is begun within 1-2 hours following ingestion. It is not very effective for chronic mercury poisoning.
Dimercaprol may cause local pain or a hard lump at the site of injection. If you have any concerns or if the condition persists or worsens, consult the doctor.
