About dimercaprol
Heavy-metal chelating agent
Used for
- Treatment of arsenic, gold, and mercury poisoning
- Treatment of severe lead poisoning, usually with another chelator
Usual adult dose
Specialist-directed intramuscular dosing varies by poison, severity, and treatment schedule.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed intramuscular dosing is based on body weight and poisoning severity.
Common side effects
- Pain at injection site
- High blood pressure and rapid heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever, headache, or sweating
Important warnings
- Used only under medical supervision; injections can be painful.
- Not suitable for poisoning by iron, cadmium, or selenium.
- Use caution with kidney or liver problems and high blood pressure.
- May cause hemolysis in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Pregnancy
Use only when the expected benefit outweighs potential fetal risk; evidence is limited.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding safety is uncertain; specialist guidance is needed.
Interactions
- Iron-containing medicines can reduce its effect and should not be given together.
- May interact with medicines that affect blood pressure or kidney function.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.