Dimercaprol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is dimercaprol for?

Dimercaprol is a drug agent chelating which is used to remove heavy metals (such as lead or mercury) from the blood.

Dimercaprol is used to treat arsenic, gold, or mercury poisoning. This drug is also used together with another drug called edetate disodium (EDTA) to treat lead poisoning.

How to use and storage

How do I use dimercaprol?

Before using dimercaprol, here are ways to use drugs that you need to pay attention to:

• This drug is an injection drug that is injected into a muscle. The use of this drug should only be done by the medical team.
• This drug works most effectively when injected within 1 or 2 hours of poisoning.
• This medicine may not be effective in treating long-term poisoning (poisoning that has occurred over a long period of time).
• Dimercaprol is a drug that is sometimes given for several days, depending on the type of poison being treated.

How to store this drug?

Pay attention to the following dimercaprol storage procedures:

• Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist.
• Store the medicine at room temperature and keep it away from sunlight or damp places.
• Avoid storing dimercaprol in the bathroom.
• Avoid freezing the drug onfreezer.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
• If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.
• Do not mix this medicine with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.
• Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dimercaprol dosage for adults?

The following is the recommended dosage for adults:

Metal poisoning

The starting dose is 400 - 800 mg on the first day of treatment, followed by 200 - 400 mg on days 2 and 3.

Reduce it to 100-200 mg on day 4 and the following day, all in divided doses.

It is recommended to give an injection dose every 4 hours to reduce the risk of side effects.

Lead poisoning

The recommended dose is 4 mg / kg body weight, followed by 3-4 mg / kg the next day. Dimercaprol is given together with sodium calcium edetate every 4 hours. Maintenance: 2-7 days.

What is the dose of dimercaprol for children?

The following is the recommended dosage for children under 18 years of age:

Metal poisoning

For children 1 month-18 years: 2.5-3 mg / kg every 4 hours for 2 days, 2-4 times on day 3, then 1-2 times daily for 10 days or until recovery.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Dimercaprol is a drug that is available in oil injection dosage with a size of 100 mg / ml.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to dimercaprol?

Dimercaprol is a drug that can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• nausea
• gag
• stomach ache
• numbness or tingling (especially around your mouth)
• headache
• red, swollen, or watery eyes
• eyelid twitching
• cold
• sweat more
• fever
• redness or swelling at the injection site

In addition, this drug also has the risk of causing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic). Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:

• swelling of the face or throat
• hard to breathe
• rash and redness of the skin

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

• rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or restless
• pain or tightness in the throat, chest, or hands
• a burning sensation in your throat, mouth, or lips
• feeling hot on the penis

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What should be known before using dimercaprol?

Before you get a dimercaprol injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease
• allergies to drugs
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

According to DailyMed, this remedy contains peanut oil. If you have a peanut allergy, consult your doctor or medical team immediately.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

This medicine is considered a pregnancy risk category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

It is not known whether dimercaprol passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing infant. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with dimercaprol?

Some types of drugs may interact with dimercaprol.

One of them is a drug with iron content. The interaction of iron therapy drugs with dimercaprol has the potential to cause kidney problems.

Can food or alcohol interact with dimercaprol?

Certain drugs, including metamizole, should not be used while eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• kidney damage
• hypertension
• G6PD deficiency

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or drug overdose, call an ambulance (118 or 119) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.