What is Dimercaprol?
Dimercaprol is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent employed to eliminate metallic heavy elements (such as mercury or lead) from blood.
Dimercaprol helps treat arsenic, gold, and the poisoning of mercury. It can also be used in conjunction with a different medicine known as Edetate Disodium (EDTA) for treating lead-related poisoning.
Side effects of Dimercaprol
See a doctor immediately. If you notice any of the following symptoms that indicate reactions to an allergen: hives; trouble breathing; and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Inform your caregiver immediately. If you suffer from:
- Severe drowsiness, severe headache;
- Severe nausea or vomiting; stomach pain;
- Pressure or pain in your chest or throat;
- Anxiety, unrestful feelings, fast heartbeats, anxiety;
- Sensations of pain, tingling, or tightness within your hands.
- The burning sensation in your throat and mouth;
- Burning sensation in your penis;
- Watery or red eyes with twitching eyes
- Runny nose, more salivation, or
- Symptoms of kidney problems: little or no urine; pain and difficulty urinating; swelling of your ankles or feet; and feeling exhausted or short of breath.
Common adverse reactions include:
- Weakness;
- Headache;
- Flu (especially among children) or
- Pain or a lump in the area where the medicine was injected.
This list does not constitute a comprehensive listing of possible side effects; others could occur. Please consult your physician if experiencing adverse reactions and report any to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for further investigation.
Warnings
In a poisoning situation, it might take a while to notify your healthcare providers about any health issues. It is important that the doctor who cares for you following the incident knows that you've received dimercaprol.
Before you take this drug
If it is possible prior to receiving dimercaprol, you should inform your physician if you suffer from:
- Kidney or liver disease
- An answer to any drug an allergy to any drug
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
The medicine contained in this product is peanut oil. Consult your physician if you suffer from a peanut allergy. FDA pregnancy classification C It isn't known whether dimercaprol can affect a newborn baby. Consult your physician about what you are expecting.
It is unclear if dimercaprol gets into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby. In the event of an emergency, it may not be feasible until you have been treated with dimercaprol to inform your family members if you're breastfeeding or pregnant. But ensure that anyone who cares for your child or pregnant mother is aware that you've taken this medicine.
How to take Dimercaprol?
Dimercaprol is injected into a muscle. The healthcare professional will provide you with the injection.
Dimercaprol is most effective when administered within one or two hours following an acute toxic event. Dimercaprol may not be as effective when treating chronic poisoning (slow poisoning that occurs over a long time).
Dimercaprol may be administered for several days, depending on the kind of poisoning that is being dealt with.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Since you'll receive dimercaprol in a clinical setting, you're less likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Because dimercaprol is administered by a medical specialist in a medical setting, it is highly unlikely for an overdose to occur.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications can be incompatible with dimercaprol, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about the medicines you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start using.
