dimercaprol

dimercaprol /di·mer·cap·rol/ (di″mer-kap´rol) a metal complexing agent used as an antidote to poisoning by arsenic, gold, mercury, and lead

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di·mer·cap·rol (dmr-kprôl, -rl)

n.

A chelating agent developed as an antidote for lewisite and other arsenical poisons, also used as an antidote for antimony, bismuth, chromium, mercury, gold, and nickel poisoning. Also called anti-lewisite, British anti-lewisite.

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Dimercaprol (BAL)

A chemical agent used to remove excess lead from the body.

Mentioned in: Lead Poisoning

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dimercaprol

[dī′mərkap′rol]

a heavy-metal antagonist. Formerly called British antilewisite (BAL).

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of Wilson's disease and in the treatment of acute arsenic, mercury, or gold poisoning, as from an overdosage with mercurial diuretics, arsenics, or gold salts.

contraindications Hepatic or renal insufficiency; poisoning with cadmium, iron, or selenium; or known hypersensitivity to the drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse reactions are nephrotoxicity, acidosis, convulsions, and abnormal cardiovascular functions. Mild reactions include pain at the injection site, nausea, excessive salivation, and paresthesia.

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dimercaprol [di″mer-kap´rol]

a colorless, liquid chelating agent used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning; it forms a relatively stable compound with arsenic, mercury, gold, and certain other metals, thus protecting the vital enzyme systems of the cells against the effects of the metals. It is sometimes diluted with water and used to wash the stomach, with some of the solution being left in the stomach. Side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, severe headaches, and a sense of constriction of the chest; barbiturates are usually ordered to relieve the symptoms, which should subside within an hour. Dimercaprol has a disagreeable skunklike odor and should be handled carefully to avoid spilling. Called also British antilewisite.

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dimercaprol

a chelating agent used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. The drug forms a relatively stable compound with arsenic, mercury, gold and certain other metals, thus protecting the vital enzyme systems of the cells against the effects of the metals. It is sometimes diluted with water and used to wash the stomach, some of the solution being permitted to remain in the stomach. At the dose levels required for effect in ruminants at the level of poison dose experienced in agriculture, dimercaprol is itself poisonous. The drug has a very disagreeable skunklike odor and should be handled carefully to avoid spilling. Called also British antilewisite, BAL, dimercaptopropanol.