Dimercaprol (also known as British Anti-Lewisite or BAL) is an organoarsenic compound used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and other heavy metals. It is also used to treat Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of copper in the body. Dimercaprol is administered as an intramuscular injection and works by forming a complex with the metal, which is then eliminated from the body. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, and muscle pain.
Dimercaprol, also known as British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), is a medication used to treat acute poisoning from several heavy metals. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Function: Dimercaprol acts as a chelating agent. It binds to specific heavy metals in the bloodstream, forming a complex that can be excreted from the body through urine.
Treated Conditions:
- Primary use: Acute poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead.
- Less common use: May be used for antimony, thallium, or bismuth poisoning, although evidence for these applications is weaker.
Administration:
- Dimercaprol is administered by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
Important Considerations:
- Side Effects: Dimercaprol can cause various side effects, including high blood pressure, pain at the injection site, vomiting, and fever.
- Peanut Allergy: Since it's typically formulated in peanut oil, it's contraindicated for people with peanut allergies.
- Toxicity: Dimercaprol itself can be toxic, so it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Alternatives:
- Newer chelating agents with potentially fewer side effects are available for some heavy metal poisonings.
Overall, dimercaprol is a valuable tool for treating heavy metal poisoning, but its use requires careful consideration of potential side effects and toxicity.