Dimercaprol
Key points
- DIMERCAPROL (BAL in Oilreg;) treats arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead poisoning.
- Dimercaprol is for injection into a muscle or into a vein.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
- Your condition will be monitored closely while you receive dimercaprol.
Dimercaprol injection
What is dimercaprol injection? DIMERCAPROL (BAL in Oilreg;) treats arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead poisoning. It should be used within 1 or 2 hours after exposure to the poison. Dimercaprol was developed during World War II in an attempt to discover an antidote to a war gas containing arsenic. Generic dimercaprol injection is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive dimercaprol?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease or problems passing urine
- liver disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to dimercaprol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Dimercaprol is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with dimercaprol?
- auranofin
- aurothioglucose
- iron salts
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving dimercaprol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- choking, or pain in the throat or chest
- fever
- headache
- increase in saliva
- pain or irritation at the site of injection
- seizures (convulsions)
- sweating
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
