Presentation
100mg/2mL vial
SAS
Role
Dimercaprol is a parenteral chelating agent, used in the treatment of heavy metal toxicity (lead, arsenic, gold and mercury toxicity).
All cases should be discussed with a clinical toxicologist through local toxicology service or Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.
Dose
4mg/kg IM q4h for 5-7 days
Stocking recommendations
| Tertiary centre | Regional centre | Rural centre | Remote centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 24 vials | 0 vials | 0 vials | 0 vials |
Rationale
Dimercaprol is one of several chelating agents available. Its unfavourable side-effect profile means it is rarely the chelation agent of choice. 24 vials are enough to treat a 100kg person for 24 hours.
Precaution
Dimercaprol is frequently associated with adverse effects including severe local pain, hypertension, tachycardia, vomiting, seizures and coma. It is the preferred parenteral chelation agent in renal failure. It is formulated in a peanut oil suspension and is not suitable for patients with a peanut allergy.
Disclaimer
Fact sheet developed by Queensland Poisons Information Centre.
This fact sheet is about the use of these antidotes in Australia, and may not apply to other countries. Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this fact sheet.
Last updated: July 2023