Dimercaprol injection

What is this medicine?

DIMERCAPROL (dahy mer KAP rawl) binds with heavy metals in the body. It is used to treat arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead poisoning.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• pain or tightness in the chest, hands or throat

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever

• high blood pressure

• irritation, pain at site where injected

• seizures

• sweating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning sensation of the lips, mouth, throat, or penis

• headache

• increase in saliva, tears

• nausea, vomiting

• runny nose

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cadmium

• gold compounds like auranofin, aurothioglucose

• iron salts or supplements

• selenium

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency

• iron, cadmium, or selenium poisoning

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dimercaprol, peanuts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may need to follow a special diet for a short time after you take this medicine. Follow your doctor or health care professional's instructions carefully.