Succimer

Succimer, sold under the brand name Chemet among others, is a <a href="/facts/Medication/h9mhwWP2">medication</a> tool used to treat <a href="/facts/Lead_poisoning/STwlKj7c">lead</a>, <a href="/facts/Mercury_poisoning/xdSGkWLU">mercury</a>, and <a href="/facts/Arsenic_poisoning/JCLk4S68">arsenic poisoning</a>. When it's <a href="/facts/Radioactive_tracer/0210Jncn">radiolabeled</a> with <a href="/facts/Technetium-99m/HgIqtvrv">technetium-99m</a>, it's used in many types of <a href="/facts/Diagnostic_test/rRgnuQSD">diagnostic testing</a>.
Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and <a href="/facts/Neutropenia/qasEurVu">low blood neutrophil levels</a>. <a href="/facts/Liver_problems/NHtuS0gU">Liver problems</a> and <a href="/facts/Allergic_reactions/dYAVosh8">allergic reactions</a> may also occur with use. Whether use during <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> is safe for the baby is unclear.
Dimercaptosuccinic acid is in the <a href="/facts/Chelation_therapy/BtIB1o8I">chelating agent</a> family of medications. It binds to a metal atom, leading to increased clearance from the body via the <a href="/facts/Urine/oNUYVtvX">urine</a>. A full <a href="/facts/Course_(medicine)/J0MuYdsJ">course</a> of Succimer lasts for 19 days of <a href="/facts/Oral_administration/vNQcvLVx">oral administration</a>. A second course should be given when more than two weeks pass after the first course. 
Succimer has been used medically since the 1950s. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. In the United States, no <a href="/facts/Generic_medication/IF6AXDVX">generic version</a> was available as of 2015.

Succimer open-in-new

Succimer