Dimercaprol

Generic name: dimercaprol
Brand name: BAL In Oil
Dosage form: injectable solution (10%)
Drug class: Antidotes

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is dimercaprol?

Dimercaprol is a prescription medicine that is used to treat arsenic, gold, lead, or mercury poisoning.

Description

Dimercaprol Injection USP is a colorless or almost colorless liquid chelating agent having a disagreeable, mercaptan-like odor. Each 1 mL sterile BAL in Oil (Dimercaprol Injection USP) contains: 100 mg Dimercaprol in 200 mg Benzyl Benzoate and 700 mg Peanut Oil.

Before taking dimercaprol, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to dimercaprol; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
If you are taking an iron product.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with dimercaprol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take dimercaprol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take dimercaprol?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take dimercaprol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
If you are allergic to peanuts, talk with the doctor.
Fever may happen in children getting dimercaprol. This may last as long as dimercaprol is used. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using dimercaprol while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is dimercaprol best taken?

Use dimercaprol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of dimercaprol that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
A burning or tingling feeling that is not normal.

What are some other side effects of dimercaprol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Pain where the shot was given.
Headache.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Sweating a lot.
Feeling tired or weak.
Runny nose.
Watery eyes.
More saliva.
Anxiety.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out dimercaprol?

If you need to store dimercaprol at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

SRC: NLM .

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