Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)

Bradberry S, Vale A.1 Dimercaptosuccinic acid (succimer; DMSA) in inorganic lead poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2009 Aug;47(7):617-31.

1West Midlands Poisons Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

INTRODUCTION: This article reviews data on the efficacy of succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) in the treatment of human inorganic lead poisoning, the adverse effects associated with its use, and summarizes current understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects.

CONCLUSIONS: DMSA is an effective lead chelator that primarily chelates renal lead. It is generally well tolerated but may occasionally cause clinically important adverse effects. DMSA may now be considered as an alternative to sodium calcium edetate, particularly when an oral antidote is preferable.