Description |
Succimer is a newly available oral chelator of lead and other heavy metals. The compound is indicated for the treatment of lead poisoning in children. Succimer does not bind iron, calcium or magnesium and preferentially binds lead, mercury and arsenic over copper or zinc. The metal-bound succimer is excreted in the urine. The drug may also be effective in adults. |
Chemical Properties |
white or off-white powder |
Originator |
Johnson and Johnson (J&J) (U.S.A.) |
Uses |
A selective masking agent for cadmium in EDTA titration of zinc. |
Uses |
chelating agent, antihypertensive |
Uses |
meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid is used as a chelating agent and masking agent for cadmium in EDTA titration of zinc. |
Uses |
chelating agent, treatment of lead poisoning |
Uses |
A water-soluble chelating agent. |
Uses |
Chelating agent. |
Definition |
ChEBI: A sulfur-containing carboxylic acid that is succinic acid bearing two mercapto substituents at positions 2 and 3. A lead chelator used as an antedote to lead poisoning. |
Brand name |
Chemet (Ovation). |
Pharmaceutical Applications |
Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is a modification of BAL containing two thiol groups, which are responsible for the unpleasant smell, and two carboxylic acid groups. DMSA is also known under the name Succimer. It chemical name is meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid and the chemical formula is HO2CCH(SH)CH(SH)CO2H. There are two diastereomeric forms, meso and the chiral DL forms, with the meso isomer being used as chelating agent.
DMSA was developed in the 1960s and replaced BAL and edetate in some countries for the treatment of lead, arsenic and mercury poisoning. Furthermore, the dimethylester modification of DMSA has been successfully used for the treatment of heavy-metal poisoning. |
Pharmaceutical Applications |
The unlicensed drug Succimer (DMSA, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) may be valuable in the treatment of most forms of heavy-metal poisoning including lead, arsenic and mercury. These and other chelating agents such as unithiol (DMPS, 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid) and α-lipoic acid (ALA) are also used in alternative medicine, which has led to much criticism and discussion. So far, no medical study has proven the effectiveness of chelation therapy for any clinical application other than heavy-metal poisoning. |