dimerkaprol
Dimercaprol, also known as British anti-Lewisite (BAL), is a chelating agent with two sulfhydryl (-SH) groups. It binds certain heavy metals including arsenic, inorganic mercury, gold salts, and lead, forming stable complexes that are excreted in urine. It was developed in the 1940s as an antidote to the arsenical vesicant lewisite and earned the name British anti-Lewisite.
BAL is indicated for acute metal poisoning with arsenic, mercury, and certain gold compounds; historically it
Administration of BAL is by intramuscular injection as an oil-based emulsion, due to the hydrophobic vehicle.
Contraindications and precautions: BAL is contraindicated in individuals with peanut or soy allergy because the vehicle