Examples

Succimer is given by mouth. Most other chelating agents are given by injection.

Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) is a chelation agent that is not used very much. It may help treat children who have low, but still unacceptable, blood lead levels.

How It Works

These medicines:

• Bind lead in tissues and increase elimination of lead in the urine.
• Reduce blood lead levels.
• Reduce further harm from lead poisoning.

Why It Is Used

Chelating agents are used if:

• Blood lead levels are 45 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or higher (in some cases, 20 mcg/dL or higher).
• Symptoms of lead poisoning are present.
• Lead encephalopathy is present.

How Well It Works

All chelating agents:

• Reduce blood lead levels.
• Reverse some effects of lead poisoning on the blood.
• May cause the elimination of essential minerals, particularly calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe muscle cramps.

Common side effects of all chelating agents include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.

Other side effects of BAL include:

• Rise in blood pressure.
• Headache.
• Burning sensation in the lips, mouth, and throat.

Other side effects of calcium EDTA include:

• Drop in blood pressure.
• Heart rhythm changes.
• Tremors.
• Headache.

Other side effects of succimer include:

• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Rash.
• Chills.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Lead sources in your home or workplace must be removed or reduced—or you need to be moved to a lead-safe home—before you have chelation. If this is not possible, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.