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Dimercaprol
Drug ClassChelating Agent
Year Approved1941
Conditions TreatedHeavy metal poisoning
AvailabilityPrescription
About Dimercaprol
A chelating agent developed during World War II as an antidote to arsenic based chemical weapons. Dimercaprol or BAL treats poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead. It binds to metals, allowing them to be excreted in urine. Dimercaprol is given by injection and causes significant side effects including pain at the injection site, nausea, and blood pressure changes. The drug has largely been replaced by newer chelators including succimer, also known as DMSA, but remains important for specific types of severe metal poisoning.