J. Graziano
May 1, 1986
Citations
2
Influential Citations
117
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Medical Toxicology
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a recently rediscovered pharmacological agent which has broad clinical implications. 2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) [fig. 1] has recently been shown to be highly effective for the treatment of occupational plumbism (Graziano et al. 1985). A study still in progress indicates that it is also extremely potent as a drug for childhood lead intoxication (Graziano et al. 1986). The drug is orally active, relatively specific for the heavy metals, rapidly eliminated and appears to lack serious adverse effects at clinically effective doses. Furthermore, numerous pre-clinical studies indicate that dimercaptosuccinic acid should offer a safe and effective means of treating other heavy metal poisonings.