Chemet (succimer)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Succimer is a heavy metal antagonist that chelates lead.
Succimer, a dimercaptosuccinic acid, is a chelating agent. The drug is structurally related to dimercaprol.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
USES: This medication is used to treat lead poisoning. It works by binding to the lead so that it may be removed by your kidneys. Removing lead from your body will lower the chance of severe problems caused by lead poisoning.
Generic name: succimer
Pronunciation: (SUX-i-mer)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
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Indications
The following indications are listed for Chemet:
- Lead Toxicity
Dosing
For the treatment of lead poisoning in children, the usual initial succimer dosage is 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 every 8 hours for 5 days. The manufacturer states that initiation of succimer therapy with higher dosages currently is not recommended. After the initial 5 days of therapy, succimer dosage should be reduced to 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 every 12 hours for an additional 2 weeks of therapy. Depending on the blood lead concentration, additional courses of therapy with succimer may be necessary. Intervals of not less than 2 weeks are recommended between courses of succimer therapy unless blood lead concentrations require more prompt drug therapy. Patients who have received edetate calcium disodium (calcium EDTA) therapy, with or without dimercaprol, may receive succimer after an interval of 4 weeks; concomitant administration of succimer with edetate calcium disodium (with or without dimercaprol) currently is not recommended since the safety and efficacy of such combined therapy are not known.
Succimer is administered orally. For young children who are unable to swallow the commercially available capsules, the contents of the capsules may be sprinkled on soft food just prior to administration or they may be placed on a spoon for administration and taken with fruit juice (to mask the characteristic sulfur odor).
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Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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