GNH USA

Europe — EMA

Mercapton

GNH USA supplies Mercapton (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid), a chelating agent for lead, mercury and other heavy metal toxicity. Request a quote for global supply.

Dimercaptosuccinic Acid

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What is Dimercaptosuccinic Acid?

Dimercaptosuccinic Acid, the active ingredient in Mercapton, is a chelating agent presented as an intravenous solution for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, including lead and mercury toxicity, in patients requiring rapid detoxification. It works by binding divalent metal ions to form complexes that are eliminated in the urine.

GNH USA supplies Mercapton as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company ensures quality compliance with EU standards and provides reliable global distribution.

What is Dimercaptosuccinic Acid used for?

Mercapton is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning. - Lead poisoning: facilitates urinary excretion of lead, reducing blood lead levels. - Mercury poisoning: binds mercury ions, enhancing elimination and mitigating toxicity. - Other heavy metal toxicity: chelates various divalent metals such as arsenic and cadmium, supporting detoxification.

What are the side effects of Dimercaptosuccinic Acid?

Adverse reactions to Mercapton may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild gastrointestinal discomfort. - Headache: transient cranial pain. - Flushing: temporary skin redness. - Hypotension: mild drop in blood pressure.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Acute renal failure: sudden loss of kidney function. - Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with respiratory distress. - Hepatotoxicity: liver enzyme elevation. - Hemolysis: destruction of red blood cells.

What precautions apply to Dimercaptosuccinic Acid?

When using Mercapton, clinicians should observe several safety measures. - Renal function monitoring: assess creatinine and urine output before and during therapy. - Electrolyte balance: check serum electrolytes, especially potassium and calcium. - Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs: avoid or adjust dosing of other kidney‑affecting medications. - Pregnancy and lactation: use only if potential benefit justifies risk, as safety data are limited. - Pediatric use: dose adjustment required; monitor growth and development. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

What does Dimercaptosuccinic Acid interact with?

Mercapton may interact with other medicines, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Penicillamine: concurrent use can reduce chelation effectiveness and increase toxicity. - High-dose zinc supplements: may interfere with metal binding and diminish therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Loop diuretics: may enhance renal excretion of electrolytes, requiring monitoring. - ACE inhibitors: potential additive effect on blood pressure, monitor for hypotension. - Anticoagulants (warfarin): chelation may alter plasma protein binding, affecting INR.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mercapton used for?+
Mercapton is a prescription‑only intravenous formulation of dimercaptosuccinic acid, a chelating agent employed to treat acute heavy‑metal poisoning. It is indicated for patients with elevated blood levels of lead, mercury or other divalent toxic metals, where rapid reduction of systemic metal burden is required.
How does dimercaptosuccinic acid work?+
Dimercaptosuccinic acid acts as a bidentate chelator that binds divalent metal ions such as Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺ and As³⁺. The resulting complexes are highly water‑soluble and non‑toxic, allowing the kidneys to excrete them in the urine, thereby lowering the total body load of the toxic metal.
What is the usual dose of Mercapton?+
The exact dose and infusion rate of Mercapton are determined by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s weight, severity of metal exposure, renal function and laboratory monitoring. Dosing regimens are individualized and should follow the latest clinical guidelines or the product’s prescribing information.
Is Mercapton safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?+
Safety data for dimercaptosuccinic acid in pregnancy and lactation are limited. It should only be used when the potential benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.
How do I order Mercapton from GNH USA?+
To request Mercapton, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnh-usa.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH USA works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including cold‑chain if needed) and required import documentation.
How does Mercapton compare with the main alternative chelator?+
The primary alternative chelator for heavy‑metal poisoning is calcium disodium edetate (CaEDTA). Compared with CaEDTA, dimercaptosuccinic acid (Mercapton) has a higher affinity for mercury and can be administered intravenously for rapid effect, while CaEDTA is often used for lead and is available in both oral and parenteral forms. Choice depends on the specific metal and clinical scenario.
What are the storage requirements for Mercapton?+
Mercapton should be stored at 2‑8 °C in a refrigerator, protected from light. The vial must not be frozen or shaken, and any unused portion should be discarded according to local regulations after the recommended storage period.
How is Mercapton administered?+
Mercapton is given by intravenous infusion under medical supervision. The solution is diluted in an appropriate compatible IV fluid and infused over a prescribed period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the clinical protocol and patient tolerance.
What are the most serious risks associated with Mercapton?+
The most serious adverse events include acute renal failure, anaphylactic reactions and severe hepatotoxicity. Patients should be closely monitored for sudden changes in kidney function, signs of allergic response such as rash or breathing difficulty, and abnormal liver enzymes during treatment.
Who should not use Mercapton?+
Mercapton is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dimercaptosuccinic acid or any component of the formulation. Caution is also advised for individuals with severe renal impairment, uncontrolled hypertension, or those receiving other nephrotoxic agents, unless the treating physician determines that benefits outweigh the risks.
Information provided on this page is for educational use by procurement and clinical professionals. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical advice and prescribing decisions. GNH USA supplies this product subject to applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.

Product details

Drug
Dimercaptosuccinic Acid
Route
Intravenous Use
Manufacturer
Medi-Radiopharma Kft.
Origin
EU

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