Dimercaptosuccinic acid — oral water-soluble chelator that forms stable complexes with lead, arsenic, and mercury via vicinal dithiol groups, promoting urinary excretion of chelated metals. Does not significantly chelate essential metals (zinc, copper) at therapeutic doses.
At a glance
Class
Heavy Metal Chelating Agent (Oral)
Storage
Store at room temperature 15–25°C, protect from moisture
Dosing
Oral alternative to CaEDTA for lead poisoning — can be used as outpatient contin
Useful for outpatient management of lead toxicity in cats post-initial IV therap
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Blood and urine lead levelsRenal functionCBC (neutropenia monitoring)Clinical neurological improvement
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Succimer (DMSA)?
Succimer (DMSA) is a heavy metal chelating agent (oral) used in pets. Dimercaptosuccinic acid — oral water-soluble chelator that forms stable complexes with lead, arsenic, and mercury via vicinal dithiol groups, promoting urinary excretion of chelated metals. Does not significantly chelate essential metals (zinc, copper) at therapeutic doses.
›What is Succimer (DMSA) used for in pets?
Succimer (DMSA) is used in veterinary medicine for: Oral alternative to CaEDTA for lead poisoning — can be used as outpatient contin; Useful for outpatient management of lead toxicity in cats post-initial IV therap.
›What is the Succimer (DMSA) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Succimer (DMSA) is typically dosed as follows — Oral alternative to CaEDTA for lead poisoning — can be used as outpatient contin: 10 mg/kg PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Succimer (DMSA) dose for cats?
For cats, Succimer (DMSA) is typically dosed as follows — Useful for outpatient management of lead toxicity in cats post-initial IV therap: 10 mg/kg PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Succimer (DMSA) need a prescription?
Yes. Succimer (DMSA) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database