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
Safety
Blood and urine lead levelsRenal functionCBC (neutropenia monitoring)Clinical neurological improvement
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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