Is DMSA available in oral form for high arsenic levels?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife and I have high arsenic levels, greater than 10. Probably due to water. We are changing the RO filter on our water purifier. What could be alternative causes? The best treatment is reportedly DMSA. It is available in injectable form. Can you tell me if it is available in oral form too? If so the brand name or source. Are there any significant side effects to oral and injectable DMSA?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

For arsenic poisoning, chelation DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid) drug used that is available as Succimer or Chemet brand name. It mainly occurs because of arsenic consumption through groundwater, industries, glass industry, pesticide exposure, etc. In hair and nail, its level detection also helpful when its level high in blood. Succimer available as 100 mg capsule also. The dose depend on stage and severity of involvement. Sometimes 10 mg per kg per day for five days also can be prescribed. This drug not available everywhere. It is available in few medical stores. The side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, sometime neutropenia, elevated liver enzymes, etc.

Take care.