Succimer

Generic name: Succimer
Brand names: Chemet
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg)
Drug class: Chelating agents

Usage of Succimer

Succimer is used to treat lead poisoning.

Succimer is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that binds to lead in the blood and allows it to be passed out in the urine.

Succimer may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Succimer side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Succimer may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

fever, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;

skin sores, rash; or

swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing.

Common side effects of succimer may include:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

diarrhea; or

metallic taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Succimer

You should not use succimer if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;

liver disease; or

treatment with dimercaprol or edetate calcium disodium.

Succimer may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using succimer.

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How to use Succimer

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lead Poisoning -- Severe:

1 year or older: Initial dose: 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 orally every 8 hours for five daysMaintenance dose: 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 orally every 12 hours for 14 days 8 kg to 15 kg: Initial dose: 100 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 100 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 16 kg to 23 kg: Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 200 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 24 kg to 34 kg: Initial dose: 300 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 35 kg to 44 kg: Initial dose: 400 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 45 kg or greater: Initial dose: 500 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days Comments:-Do not use for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment.-Always identify and remove the source of the lead exposure.-May repeat courses if indicated by weekly blood lead concentration levels, with a minimum of two weeks between courses unless blood lead levels necessitate more rapid treatment.Use: Treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Succimer

Other drugs may affect succimer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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