How to Administer Dmsa

DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) is a chelator, which is a chemical compound that binds to heavy metals to remove them from the body. A doctor prescribes this as a medication to treat cases of heavy metal poisoning. DMSA is often taken orally. Patients with acute heavy metal poisoning, however, may be hospitalized and given DMSA intravenously. Take DMSA only under your doctor's supervision. Follow all dosing instructions carefully and report any side effects. Before taking any medication, inform your doctor of other drugs you take or medical conditions you have.

Things You'll Need

• DMSA
• Multivitamin

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of heavy metal toxicity and a prescription for DMSA. The physician can provide you with an accurate dosage amount and schedule. The amount of DMSA you need to take is calculated taking into account your body weight. You take it orally, in the form of a capsule.

• 2

  Take your prescribed dose of DMSA three times per day, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise. Preferably, take each dose at four-hour intervals.

  You may take the capsule with or without food. If you are giving the drug to a child who is fussy about taking medications, try emptying the capsule into a beverage or food, like applesauce. Don't put It in milk or grapefruit products.

  Drink plenty of water while taking this medication, as recommended in Drugs.com. If you're unsure if you're drinking enough water, consult your physician.

• 3

  Take the drug for three days in a row. Cease taking the drug for the next 11 days.

• 4

  Take a multivitamin for the 11 days following the three days of dosages. DMSA removes healthy minerals from your body in addition to the heavy metals. A multivitamin can replace the lost minerals.

• 5

  Continue this dosage schedule for as long as your doctor recommends. If you experience any side effects, such as fever or nausea, consult with your physician as soon as possible.