DIMERCAPROL Solution for injection Ref.[9520] Active ingredients: Dimercaprol

Posology

Adults

400-800 mg, in divided doses, on the first day.
200-400 mg, in divided doses, on the second and third days.
100-200 mg, in divided doses, on the subsequent days.

Within the above dose range, individual dosage should be calculated on a bodyweight basis and will depend upon the severity of symptoms and the causative agent. As a general guide, single doses should not exceed 3 mg per kg bodyweight. However, in severe acute poisoning, single doses up to 5 mg per kg bodyweight may be required initially.

Paediatric population

Dimercaprol Injection is well tolerated by children and the dosage should be calculated on the basis of bodyweight, using the same unit dose per kg of bodyweight as for an adult under similar clinical circumstances.

Elderly

There are no specific data on the use of dimercaprol in the elderly but since it is eliminated via the kidney, it should be used with caution in this age group.

Method of administration

For intramuscular injection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of over dosage include malaise, nausea, vomiting, lacrimation and salivation, burning sensation of lips, mouth, throat and eyes with headache. A sense of constriction of the throat and chest. Increased blood pressure maximal after 15-20 minutes. Transient effects lasting about four hours.

Management

Treatment consists of the subcutaneous administration of diphenhydramine 50 mg or ephedrine 30 mg or ephedrine in a dosage of 30-60 mg orally if time permits.

Shelf life: 3 years.

Store at 2º-25°C. Protect from light.

A 2 ml clear neutral glass ampoule with ceramic breakring. Pack sizes of 1 ampoule packed in a cardboard carton, or 10 ampoules packed in a polystyrene pack within a cardboard sleeve.

Special precautions for disposal: react with weak aqueous solution (up to 15% of calcium hypochlorite). Leave for 24 hours. Neutralise and discharge to drain with copious quantities of water.