DMPS and DMSA are used to treat mercury poisoning due to their higher therapeutic index compared to BAL. These agents do not redistribute mercury or arsenic back into the brain, making them safer alternatives in clinical practice.

The sooner treatment is initiated after exposure, the more effective it will be. Studies have shown that chelation therapy within minutes to hours of metal exposure can significantly reduce symptoms and improve outcomes for individuals poisoned with either arsenic or inorganic mercury salts.

Animal experiments have provided strong evidence supporting a therapeutic role for these agents when used promptly following acute poisoning by heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, antimony, bismuth, gold, indium, tin, tellurium, thallium, and other metal ions. These chelators work by enhancing excretion of the toxins from the body.

DMPS (unithiol) and DMSA (succimer), dithiol water-soluble analogs of BAL developed in the Soviet Union and China respectively during World War II have become integral components within current treatment protocols for managing heavy metal intoxications since their introduction over half a century ago.

Mercury poisoning treatment natural