Chelation therapy is the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals in the body. It is very helpful in cases of poisoning and the most common forms of metal intoxication such as lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning. Chelating agents combine with metals and allow them to be excreted from the body. The human body is unable to break down heavy metals. When these elements build up and reach toxic levels in the body it can interfere with the normal functioning of a person. Chelating agents lower the blood levels of metals (e.g. lead, iron, etc.). This is made possible by the attachment of heavy metal molecules to the administered chelating agents. The heavy metal attached to the chelating drugs is then removed in the body through urination.Notes
Definition
Indications of chelating therapy:
Mechanisms of Action
Common Chelating Agents
Chelating Agent
Indication for use
Dimercaprol (BAL)
Acute arsenic poisoningAcute mercury poisoningLead poisoning (with another chelating drug, EDTA)
Edetate calcium disodium orEthylenediamine tetraacetic acid (CaEDTA or EDTA)
Lead poisoning
Deferoxamine
Acute Iron poisoningIron overload
Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA)
Lead poisoningArsenic poisoningMercury poisoning
Dimercapto-propane sulfonate (DMPS)
Severe acute arsenic poisoningSevere acute mercury poisoning
Penicillamine
Copper toxicity (mainly used)Adjunct to the therapy in:
Succimer (Chemet)
Lead poisoning in pediatric patients with blood lead levels above 45 microgram per deciliter
Side Effects
Contraindications
Nursing Implications
Videos