Succimer

Generic name: succimer [ SUCK-sih-mer ]
Brand name: Chemet
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg)
Drug class: Chelating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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.

Related/similar drugs

glucagon, Lexiscan, mannitol, arginine, Ceretec, Chemet

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.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How should I take succimer?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of soft food. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

You may also empty the medicine beads into a spoon, swallow all of the beads, and then drink a glass of juice or fruit-flavored drink.

Drink plenty of liquids to keep your kidneys working properly so they can help eliminate the lead from your body.

Succimer is usually given daily for 19 days in a row. You may need to receive more than one course of treatment. Use succimer regularly to get the most benefit.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the lead is completely cleared from your body.

You may need medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with succimer.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using succimer.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using succimer.

Succimer can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick. Your blood cells may need to be tested often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Succimer dosing information

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 days
Maintenance 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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking succimer?

Once it has been determined how or where you got lead poisoning, avoid coming into contact with that source or location.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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