BAL In Oil
Generic name:dimercaprol [ DYE-mer-KAP-rol ]
Drug class:Antidotes
What is BAL In Oil?
BAL In Oil is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that is used to remove a heavy metal (such as lead or mercury) from the blood.
BAL In Oil is used to treat arsenic, gold, or mercury poisoning. It is also used together with another medicine called edetate disodium (EDTA) to treat lead poisoning.
BAL In Oil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
In a poisoning situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received BAL In Oil.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive BAL In Oil, tell your doctor if you have:
liver or kidney disease;
an allergy to any drugs; or
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
This medicine contains peanut oil. Tell your doctor if you have a peanut allergy.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether BAL In Oil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dimercaprol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with BAL In Oil to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medicine.
How is BAL In Oil given?
BAL In Oil is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
BAL In Oil is most effective when used within 1 or 2 hours after a sudden poisoning. BAL In Oil may not be as effective in treating long-term poisoning (slow poisoning that has occurred over a long period of time).
BAL In Oil is sometimes given for several days, depending on the type of poisoning being treated.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because you will receive BAL In Oil in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
