Why is dimercaprol called Bal?

Emergency physicians are familiar with British anti-Lewisite (BAL) because it is a heavy metal-chelating agent that is recommended in some cases of metal poisoning, especially arsenic.

What is the drug classification of dimercaprol?

Dimercaprol is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that is used to remove a heavy metal (such as lead or mercury) from the blood. Dimercaprol 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.

Who discovered dimercaprol?

British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol, was developed in Oxford during the Second World War by Sir Rudolf Peters and his team as an antidote against arsenical warfare poisoning [46, 47].

How is dimercaprol prepared?

In the few cases when dimercaprol is used, it is given by deep i.m. injection as a 5% solution in arachis oil. It is usually given in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, every 4 h, for the first day(s) of an acute poisoning. Subsequently, the antidotal regimen should be changed to DMPS or DMSA.

Which is the best antidote for lewisite poisoning?

First Aid. ANTIDOTE: British Anti-Lewisite (BAL; dimercaprol) binds to the arsenic in lewisite to decrease the toxicity of this agent. BAL is given by intramuscular (IM) injection as an antidote for whole-body (systemic) health effects of lewisite but has no effect on local lesions of the skin, eyes, or airways.

When did Julius Arthur Nieuwland invent lewisite?

Lewisite was synthesized in 1904 by Julius Arthur Nieuwland during studies for his PhD. In his thesis, he described a reaction between acetylene and arsenic trichloride, which led to the formation of lewisite. Exposure to the resulting compound made Nieuwland so ill he was hospitalized for several days.

How is lewisite used as a chemical warfare agent?

It was developed as a potential chemical warfare agent (military designation, L), but has not been used on the battlefield. Exposure to large amounts can be fatal. Pain and irritation from exposure to either liquid or vapor lewisite are immediate, and early tissue destruction is more obvious than after exposure to mustard.

What kind of liquid is a Lewisite blister agent?

APPEARANCE: Oily liquid with a range of colors from colorless to violet-black, green, amber, or dark brown. DESCRIPTION: Lewisite is an extremely toxic, arsenic-containing blister agent (vesicant) that affects the lungs and causes whole-body (systemic) effects.