Succimer

Generic Name: succimer (SUCK sih mer)

Brand Names: Chemet

What is succimer?

Succimer is a chelating (binding) agent. Succimer binds to lead in the blood and allows it to be passed out in the urine.

Succimer is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.

Succimer may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What is the most important information I should know about succimer?

Succimer can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Succimer may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking succimer?

Before taking succimer, talk to your doctor if you have

• 
  

  had a previous reaction to treatment with succimer;

  
  


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  blood problems;

  
  


• kidney problems; or


• liver problems.

You may not be able to take succimer, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Succimer is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take succimer without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether succimer passes into breast milk and if it will affect a nursing baby. Do not take succimer without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take succimer?

Take succimer exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink several extra glasses of water each day while taking succimer to maintain adequate hydration.

If swallowing the capsules is difficult, the capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a small amount of soft food. The mixture should be consumed entirely and immediately, not saved for later use. Alternatively, the contents of the capsule may be placed on a spoon, administered, and followed with a drink of fruit juice or other liquid.

It is important to take succimer regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with succimer to monitor progress and side effects.

Store sucralfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Succimer dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a succimer overdose may include poor coordination, weakness, seizures, difficulty breathing, and death.

What should I avoid while taking succimer?

Succimer can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Succimer may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Succimer side effects

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects to succimer:

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  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  
  


• 
  

  skin rash or sores in the mouth; or

  
  


• 
  

  signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

  
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take succimer and talk to your doctor if you experience

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  nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

  
  


• 
  

  diarrhea;

  
  


• 
  

  metallic taste in the mouth;

  
  


• 
  

  drowsiness;

  
  


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  dizziness;

  
  


• 
  

  watering eyes; or

  
  


• 
  

  headache.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Repeated courses may be administered if indicated by weekly blood lead concentration levels, with a minimum of two weeks between courses unless blood lead levels indicate the need for more rapid treatment.

What other drugs will affect succimer?

No other medications are known to interact with succimer. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

More succimer resources

• Succimer Side Effects (in more detail)
• Succimer Dosage
• Succimer Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Succimer Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Succimer - Add your own review/rating

• succimer Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Succimer Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Succimer Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Succimer MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Chemet Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare succimer with other medications

• Lead Poisoning, Severe

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about succimer written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: succimer side effects (in more detail)