Succimer
Also known as: Chemet, Succicaptal
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Strong Odor:** This medication contains sulfur and has a very strong, unpleasant "rotten egg" odor. **This is completely normal** and does not mean the drug is bad. * **Odor Transfer:** The smell may transfer to your pet's breath, saliva, urine, and feces during treatment. * **Administration:** To make it easier to give, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of highly palatable, soft food. * **Hydration is Key:** Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh water. The drug binds to the lead and flushes it out through the urine, so good hydration is essential for the treatment to work safely.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, body aches)
- Increased liver enzymes (AST, ALT)
- Rash
- Unpleasant sulfurous odor imparted to breath, saliva, urine, and feces
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to succimer
- Continued exposure to the lead source (source must be removed prior to or concurrently with therapy)
- ### Important Precautions * **Source Removal:** Chelation therapy should *only* be attempted if the source of lead (e.g., lead paint, sinkers, shot) is removed from the GI tract and environment to prevent further absorption. * **Laboratory Interferences:** * Can cause **false-positive urine ketones** when using nitroprusside reagents (e.g., Ketostix). * Can cause falsely low measurements of CPK or serum uric acid. * **Pregnancy & Nursing:** FDA Category C. Fetotoxic and teratogenic at high doses in mice. Safety in pregnant or nursing animals is unknown; use with extreme caution and discourage nursing.
Drug interactions
- Other chelating agents (CaEDTA, dimercaprol, trientine, penicillamine): Concomitant use is not recommended in humans due to potential for increased toxicity or altered efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Succimer used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Strong Odor:** This medication contains sulfur and has a very strong, unpleasant "rotten egg" odor. **This is completely normal** and does not mean the drug is bad. * **Odor Transfer:** The smell may transfer to your pet's breath, saliva, urine, and feces during treatment. * **Administration:** To make it easier to give, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of highly palatable, soft food. * **Hydration is Key:** Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh water. The drug binds to the lead and flushes it out through the urine, so good hydration is essential for the treatment to work safely.
Is Succimer safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app