Chelating Agents
Definition: substances that combine with metallic poisons to form stable, non-toxic, water-soluble complexes (chelates), which are then excreted from the body.
Flow: Metal poison + chelating agent → chelate complex → water soluble → excreted in urine.
Ideal Properties of a Chelating Agent
- Non-toxic.
- Water soluble.
- Rapid action.
- Forms a stable complex with the metal.
- Easily excreted.
- Does not interfere with normal metabolism.
Common Chelating Agents
| Chelating Agent | Poison |
|---|---|
| BAL (Dimercaprol) | Arsenic, Mercury, Gold |
| Calcium Disodium EDTA | Lead |
| Penicillamine | Copper (Wilson's disease), Lead |
| Deferoxamine | Iron |
| Succimer (DMSA) | Lead |
| Prussian Blue | Thallium, Cesium |