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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking succimer?
Before taking succimer, talk to your doctor if you have
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.
What happens if I miss a dose of succimer?
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.
Where can I get more information about succimer?
Your pharmacist has information about succimer written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of succimer?
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
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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;
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diarrhea;
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metallic taste in the mouth;
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drowsiness;
-
dizziness;
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watering eyes; or
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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.
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 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.
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of succimer?