How Do You Spell DIMERCAPROL?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪməkˌe͡ɪpɹɒl] (IPA)

Dimercaprol (pronounced /daɪmərˈkæp.rɔːl/) is a medication used to treat heavy metal poisoning, specifically arsenic, gold, and mercury. The spelling of Dimercaprol stems from its chemical makeup, being composed of two molecules of mercaptoethanol bound together. The prefix "di" indicates the presence of two of these molecules. The word "mercaprol" comes from the combination of the words "mercaptan" and "propane" as it was initially synthesized from these compounds in the early 1940s. The additional "l" at the end is simply a suffix indicating it is a drug or medication.

DIMERCAPROL Meaning and Definition

1. Dimercaprol, also known as British Anti-Lewesite (BAL), is a chemical compound predominantly used as an antidote for heavy metal poisoning. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly unpleasant odor and is derived from a molecule called mercaptoethanol.

   Dimercaprol works by binding to and forming stable complexes with heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and gold. This action helps to remove these toxic elements from the body efficiently. It primarily acts by chelation, wherein it binds to the metal ions, forming complexes that the body can then eliminate through urine or feces.

   The administration route of dimercaprol is generally intramuscular, allowing for rapid absorption and distribution throughout the body. It is typically administered in cases of acute poisoning rather than as a preventative measure. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity and type of poisoning.

   Apart from its chelating properties, dimercaprol also possesses antioxidant activity that helps reduce free radical damage caused by heavy metal toxicity. This may contribute to its overall protective effect against metal-induced organ damage.

   While dimercaprol is generally well-tolerated, it may cause side effects such as pain or discomfort at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. Therefore, close monitoring of individuals undergoing dimercaprol treatment is crucial.

   In conclusion, dimercaprol is a chemical compound used as an antidote for heavy metal poisoning. Its chelating properties and antioxidant activity make it effective in removing toxic metals from the body and reducing associated organ damage.

Common Misspellings for DIMERCAPROL

• simercaprol
• ximercaprol
• cimercaprol
• fimercaprol
• rimercaprol
• eimercaprol
• dumercaprol
• djmercaprol
• dkmercaprol
• domercaprol
• d9mercaprol
• d8mercaprol
• dinercaprol
• dikercaprol
• dijercaprol
• dimwrcaprol
• dimsrcaprol
• dimdrcaprol
• dimrrcaprol
• dim4rcaprol

Etymology of DIMERCAPROL

The word "Dimercaprol" comes from a combination of the Greek words "di-" meaning two, "merkaptos" meaning mercaptan (which refers to compounds with a sulfhydryl group, -SH), and "prolusis" meaning remedy.

The term "mercapto" is derived from the Latin word "mercurius" meaning mercury, as early mercaptans were related to mercury compounds. "Di-" is a prefix used to indicate two mercaptan groups in this case, and "prolusis" suggests a remedy or solution, indicating its use as a antidote to treat heavy metal poisoning.

Plural form of DIMERCAPROL is DIMERCAPROLS