Unithiol

Unithiol (also known as Dimercaprol) is a chelating agent used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, specifically for arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead poisoning. It was first developed during World War II as an antidote for lewisite, a chemical warfare agent.

History

Unithiol was first synthesized in the 1940s by British biochemists at the University of Oxford. The researchers were seeking an antidote for lewisite, a potent vesicant used in chemical warfare. The resulting compound, dimercaprol, proved effective in binding to the arsenic-based lewisite and facilitating its excretion from the body.

Pharmacology

Unithiol acts by binding to the metal ions in the body, forming a stable complex that is then excreted in the urine. This process is known as chelation therapy. The compound has two thiol groups which bind to the metal ions, hence the name 'dimercaprol'.

Medical Uses

Unithiol is used in the treatment of acute and chronic poisoning by certain heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead. It is also used as an antidote for lewisite and other arsenic-based chemical warfare agents.

Side Effects

Common side effects of unithiol include nausea, vomiting, headache, and hypertension. In rare cases, it can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

See Also

• Chelation therapy
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Lewisite