What is the treatment for lead poisoning in adults?

Lead poisoning in adults is typically treated with chelation therapy, which involves using specific agents to bind to lead in the bloodstream and promote its excretion from the body. The most commonly used chelation agents include succimer, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid).

Succimer is an oral chelating agent that is effective in treating mild to moderate lead poisoning. EDTA is administered intravenously and is typically reserved for more severe cases, as it can remove lead more efficiently from the body. DMSA is similar to succimer, functioning as a less toxic alternative for oral use. The combination of these agents allows for effective management of lead levels, reducing the risk of long-term neurological and other systemic damage caused by lead exposure.

Other treatment options, such as ibuprofen and fluids, may only address supportive care rather than the underlying lead toxicity. Iron supplementation is not directly effective against lead poisoning, as it does not facilitate the removal of lead from the body. Activated charcoal, although useful in certain types of poisoning, is not effective for lead as it does not adsorb metals like lead in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the use of succimer, ED