What it means
A chelating agent: it grabs certain metals in the blood and tissues, and the kidneys pass them out. It treats poisoning by arsenic, gold and mercury, and lead poisoning together with edetate calcium disodium. It was first made as an antidote to a chemical weapon, which is where the name British anti-Lewisite (BAL) comes from.
For the nurse
It is given only by deep IM injection, and the oil base contains peanut oil, so ask about peanut allergy. Watch for a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, burning of the lips and mouth, and fever in children. Rotate injection sites.
At a glance
| Drug class | chelating agent (heavy-metal antidote) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | BAL in Oil |
| Spanish | dimercaprol |
| Also written | British anti-Lewisite |
Related terms
intramuscular
Into a muscle; used for a drug given by injection into muscle tissue.