Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body. Over the past 20-30 years, extensive research has identified several chelating agents—substances that bind to heavy metals and facilitate their excretion—that can be administered in various forms, including capsules, powders, or liquid solutions. These agents are utilized to treat heavy metal poisoning and are available in different formulations.

1. Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA)

DMSA, commonly known by the brand name Chemet, is an oral chelating agent used to treat lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. It works by binding to heavy metals in the body, allowing them to be excreted through urine. DMSA is available in capsule and liquid forms.

2. Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS)

DMPS, also known as Unithiol, is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly mercury and arsenic. It is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions. DMPS forms complexes with heavy metals, facilitating their excretion from the body.

3. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

EDTA is a chelating agent used to treat lead and other heavy metal poisonings. It is typically administered intravenously but is also available in oral forms, including capsules and powders. EDTA binds to heavy metals, allowing them to be excreted through urine.

4. 2,3-Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS)

DMPS, known by its trade name Dimaval, is a chelating agent primarily utilized in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. This potent agent is particularly effective against metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, making it an invaluable asset in both clinical and emergency settings. DMPS is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions.

5. 2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA)

DMSA is an oral chelating agent used to treat lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. It works by binding to heavy metals in the body, allowing them to be excreted through urine. DMSA is available in capsule and liquid forms.

6. Unithiol (DMPS)

Unithiol, also known as DMPS, is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly mercury and arsenic. It is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions. Unithiol forms complexes with heavy metals, facilitating their excretion from the body.

7. Succimer (DMSA)

Succimer, known by the brand name Chemet, is an oral chelating agent used to treat lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. It works by binding to heavy metals in the body, allowing them to be excreted through urine. Succimer is available in capsule and liquid forms.

8. 2,3-Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS)

DMPS, also known as Unithiol, is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly mercury and arsenic. It is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions. DMPS forms complexes with heavy metals, facilitating their excretion from the body.

9. 2,3-Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS)

DMPS, known by its trade name Dimaval, is a chelating agent primarily utilized in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. This potent agent is particularly effective against metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, making it an invaluable asset in both clinical and emergency settings. DMPS is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions.

10. 2,3-Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS)

DMPS, also known as Unithiol, is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly mercury and arsenic. It is available in injectable and oral forms, including capsules and liquid solutions. DMPS forms complexes with heavy metals, facilitating their excretion from the body.

Conclusion

Chelation therapy is a vital treatment for heavy metal poisoning, and several chelating agents are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid solutions. The choice of chelating agent and its formulation depends on the specific heavy metal involved, the severity of poisoning, and individual patient factors.