Evaluation of urinary mercury excretion after administration of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid to occupationally exposed men.

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid, Na salt, on the urinary excretion of mercury as well as its possible adverse effects. Ten men with occupational mercury exposure (urinary level of 50 micrograms/g creatinine or more) were assigned to receive 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid p.o. (DIMAVAL capsules, 100 mg) 300 mg/d for five days. Informed written consent was obtained from each subject. Hematology analyses, blood, chemistry, and urinalysis were obtained at the start of the study, at the end of the 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid treatment and 72 hours after the administration of the final dose of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid. Twenty-four-hour urine mercury levels were closely monitored throughout therapy. All data and measurements before and during drug doses were evaluated by analyses of variance. In all subjects mean urine mercury was significantly increased (p < .05) after pre-2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid treatment. One subject had a moderate hypersensitivity reaction (rash) to 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid but no other toxic effects were observed.