Pharmacology-III

Lead poisoning
&
Mercury poisoning
Name – Vivek Kumar
Lead & Mercury poisoning
Content :-
• Definition
• Source
• Mode of action
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Action of drugs
Lead poisoning….
• Definition :- Lead poisoning is the condition that occurs when lead build up
in the body and cause the toxicity.
• Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to human and animals.
• Even small amount of lead can cause serious health problems, especially in
children.
• Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their body is
developing .
 Source of lead poisoning....
1. Natural & industrial exposure:
- It is found in Gasoline , acidic food, beverages , juices , pickles.
2. In children:
- It is taken by paint chip , licking of toys , painted window or any other
substance which contain lead.
3. In women:
- In women its occurs due to use of Pb3o4(Lead tetroxide)
4. Others like:
- From drinking water supplies from lead pipe
- jeweller waste water.
Mode of action (Lead)….
• How Lead causes toxicity & poisoning ?

1. Lead rich food consumed by the human body

2. The food which contain lead undergone digestion
3. Then the absorption occur on the intestine
4. Through which the lead enters to the blood stream
5. And then concentration of lead will be more in the blood
6. Ultimately its lead to toxicity and cause poisoning
Symptoms….
1.In general manifest by:
- Abdominal pain & cramp
-lead affect body enzymes and enzymatic reaction
-They may mainly affect rapidly growing tissue.
2. In children:
Abdominal pain , Irritation , lethargy , loss of appetite , slurred speech
3. In adults:
Abdominal pain , anaemia , renal disease , headache , memory loss.
4. In severe case:
Convulsion , coma , renal failure , cerebral oedema , mental retardation
Treatment….
• Treatment done by two ways:
1. Supportive therapy:
Ventilation & Avoid the substance which cause the lead toxicity.
2. Drugs and Antidote can be used for treatment:
*Phenytoin and diazepam treat seizures by balance fluid and electrolyte.
*Mannitol and dexamethasone for cerebral oedema
3. Chelation therapy:
* Patient with concentration of 50 to 60 mg/dl should treated with this
therapy.
Drugs used like 1. EDTA Calcium Disodium given by IM route
2. Dimercaprol by IM route
3. D- penicillamine by oral route

NOTE :-
EDTA Calcium disodium + Dimercaprol
*Are the best combination antidote , it will make complex with the lead
particles
*And increase their water solubility so it can easily eliminate by urine
*But this combination is not 100% effective some time because its causes
nephrotoxicity.
*By disturbing the reabsorption process.