treatment
Last reviewed 04/2022
Lead poisoning is treated using lead-chelating agents which increase lead excretion.
When poisoning is severe with encephalopathy then calcium EDTA and dimercaprol (British Anti-Lewiste, BAL) are given parenterally.
Intravenous mannitol or dexamethasone may be used if there are signs of raised intracranial pressure in order to reduce cerebral oedema.
An environmental health officer should be contacted to locate and make safe the source of lead.