Why DMPS Instead of DMSA To Remove Mercury From the Body?
Approximately 50% of orally administered DMPS is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted via the kidney. The highest urinary concentration occurs 2-3 hours after oral administration. Neither DMPS nor its metabolites are detected 12 hours after oral administration in animal models. DMPS (IV or oral) is the most productive agent for the provoked urine toxic elements challenge, particularly when mercury is of concern. Only about 20% of DMSA is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Studies performed at Doctors Data Inc. laboratory indicate that oral DMSA (30 mg/kg/day) for 1 to 3 days only yields about 1/5-1/10 the amount of mercury in the urine as does a single IV or oral dose of DMPS. Therefore many physicians use DMPS rather than DMSA as the initial challenge and monitoring agent for assessment of toxic metal burden.