Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat children with lead poisoning?

Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat children with lead poisoning?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Antipyretics
• C. Chelating agents
• D. Analgesics

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is chelating agents, as these drugs are specifically designed to bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, such as lead, and facilitate their excretion from the body. In cases of lead poisoning, especially in children, treatment is crucial because lead can have serious negative effects on neurological development. Chelating agents like edetate calcium disodium (EDTA) or dimercaprol effectively reduce lead levels and help prevent or mitigate the harmful effects associated with lead exposure. Other classes of drugs mentioned do not target lead toxicity. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, antipyretics are medications that reduce fever, and analgesics are used to relieve pain. None of these options are effective against lead poisoning, making chelating agents the appropriate choice in this scenario.

The correct answer is chelating agents, as these drugs are specifically designed to bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, such as lead, and facilitate their excretion from the body. In cases of lead poisoning, especially in children, treatment is crucial because lead can have serious negative effects on neurological development. Chelating agents like edetate calcium disodium (EDTA) or dimercaprol effectively reduce lead levels and help prevent or mitigate the harmful effects associated with lead exposure.

Other classes of drugs mentioned do not target lead toxicity. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, antipyretics are medications that reduce fever, and analgesics are used to relieve pain. None of these options are effective against lead poisoning, making chelating agents the appropriate choice in this scenario.