It is used mainly as chelating agent in heavy metal poisoning as in lead, mercury and copper poisoning. It is used in Wilson's disease. It  is used in pharmacy as chelating agent and as immunosuppressant for treating rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the number of T cells, inhibiting the macrophages, by reducing the activity of Interleukin 1 and rheumatoid factor and in preventing crosslinking of the collagen. It acts as an exogenous NOS modulator.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.