+ -Text Size  Dichloroacetate (DCA)  Other common name(s):
dichloracetate  Scientific/medical name(s): sodium
dichloroacetate    The pure form, dichloracetic acid, is a
strong acid that can burn the skin and injure tissues. It can
cause spasms of the body's airways if it is inhaled.
Dichloracetic acid is used in the process of making certain
other chemicals, including some drugs. It has also been used as
a medicine to remove warts or other skin growths.  Sodium
dichloroacetate is a different ("buffered") form of the same
chemical. This form is not an acid, and can be taken by mouth
without causing burning. The term "DCA" in this information
refers to this form of the chemical.  DCA can also be absorbed
into the body through the skin.   DCA has been tested in humans
on a small scale for rare diseases of metabolism (energy
production), but has recently shown some promise in the lab for
cancer treatment. This has led some people with cancer to try
taking DCA on their own. DCA is known to cause nerve and liver
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