TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - PRUSSIAN BLUE A1 - Hayashi, Sandra A. A2 - Olson, Kent R. A2 - Anderson, Ilene B. A2 - Benowitz, Neal L. A2 - Blanc, Paul D. A2 - Clark, Richard F. A2 - Kearney, Thomas E. A2 - Kim-Katz, Susan Y. A2 - Wu, Alan H. B. PY - 2018 T2 - Poisoning & Drug Overdose, 7e AB - Pharmacology. Insoluble Prussian blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate) has been used to treat radioactive and nonradioactive cesium and thallium poisonings. Owing to the long half-lives of these isotopes, ingestion can pose significant long-term health risks. Insoluble Prussian blue binds thallium and cesium in the gastrointestinal tract as they undergo enterohepatic recirculation, enhancing fecal excretion. Proposed mechanisms of binding include chemical cation exchange, physical adsorption, and mechanical trapping within the crystal lattice structure. Insoluble Prussian blue is not absorbed across the intact GI wall.Indications. Known or suspected internal contamination by:Radioactive cesium (eg, 137Cs) and nonradioactive cesium.Radioactive thallium (eg, 201Tl) and nonradioactive thallium.Contraindications. There are no absolute contraindications. The efficacy of the agent relies on a functioning GI tract; thus, ileus may preclude its use and effectiveness.Adverse effectsUpset stomach and constipation.May bind other elements, causing electrolyte or nutritional deficits, such as asymptomatic hypokalemia.Does not treat the complications of radiation exposure.Blue discoloration of feces (and teeth if capsules are opened).Use in pregnancy. FDA Category C (indeterminate Introduction). Because Prussian blue is not absorbed from the GI tract, effects on the fetus are not expected.Drug or laboratory interactionsNo major interactions.May decrease absorption of tetracycline.Dosage and method of administrationAdults and adolescents. Usual dose is 3 g orally three times daily (9 g daily), although higher doses (>10 g daily) are often used for acute thallium poisoning (particularly if thallium is present in the GI tract). Doses may be decreased to 1–2 g three times daily when internal radioactivity is reduced and to improve patient tolerance.Pediatrics (2-12 years): 1 g orally three times daily.Capsules may be opened and mixed with food or water for those who have difficulty swallowing. However, this may cause blue discoloration of the mouth and the teeth.Coingestion with food may increase effectiveness by stimulating bile secretion.Treatment should continue for a minimum of 30 days. The duration of treatment should be guided by the level of contamination as measured by the amount of residual whole-body radioactivity.FormulationsOral. Insoluble Prussian blue powder (Radiogardase®), 0.5 g in gelatin capsules packaged in amber bottles containing 30 capsules each.Suggested minimum stocking level to treat a 100-kg adult for the first month is 540 capsules (18 bottles, 30 capsules each) based on a daily dose of 9 g. At this time, the minimum order is 25 bottles. Radiogardase cannot be sold directly to physicians but only with a prescription placed with McGuff Compounding Pharmacy at http://store.mcguff.com/products/5263.aspx or call 877-444-1133, fax 877-444-1155. Institutional and government agencies must begin order process by first contacting Heyltex at 281-395-7040 or lily@heyltex.com. Prussian blue is kept in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) at the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) can be contacted for information on obtaining Prussian blue and its recommended dosing by telephone at 1-865-576-3131(business hours) or 1-865-576-1005 (available 24 hours) or on the Internet at www.orau.gov/reacts. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/16 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1174607561 ER -