Public Health Emergency Preparedness
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Table 6.10. Radionuclide Specific Therapies
| Radionuclide |
Therapy |
Mechanism of Action |
| Iodine |
KI |
Blocks thyroid deposition |
| Cesium/Rubidium/Thallium |
Prussian blue |
Blocks gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and prevents recycling |
| Plutonium and transuranics (Americium, Californium, Lanthanum, Curium) |
DTPA |
Acts as chelating agent |
| Uranium |
Bicarbonate |
Alkalinizes urine, decreases chances of acute tubular necrosis |
| Tritium |
Forced fluids, diuretics |
Dilutes isotope |
| Strontium |
Oral aluminum phosphate or barium sulfate |
Blocks GI absorption |
| Radium |
Magnesium sulfate lavage |
Prevents absorption |
| Phosphorus |
Stomach lavage, aluminum hydroxide, oral phosphates |
Prevents absorption, blocks cellular deposition |
| Cobalt |
Gastric lavage, purgatives; penicillamine if severe |
Prevents absorption, acts as chelating agent |
Source: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Management of Persons Accidentally Contaminated with Radionuclides, Report Number 65, 1979. Bethesda, MD. Reprinted with permission.
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