Gallium Citrate Ga-67 is a radiopharmaceutical agent that is used for diagnostic imaging purposes in patients with lymphomas and acute inflammatory conditions or infections.
Gallium citrate Ga-67 Uses:
-
Diagnostic imaging:
- It is used for identifying the presence and extent of Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, and acute inflammatory lesions.
Gallium Citrate Dose in Adults
Gallium Citrate Dose in the Diagnostic imaging: IV:
-
Scintigraphy for inflammation or infection:
- 4 to 6 mCi (150 to 220 MBq).
-
Tumor scintigraphy:
- 5 to 10 mCi (185 to 370 MBq).
- Manufacturer's labeling:
- It may not reflect current clinical practice for dosing in prescribing information.
Gallium Citrate Dose in Children
Gallium Citrate Dose in Diagnostic imaging:
-
Scintigraphy for inflammation or infection (off-label):
- IV: 0.07 mCi/kg (2.6 MBq/kg), with a minimum of 0.5 mCi (18.5 MBq) or
- alternatively for children >5 years:
- 0.04 to 0.07 mCi/kg (1.5 to 2.6 MBq/kg).
Galium Citrate Pregnancy Risk Category: N (Not defined)
- Although animal reproduction studies have not been done, Ga67 could accumulate in the placenta.
- According to the manufacturer, women with reproductive potential should have optional diagnostic procedures performed within 10 days of their menstrual cycle.
Gallium citrate Ga-67 use during breastfeeding:
- Even non-lactating women can find Ga 67 in their breast tissue.
- One case reported that significant levels of the drug were found in breast milk after the drug was administered to a postpartum woman. This occurred ten days later.
- The volume of breast milk and the stage of breastfeeding will determine the actual drug concentration.
- Manufacturers recommend formula milk, but withhold breastfeeding.
- To reduce drug exposure in infants, the manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding for 2 to 4 weeks following injection due to the drug's long half-life.
Dose in Kidney Disease:
- There are no dosage adjustments given on the manufactory’s label.
Dose in Liver disease:
- There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Side effects of Gallium citrate:
-
Dermatologic:
- Rash
-
Gastrointestinal:
- Nausea
-
Miscellaneous:
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Contraindications to Gallium citrate Ga-67:
- The US manufacturer's labeling does not list any contraindications.
- Canadian labeling: Allergy to gallium citrate or any other component of the formulation.
Monitoring Parameters:
- Observe for extravasation and monitor for hypersensitivity reactions.
How to administer Gallium citrate Ga-67?
- It is a radiopharmaceutical agent that is intended for intravenous use only. Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal.
- Effective radiation shielding and waterproof gloves are recommended when handling this radiopharmaceutical agent.
- Until the final imagings are received, the manufacturer suggests cleaning the bowel of radioactive substance and minimizing false-positive results (with a laxative and or enema)
Mechanism of action of Gallium citrate Ga-67:
- Galium citrate Ga67 is a radioactive diagnostic drug that is bound to soluble intracellular proteins and is stored in the lysosomes.
- The drug builds up at the site of infection, and it concentrates in metastatic and primary tumors.
Half-life elimination:
- Physical: 78.3 hours
Excretion:
- After 7 days:
- Average whole-body retention is 65%,
- urine 26%,
- feces 9%
Gallium citrate Ga-67 Brand Names in Pakistan:
- No Brands Available in Pakistan.
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