Pentetate
Also sold as: Pentetate zinc trisodium
Related Medications
These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.
Classification: Lead Chelating Activity (source: RxClass/NLM)
Insurance Coverage User-Reported
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Drug Information
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Zn-DTPA forms stable chelates with metal ions by exchanging zinc for a metal of greater binding capacity. The radioactive chelates are then excreted by glomerular filtration into the urine. In animal studies, Zn-DTPA forms less stable chelates with uranium and neptunium in vivo resulting in deposition of these elements in tissues including the bone. Zn-DTPA treatments are not expected to be effective for uranium and neptunium. Radioactive iodine is not bound by DTPA.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Zn-DTPA is indicated for treatment of individuals with known or suspected internal contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium to increase the rates of elimination. Pentetate zinc trisodium injection is a radiomitigation chelator indicated for treatment of individuals with known or suspected internal contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium to increase the rates of elimination. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Chelation treatment is most effective if administered within the first 24 hours. Administer Ca-DTPA, if available, as the initial dose. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) If Ca-DTPA is not available during the first 24 hours, in adults and adolescents, administer intravenously a single 1.0 gram Zn-DTPA initial dose. ( 2.1 ) in children less than 12 years of age, administer intravenously a single 14 mg/kg Zn-DTPA initial dose, not to exceed 1.0 gram. ( 2.1 ) After the first 24 hours, continue chelation therapy with Zn-DTPA: in adults and adolescents, administer intravenously 1.0 gram Zn-DTPA once daily. ( 2.1 ) in children less than 12 years of age, administer intravenously 14 mg/kg Zn-DTPA once daily, not to exceed 1.0 gram daily. ( 2.1 ) See Full Prescribing Information for dose ( 2.1 ) and nebulized chelation therapy. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dose Administer Ca-DTPA as the initial dose during the first 24 hours after internal contamination. Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA during this time period (see Ca-DTPA labeling). If Ca-DTPA is not available, use Zn-DTPA as initial therapy. On the next day, if additional chelation therapy is indicated, begin daily treatment with Zn-DTPA. If Zn-DTPA is not available, chelation therapy may continue with Ca-DTPA and concomitant mineral supplements containing zinc should be given (see Ca-DTPA labeling). Do not administer more than one dose per 24 hour period. If Ca-DTPA is not available during the first 24 hours: in adults and adolescents, administer intravenously a single 1.0 gram initial dose of Zn-DTPA. in children less than 12 years of age, administer intravenously a single 14 mg/kg initial dose of Zn-DTPA, not to exceed 1.0 gram. After the first 24 hours, continue chelation therapy with Zn-DTPA: in adults and adolescents, administer intravenously 1.0 gram Zn-DTPA once daily. in children less than 12 years of age, administer intravenously 14 mg/kg Zn-DTPA once daily, not to exceed 1.0 gram daily. Renally Impaired Patients No dose adjustment is needed. However, renal impairment may reduce the rate at which chelators remove radiocontaminants from the body. In heavily contaminated patients with renal impairment, dialysis may be used to increase the rate of elimination. High efficiency high flux dialysis is recommended. Because dialysis fluid will become radioactive, radiation precautions must be taken to protect personnel, other patients, and the general public. 2.2 General Chelation treatment is most effective if administered within the first 24 hours after internal contamination. Start chelation treatment as soon as possible after suspected or known internal contamination. When treatment cannot be started right away, give chelation treatment as soon as it becomes available. Chelation treatment is still effective even after time has elapsed following internal contamination. The chelating effects of Zn-DTPA are greatest when the radiocontaminants are still circulating or are in interstitial fluids. The effectiveness of chelation decreases with time following internal contamination as the radiocontaminants become sequestered in liver and bone. If internal contamination with radiocontaminants other than plutonium, americium, or curium, or unknown radiocontaminants is suspected, additional therapies may be needed (e.g., Prussian blue, potassium iodide). 2.3 Methods of Administration Use intravenous administration of Zn-DTPA if the route of internal contamination is not known or if multiple routes of internal contamination are likely. Administer Zn-DTPA solution (1 gram in 5 mL) either with a slow intravenous push over a period of 3-4 minutes or by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes diluted in 100-250 mL of 5% dextrose in water (D5W), Ringers Lactate, or Normal Saline. In individuals whose internal contamination is only by inhalation, Zn-DTPA can be administered by nebulized inhalation as an alternative route of administration. Dilute Zn-DTPA for nebulization at a 1:1 ratio with sterile water or saline. After nebulization, encourage patients to avoid swallowing any expectorant. Some individuals may experience respiratory adverse events after inhalation therapy. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] The safety and effectiveness of the nebulized route of administration have not been established in the pediatric population. The safety and effectiveness of the intramuscular route of injection have not been established. 2.4 Monitoring When possible, obtain baseline blood and urine samples (CBC with differential, BUN, serum chemistries and electrolytes, urinalysis and blood and urine radioassays) before initiating treatment. To establish an elimination curve, obtain a quantitative baseline estimate of the total internalized transuranium element(s) and measures of elimination of radioactivity by appropriate whole-body counting, by bioassay (e.g., biodosimetry), or fecal/urine sample whenever possible. During Treatment Measure the radioactivity in blood, urine, and fecal samples
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS In the U.S. Registry, a total of 646 individuals received at least one dose of either Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA. Of these, 62 received Zn-DTPA by one or more routes of administration. Forty-eight individuals were dosed by intravenous administration, 18 by inhalation and 8 by other or unknown routes of administration. Of the individuals that received Zn-DTPA, 23/62 (37%) received one dose and 8 (13%) received two doses. The remaining 31 individuals received three or more doses. The largest number of Zn-DTPA doses to a single individual was 574 doses delivered over 3.5 years. Overall, the presence or absence of adverse events was recorded in 310/646 individuals. Of these 19 (6.1%) individuals reported at least one adverse event. The total number of recorded adverse events was 20. Of the 20 adverse events, 1 individual treated with Zn-DTPA reported headache, lightheadedness, and pelvic pain. Two individuals experienced cough and/or wheezing with nebulized Ca-DTPA therapy however there was no report of such events with nebulized Zn-DTPA. There is limited experience with Zn-DTPA. Nebulized chelation therapy may be associated with exacerbation of asthma. Headache, light headedness, and pelvic pain have been reported. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact the hameln Pharmacovigilance Department at +44 (0) 7706 210 133 or drugsafety@hameln.co.uk or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Adequate and well-controlled drug-drug interaction studies in humans were not identified in the literature. When an individual is contaminated with multiple radiocontaminants, or when the radiocontaminants are unknown, additional therapies may be needed (e.g., Prussian blue, potassium iodide). Adequate and well-controlled drug-drug interaction studies in humans were not identified in the literature. ( 7 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
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Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from FDA-approved labeling data and is for educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. This information does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always verify with current prescribing information and consult a licensed healthcare professional before any clinical decision. Read full disclaimer.
Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.