Heyl Logo Chemisch-pharmazeutische
Fabrik GmbH & Co-KG

DITRIPENTAT-HEYL® (DTPA)

Ready for Emergency?

Are you not a health professional or industry expert? Find more information here


Medical Information about Ca-DTPA

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Calcium-trisodium-pentetate

Brand Name: Ditripentat-Heyl® (DTPA)

ATC-Code: V03AB47 pentetic acid

Dosage form: Solution for injection for intravenous use

Indications:

  • Treatment for the decorporation of transuranium heavy metal radionuclides (americium, plutonium, curium, californium, and berkelium).

Mechanism of Action:

Ca-DTPA binds to radioactive isotopes of the indicated elements, facilitating their excretion. By releasing calcium ions, DTPA forms stable complexes with the nuclides, which are excreted in the urine via the kidneys. Thereby the duration the radioactive nuclides that remain in the body is reduced. In this way, DTPA helps minimize the body’s exposure to radiation. For acute poisoning, initiation of treatment with the more potent Ca-DTPA is recommended. Long-term treatment should then be continued with the less toxic Zn-DTPA.

Recommended dosage:

Treatment of poisoning requires individual dosage, depending on the symptoms of intoxication.

Recommended regimen:

  • Initial Dose: 1 gram daily for 5 days.
  • Following 6 weeks: 1 gram 2-3 times per week
  • Pls. refer to the SmPC

Possible transition to Zn-DTPA for long-term therapy after the first phase of treatment.

Important Notes:

  • Treatment with Ditripentat-Heyl® (DTPA) should begin as soon as possible after exposure to radionuclides, since a loss of effect caused by a delay in starting treatment later cannot be
  • Ca-DTPA must not be used in children.

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS

Patients exposed to high levels of radionuclides, such as americium or plutonium, may experience bone marrow suppression. This can result in neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, necessitating additional supportive care alongside DTPA treatment.

Essential Trace Element Depletion

DTPA increases the excretion of some trace elements particularly of zinc. In individual cases with
long-term treatment clinically manifest zinc deficiency was described (alopecia, skin reactions,
mucosa changes [exanthemas, enanthemas]). The symptoms were reversible after the
supplementation of zinc. The increased zinc excretion is presumably also the main cause for other side effects. So kidney lesions, intestine disturbances and bone marrow damages (thrombocytopenia) are described at Ca-DTPA therapy. At lack of minerals the appropriate trace elements must be substituted.

Pregnancy Warning

Ca-DTPA is teratogenic and should not be used during pregnancy. In such cases, Zn-DTPA is the preferred treatment due to its safer profile.

Nephrotoxicity

DTPA can lead to kidney damages (nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency). Ca-DTPA is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency due to the risk of nephrotoxicity. Regular monitoring of kidney function is recommended during treatment.

At repeated administrations of Ca-DTPA with too short regeneration intervals between the single
ones, the following symptoms may occur: Delayed fever reaction, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
shiver, headaches, itching (pruritus), muscular cramps

Contact us directly for more information!