ABSTRACT
The accidental or intentional release of plutonium or americium can cause acute and long term adverse health effects if they enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation, or injection. These effects can be prevented by rapid removal of these radionuclides by chelators such as calcium or zinc diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (calcium or zinc DTPA). These compounds have been shown to be efficacious in enhancing the elimination of members of the actinide family particularly plutonium and americium when administered intravenously or by nebulizer. The efficacy and adverse effects profile depend on several factors that include the route of internalization of the actinide, the type, and route time of administration of the chelator, and whether the calcium or zinc salt of DTPA is used. Current and future research efforts should be directed at overcoming limitations associated with the use of these complex drugs by using innovative methods that can enhance their structural and therapeutic properties.
Subject(s)
Americium/poisoning , Chelating Agents/therapeutic use , Pentetic Acid/therapeutic use , Plutonium/poisoning , Radiation Injuries/prevention & control , Animals , Chelating Agents/administration & dosage , Chelating Agents/chemistry , Chelating Agents/pharmacokinetics , Humans , Molecular Structure , Pentetic Acid/administration & dosage , Pentetic Acid/chemistry , Pentetic Acid/pharmacokinetics , Radiation Injuries/etiologyABSTRACT
Antidotes are drugs and therefore subject to numerous legal requirements. Due to their indication they are usually needed in small quantities. This is to be considered in view of the efforts to comply with the regulatory affairs. The production capacity and the kept in stock quantities in the pharmaceutical industry for economical reasons can only be small. In cases of catastrophic large events large quantities of antidotes are needed within short time. In these cases only a national stockpiling program can secure the supply with the necessary medicaments for the citizens.
