Radiation Emergencies

The following are links to current drug information related to Radiation Emergencies:

• Calcium-DTPA and Zinc-DTPA.  The FDA announces conditions under which calcium-DTPA (Ca-DTPA) and zinc-DTPA (Zn-DTPA) can be found to be safe and effective for the treatment of internal contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium to increase the rates of elimination of these substances from the body.  (Posted 9/12/2003) 
• Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies (Issued 12/2001, Posted 12/10/2001)
  FDA has released guidance on using potassium iodide to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adults in emergencies involving the release of radioactive iodine into the environment. 
  • FDA Talk Paper: Guidance on Protection of Children and Adults Against Thyroid Cancer in Case of Nuclear Accident.  (Issued 12/10/2001) 
  • Guidance for Federal Agencies and State and Local Governments: Potassium Iodide Tablets: Shelf Life Extension. [PDF] (Issued 3/2004, Posted 3/8/2004) 
  • Home Preparation Procedure for Emergency Administration of Potassium Iodide Tablets to Infants and Small Children.   Optional Format: PDF   (Issued and posted 7/3/2002)
    • Easy-to-use, one-page instructions for home preparation of 130 mg tablets: Optional Format: PDF   (Issued and posted 10/22/2002)
    • Easy-to-use, one-page instructions for home preparation of 65 mg tablets: Optional Format: PDF (Issued and posted 10/22/2002) 
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Potassium Iodide (KI).  (Posted 2/21/2002)   (Updated 3/18/2003)
    • KI in Radiation Emergencies-Questions and Answers. (Issued 12/20/2002, Posted 12/23/2002) 
       Potassium Iodide (KI) Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2/9/2006) 
  • The Risk of Severe Allergic Reactions from the Use of Potassium Iodide for Radiation Emergencies. Position statement from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (Posted 8/16/2004)
    
• Prussian Blue.  FDA announces conditions under which Prussian blue can be found safe and effective for the treatment of internal contamination with radioactive cesium, radioactive thallium, or non-radioactive thallium. (1/31/2003)
  • Prussian Blue: Approved Dosing for Children (draft labeling)