Prussian blue
Generic name: Prussian blue [ PRUSH-an-BLOO ]
Brand names: Radiogardase, Antidotum Thallii-Heyl
Dosage form: oral capsule (500 mg)
Drug class:Antidotes
What is Prussian blue?
Prussian blue was originally developed as a dye for use in paints and ink. It is used in medicine to help speed up the body's elimination of certain metals or chemical elements. It works by binding to the metals in the digestive tract to keep the body from absorbing them.
Prussian blue is used to treat people who have been contaminated with radioactive cesium or thallium, or non-radioactive thallium.
Prussian blue may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
To make sure Prussian blue is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a digestive disorder;
chronic constipation;
a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Prussian blue will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Prussian blue.
It is not known whether Prussian blue passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Exposure to radiation could cause a man to have low sperm counts up to several years later. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about how radiation may affect your fertility.
How should I take Prussian blue?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Prussian blue may work best if you take it with food.
Prussian blue is usually taken 3 times per day for at least 30 days. You may need to take several capsules at one time to get the correct dose.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the Prussian blue capsules and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of liquid or bland food. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
Opening a Prussian blue capsule and mixing the medicine with liquid or food may cause a blue discoloration inside your mouth.
After you are treated with Prussian blue, your urine and stools will contain the radioactive materials that this medicine has helped the body eliminate. <...
