diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) acts as a chelating agent, meaning it forms stable complexes with metal ions.  

It possesses a high affinity for certain metals, particularly divalent and trivalent cations such as iron, lead, and plutonium. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea 

Cardiovascular: Chest pain 

Local: Injection site reaction 

Neuromuscular and skeletal: Muscle cramps 

Genitourinary: Pelvic pain 

Central nervous system: Chills, dizziness, metallic taste, headache 

Dermatologic: Dermatitis, pruritus 

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction 

Respiratory: Cough, wheezing 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or any of its components.  
• diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid should be used with caution or avoided altogether in individuals with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

diethylene triamine penta-acetic forms multiple coordination bonds with metal ions, creating a stable chelate complex. This complexation reduces the toxicity of the metal ions and facilitates their elimination from the body. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Limited information available  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

diethylene triamine penta-acetic is administered via intravenous (IV) injection to ensure its direct entry into the systemic circulation. 

Distribution 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic distributes through the extracellular fluid compartment.  

Metabolism 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic is minimally metabolized in the body. 

Elimination and excretion 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic is primarily eliminated by renal excretion in the urine.

Adminstartion

Administration 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic administered as an intravenous infusion or injection.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: diethylene triamine penta-acetic 

Why do we use diethylene triamine penta-acetic? 

diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) is a chelating agent commonly used for its ability to bind to metal ions.   

It is primarily used for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, particularly in cases of iron, lead, and plutonium toxicity.  

DTPA is also used in lead poisoning cases. As it binds to lead ions and helps enhance their elimination through urine, reducing lead levels in the body.