indium In-111 oxyquinoline

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

indium In-111 oxyquinoline is primarily used as a radiotracer to study the biodistribution and function of labeled cells, molecules, or particles in the body. It is commonly used for imaging white blood cells (leukocytes), particularly neutrophils, to detect and localize areas of infection or inflammation. This imaging technique is called indium-111, labeled white blood cell scintigraphy. 

Spectrum: 

indium-111 is a gamma emitter, emitting gamma rays during radioactive decay. The gamma rays have specific energies characteristic of indium-111, which a gamma camera can detect during SPECT imaging. The prominent gamma emission peaks of indium-111 are at approximately 171 and 245 kilo-electron volts (keV). 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined: 

Urticaria 

Hypersensitivity 

Fever 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Pregnancy 
• Lactation 

Cautions: 

• Renal exposure 
• Renal impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pediatric use 
• Delayed imaging 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No adequate studies have been performed on the usage in pregnant women. 

But radiopharmaceuticals are harmful to the growing fetus. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Traces of the drug are found in breast milk; hence substitute the breastmilk with formula milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

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: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

indium-111 is a radioactive isotope of the element indium. It emits gamma rays during radioactive decay, which makes it suitable for nuclear imaging. The physical half-life of indium-111 is approximately 2.8 days. This longer half-life allows for delayed imaging, making studying processes over a longer time frame possible.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of indium In-111 oxyquinoline mainly involve the emission of gamma rays by the radioactive indium-111 nuclei. The emitted gamma rays are detected by a gamma camera, which creates images of the distribution of the radiotracer in the body. The images provide information about the localization and function of the labeled tissues or cells, aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of various medical conditions.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

indium In-111 oxyquinoline is typically administered intravenously.  

Distribution 

After administration, the complex circulates through the bloodstream, and the indium-111 is taken up by specific target tissues or cells depending on the imaging procedure’s purpose. For example, in white blood cell scintigraphy, the radiotracer is taken up by leukocytes and accumulates at sites of infection or inflammation.

Metabolism 

The camera detects the gamma rays emitted by the indium-111 nuclei during SPECT imaging. Imaging time is determined based on the radiotracer’s pharmacokinetics and the targeted tissue or process being studied.  

Elimination and Excretion 

indium-111 is primarily excreted via the urinary system. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to promote the elimination of the radiotracer from the body. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

indium In-111 oxyquinoline is typically administered intravenously. The dose and administration route may vary based on the specific clinical indication and the patient’s condition. The radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein, usually in the arm or hand. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: indium In-111 oxyquinoline 

Why do we use indium In-111 oxyquinoline? 

indium In-111 oxyquinoline (indium-111 oxine) is used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging. It is primarily employed for a specific imaging technique called indium-111, labeled white blood cell scintigraphy. The main clinical application of this radiopharmaceutical is to detect and localize areas of infection or inflammation in the body.