technetium Tc-99m disofenin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

technetium Tc-99m disofenin consists of a chelating agent (disofenin) and the radioactive isotope technetium-99m.  

The Tc-99m disofenin is taken up by the liver and excreted into the bile, like the normal metabolic process of the liver. 

technetium Tc-99m emits gamma radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation with high energy.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Itching at injection site 

Erythema multiforme 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication:  

None  

Caution: 

• Caution is advised when administering technetium Tc-99m disofenin to patients with severe gastrointestinal motility disorders. 
• technetium Tc-99m disofenin should generally be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 
• technetium Tc-99m disofenin should be carefully considered in patients with renal impairment. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: technetium Tc 99m is present in human breast milk 

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  

technetium Tc-99m disofenin is transported through the bile ducts and ultimately reaches the gallbladder. It is stored in the gallbladder until the gallbladder contracts in response to a meal or hormonal stimulation.  

Pharmacodynamics 

The radiopharmaceutical agent is given to the liver sinusoids via the portal vein and hepatic artery and diffuses via the pores in the endothelial lining to attach to a particular membrane bound carrier, which carries the tracer over the hepatocyte membrane and into the hepatocyte 3. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

technetium Tc-99m disofenin is a radiopharmaceutical is directly introduced into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

technetium Tc-99m disofenin circulates in the bloodstream and is distributed to various tissues. 

Metabolism 

technetium Tc-99m disofenin is not significantly metabolized within the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

The primary route of excretion for technetium Tc-99m disofenin is through the hepatobiliary system. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

technetium Tc-99m disofenin is administered intravenously directly introduced into the bloodstream.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: technetium Tc-99m disofenin 

Why do we use technetium Tc-99m disofenin? 

technetium Tc-99m disofenin is used as a hepatobiliary imaging agent. It is also used to diagnose acute cholecystitis and to rule out the possibility of acute cholecystitis in patients who have right upper quadrant discomfort, fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness.