SODIUM CHROMATE CR 51
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for SODIUM CHROMATE CR 51 (SODIUM CHROMATE CR 51).
Radiolabeled sodium chromate (51Cr) binds to red blood cells, tagging them for survival studies. 51Cr emits gamma radiation, allowing detection and quantification of RBC mass and survival via scintillation counting or imaging.
| Metabolism | Not metabolized; eliminated by decay (half-life 27.7 days) and excretion in urine and feces. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal. Approximately 90% of absorbed dose is excreted in urine within 48 hours. Fecal excretion accounts for less than 5%. |
| Half-life | The biological half-life is approximately 27–30 days. Clinically, gradual clearance from blood and tissues occurs over weeks to months. |
| Protein binding | 95% bound to plasma proteins, primarily transferrin and albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.3 L/kg, reflecting distribution primarily in extracellular fluid and blood, with some uptake in liver, spleen, and bone marrow. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. Oral: Very low (<5%) due to poor absorption; not used therapeutically by oral route. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate, as isotope equilibrates within the vascular compartment. Oral: Not applicable. |
| Duration of Action | Variable; chromium-51 binds to red cells and tissues. For RBC labeling, effective duration of radioactivity is 20–40 days. Clinical use limited by decay and excretion. |
Intravenous injection, 5-30 microcuries (0.185-1.11 MBq) as a single dose.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required based on GFR; drug is used as a diagnostic tracer and excreted almost entirely via kidneys, but typical doses are trace amounts with no pharmacological effect. |
| Liver impairment | No dose adjustment required based on Child-Pugh class; hepatic impairment does not alter dosing as the drug is a radiotracer with minimal pharmacological activity. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based dosing: 0.5-1 microcurie/kg (0.0185-0.037 MBq/kg) intravenously, not to exceed adult dose. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment; use the lowest effective dose to minimize radiation exposure, consistent with adult dosing. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for SODIUM CHROMATE CR 51 (SODIUM CHROMATE CR 51).
| Breastfeeding | It is not known whether sodium chromate Cr 51 is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. M/P ratio is not available. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Sodium chromate Cr 51 is a radioactive diagnostic agent. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Radioactive agents may cause fetal harm. Use only if clearly needed and the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Radiation exposure to the fetus should be minimized. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Serious Effects |
["Known hypersensitivity to chromium compounds","Pregnancy (relative, depending on risk-benefit)"]
| Precautions | ["Radioactive material; handle with appropriate shielding and safety protocols.","Pregnancy: avoid unless benefit outweighs risk; consider cumulative radiation exposure.","Lactation: discontinue breastfeeding for a period based on half-life after administration."] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal vital signs and for any signs of hypersensitivity reaction. Ensure appropriate radiation safety measures. No specific fetal monitoring required. |
| Fertility Effects | No fertility studies have been conducted. Radiation exposure may affect reproductive organs; however, diagnostic doses are low and unlikely to cause significant fertility impairment. |