Gallium Nitrate
Class: Bone Resorption Inhibitors
- Bone Resorption Inhibitors
ATC Class: V09HX01
VA Class: HS900
Chemical Name: Nitric acid gallium salt nonahydrate
Molecular Formula: GaN3O9•9H2O
CAS Number: 135886-70-3
Brands: Ganite
Warning
- Concomitant Use with Nephrotoxic Drugs
Risk of severe renal insufficiency in patients with cancer-related hypercalcemia when administered concomitantly with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B).
Discontinue gallium if use of a potentially nephrotoxic drug is indicated; continue hydration for several days after administration of the nephrotoxic drug. Closely monitor Scr and urine output during and after this period. If Scr exceeds 2.5 mg/dL, discontinue gallium therapy.
Introduction
Bone resorption inhibitor.
Uses for Gallium Nitrate
Hypercalcemia
Used in conjunction with adequate hydration for the management of symptomatic hypercalcemia associated with malignant neoplasms in patients whose hypercalcemia is not adequately managed with conventional methods of treatment (e.g., hydration alone); designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use.
More conservative measures than gallium therapy (e.g., hydration alone or combined with diuretics) generally are used for mild or asymptomatic hypercalcemia.
Bladder Cancer
Has been used alone and in combination with other antineoplastic agents for the treatment of advanced or metastatic bladder carcinoma†; however, other agents are preferred.
Gallium Nitrate Dosage and Administration
General
- Hypercalcemia
Prior to initiating therapy, establish adequate hydration and urinary output in order to increase renal excretion of calcium.
Maintain adequate hydration throughout therapy.
Administration
IV Administration
For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Administer by slow IV infusion.
Dilution
Dilute calculated daily dose, preferably in 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection. Discard unused portion of vial.
Rate of Administration
Administer by slow IV infusion over 24 hours.
Dosage
Adults
Hypercalcemia
IV
200 mg/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days.
If used for mild hypercalcemia and few associated symptoms, 100 mg/m2 daily for 5 days may be used.
If optimum serum calcium concentrations are achieved in <5 days, therapy may be discontinued early.
Prescribing Limits
Adults
Hypercalcemia
IV
Safety and efficacy of repeated courses not established.
Special Populations
Renal Impairment
Hypercalcemia
IV
Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (Scr >2.5 mg/dL).
Caution if used in patients with mild to moderate re
