gallium nitrate Health Article

Generic name(s):

gallium nitrate

Brand name(s):

Ganite

What is the most important information I should know about gallium nitrate?

Before receiving gallium nitrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, if you have heart disease, or if you take diuretics (water pills). If you have any of these conditions, you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Many other drugs can damage the kidneys and should not be used together with gallium nitrate. Tell your doctor if you are receiving chemotherapy, taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) pain medicine, or using medicines used to treat a bowel disorder, medications to prevent organ transplant rejection, antiviral medications, or any injected antibiotics.

Gallium nitrate must be given as an IV infusion around the clock for up to 5 days, or until blood calcium levels are lowered to a safe level.

During your treatment with gallium nitrate, you may also need to be put on IV fluids to keep you from getting dehydrated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood and urine will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with gallium nitrate.

What is gallium nitrate?

Gallium nitrate is a form of nitrate salt.

Gallium nitrate is used to lower blood levels of calcium when they have become dangerously high in cancer patients.

Gallium nitrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving gallium nitrate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gallium nitrate, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Before receiving gallium nitrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, if you have heart disease, or if you take diuretics (water pills). If you have any of these conditions, you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before you receive gallium nitrate. It is not known whether gallium nitrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication before telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is gallium nitrate given?

Gallium nitrate is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

Gallium nitrate must be given as an IV infusion around the clock for up to 5 days, or until blood calcium levels are lowered to a safe level.

During your treatment with gallium nitrate, you may also need to be put on IV fluids to keep you from getting dehydrated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood and urine will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with gallium nitrate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since gallium nitrate is given by a healthcare provider, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, or urinating less than usual.

What should I avoid while receiving gallium nitrate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive gallium nitrate.