We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Gallium Nitrate?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,792
Share

Gallium nitrate is an intravenous medication given to cancer patients who experience a condition called hypercalcemia, or elevated blood calcium levels. It works by changing the way that bone cells called osteoclasts release calcium into the bloodstream. In most cases, gallium nitrate is administered through a slow drip in a hospital or clinic over the course of five days, or until blood-calcium levels are completely stabilized. The drug can interact adversely with other medications, so it is important for patients to follow their doctors' instructions exactly before, during, and after receiving gallium nitrate.

Hypercalcemia is a common side effect of many types of cancers, especially those that affect the breasts and lungs. Hormonal imbalances and after-effects of cancer therapy can further worsen the condition. If calcium levels become significantly elevated, a person can experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, and severe body aches. Gallium nitrate reduces calcium levels by blocking the activity of osteoclasts, thereby stopping them from breaking down bone and releasing stored calcium.

Before deciding to administer gallium nitrate, a doctor typically conducts a thorough medical screening. He or she tests blood and urine samples to determine exact calcium levels, and takes imaging scans of the kidneys to look for signs of damage. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and those who take medications that might harm the kidneys are not good candidates for gallium nitrate treatment.

The medication is typically administered in a hospital setting by a physician or a trained nurse. An intravenous catheter is placed directly into a vein in the arm, and a mixture of gallium nitrate and hydrating fluids are slowly released. In most cases, patients are restricted to minimal physical activity and very strict diets during the five-day treatment. Doctors carefully monitor blood-calcium levels throughout treatment to determine when the catheter can be removed.

Gallium nitrate can cause side effects in some patients. The most common problems include increased thirst, muscle weakness, nausea, and blood in the urine. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, cramps, muscle weakness, and mental confusion. Rarely, an allergic reaction can occur that immediately restricts the airways and causes a full-body rash. If a reaction occurs, treatment is ended immediately and emergency care is provided.

Most people who receive hypercalcemia treatment notice symptom relief within a few weeks of their hospital stays. If calcium levels begin to rise again, another round of treatment can be provided after about one month. With careful monitoring and appropriate treatment for the underlying cancer, patients are usually able to recover from the condition.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-gallium-nitrate.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.