The Basics
What is Technetium Tc 99m Dextran?
Indicated as a cardiac blood pool imaging agent and as an adjunct in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion, ventricular aneurysm, or GI Bleed.
Brand names for Technetium Tc 99m Dextran
Dextran
How Technetium Tc 99m Dextran is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Technetium Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Technetium Tc 99m Dextran During Pregnancy
Technetium Tc 99m Dextran pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Technetium Tc 99m Dextran while pregnant
Not listed
Taking Technetium Tc 99m Dextran While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Technetium Tc 99m Dextran?
Information in this record refers to the use of technetium Tc 99m dextran as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of technetium Tc 99m dextran during breastfeeding. The mother should withhold breastfeeding for 60 hours after a diagnostic dose. This length of time is 10 half-lives of the radioisotope, so the nursing infant should not be exposed to radiation if this guideline is followed. The mother can nurse just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[1][2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4] For nursing mothers who work with Tc 99m substances in their workplace, there is no need to take any precautions other than those appropriate for general radiation protection.[5]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of technetium Tc 99m dextran as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of technetium Tc 99m dextran during breastfeeding. The mother should withhold breastfeeding for 60 hours after a diagnostic dose. This length of time is 10 half-lives of the radioisotope, so the nursing infant should not be exposed to radiation if this guideline is followed. The mother can nurse just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[1][2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4] For nursing mothers who work with Tc 99m substances in their workplace, there is no need to take any precautions other than those appropriate for general radiation protection.[5]
Possible effects of Technetium Tc 99m Dextran on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Technetium Tc 99m Dextran
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Howe DB, Beardsley M, Bakhsh S. Appendix U. Model procedure for release of patients or human research subjects administered radioactive materials. In, NUREG-1556. Consolidated guidance about materials licenses. Program-specific guidance about medical use licenses. Final report. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. 2008;9, Rev. 2. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/v9/r2/
2. Mountford PJ, Coakley AJ. A review of the secretion of radioactivity in human breast milk: data, quantitative analysis and recommendations. Nucl Med Commun. 1989;10:15-27. PMID: 2645546
3. Early PJ, Sodee DB. Principles and practice of nuclear medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1995:1380-1.
4. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
5. Almen A, Mattsson S. Radiological protection of foetuses and breast-fed children of occupationally exposed women in nuclear medicine – Challenges for hospitals. Phys Med. 2017;43:172-7. PMID: 28882410
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
