| Radionuclide | Therapy | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Iodine | KI | Blocks thyroid deposition |
| Cesium/Rubidium/Thallium | Prussian blue | Blocks gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and prevents recycling |
| Plutonium and transuranics (Americium, Californium, Lanthanum, Curium) | DTPA | Acts as chelating agent |
| Uranium | Bicarbonate | Alkalinizes urine, decreases chances of acute tubular necrosis |
| Tritium | Forced fluids, diuretics | Dilutes isotope |
| Strontium | Oral aluminum phosphate or barium sulfate | Blocks GI absorption |
| Radium | Magnesium sulfate lavage | Prevents absorption |
| Phosphorus | Stomach lavage, aluminum hydroxide, oral phosphates | Prevents absorption, blocks cellular deposition |
| Cobalt | Gastric lavage, purgatives; penicillamine if severe | Prevents absorption, acts as chelating agent |
Source: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Management of Persons Accidentally Contaminated with Radionuclides, Report Number 65, 1979. Bethesda, MD. Reprinted with permission.