Xenon Xe-133

Inhalation of Xenon Xe 133 Gas has proved valuable for the evaluation of pulmonary function and for imaging the lungs. It may also be applied to assessment of cerebral flow.

None known.

Xenon Xe 133 Gas delivery systems, i.e., respirators or spirometers, and associated tubing assemblies must be leakproof to avoid loss of radioactivity into the environs not specifically protected by exhaust systems. Xenon Xe 133 adheres to some plastics and rubber and should not be allowed to stand in tubing or respirator containers. The unrecognized loss of radioactivity from the dose for administration may render the study non-diagnostic. The vial stopper contains dry natural rubber latex and may cause allergic reactions in providers or patients who are sensitive to latex.

Adverse reactions related to the use of this agent have not been reported to date.

Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with Xenon Xe 133 Gas. It is also not known whether Xenon Xe 133 Gas can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Xenon Xe 133 Gas should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Ideally, examination using radiopharmaceuticals, especially those elective in nature in a woman of childbearing capability, should be performed during the first few (approximately 10) days following the onset of menses.

It is not known whether Xenon Xe 133 is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk, therefore formula feedings should be substituted for breast feeding, because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants.

Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population has not been established.

Clinical studies of Xenon Xe 133 Gas did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosage range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.