Strontium and IV Drip Therapy
Description
One of the most abundant minerals on earth, strontium (Sr) is present in soil, air, water, fish, and most plant foods, especially cabbage, beets, and Brazil nuts. Strontium is chemically unstable and is often found in nature in the form of salts such as strontium citrate, strontium chloride, strontium carbonate, strontium gluconate, or strontium lactate. Worldwide, the estimated daily intake of strontium is 1 to 5 mg/day. About 99% of the strontium in the human body is concentrated in the bones.
Strontium chloride is the most common form of strontium found in supplements. Strontium ranelate is a newer, patentable form of strontium combined with the synthetic compound ranelic acid.
Clinical Pharmacology
Metabolism
Strontium is chemically similar to calcium and is absorbed in comparable amounts. The mean half-life of strontium gluconate has been reported to be between 2 to 5 days after intravenous administration. Strontium is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, though some is excreted through sweat and feces. Strontium accumulates primarily in the bones, especially in areas of new trabecular bone formation. For individuals needing rapid supplementation or in cases of deficiency, IV Drip therapy with strontium can provide more immediate absorption and therapeutic effects.
Mechanism of Action
Strontium influences bone remodeling by increasing pre-osteoblast proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, type I collagen synthesis, and bone matrix mineralization, while simultaneously inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activation. Strontium’s role in bone metabolism makes it a viable option for treatment through IV Drip therapy for conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Indications and Usage
Strontium can be used for various therapeutic purposes. Strontium chloride or strontium ranelate may be administered through IV Drip therapy to support bone health and relieve symptoms associated with specific conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis: Strontium ranelate, though not available in the U.S., has been shown to reduce fracture risk and increase bone density in people with osteoporosis.
- Osteoarthritis: Developing research suggests strontium may promote collagen and cartilage formation in joints.
- Tooth decay: Strontium chloride or strontium acetate in toothpaste relieves pain in sensitive teeth.
- Prostate cancer: Strontium-89 chloride may slow the growth of prostate cancer that is resistant to treatment.
- Bone pain related to cancer: Strontium-89 chloride, administered intravenously, reduces pain from metastatic bone cancer.
Contraindications
Treatment with strontium ranelate must be stopped if conditions like hypertension, angina, or DRESS syndrome develop. The use of strontium is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, a history of ischemic heart disease, venous thromboembolism, or peripheral arterial and cerebrovascular diseases. Careful monitoring is required during IV Drip therapy if there is a history of these conditions.
Warnings
There are no general warnings, but IV Drip therapy with strontium should be carefully administered under medical supervision, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions.
Precautions
Medication Interactions
Medications that interact with strontium include:
- Antacids: May decrease strontium absorption.
- Quinolone antibiotics: May decrease the effectiveness of quinolones. Strontium should be taken 2 hours before or after quinolones.
- Tetracycline antibiotics: May decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. Take strontium 2 hours before or after tetracyclines.
- Estrogens: May decrease the rate of strontium elimination.
- Androgens: May decrease the rate of strontium elimination.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Strontium is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken in food amounts or used in toothpaste. However, strontium-89 chloride, a radioactive material, should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it may harm the fetus or nursing infant. Strontium IV Drip therapy should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Adverse Reactions
Strontium is generally safe when taken in amounts found in food (~ 0.5-1.5 mg/day). However, strontium ranelate may cause adverse effects such as cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypersensitivity, and nervous system symptoms such as headache, memory loss, and, rarely, allergic reactions like DRESS syndrome. These risks should be considered during IV Drip administration.
Overdosage
There are no reports of strontium overdose, but like any supplement or mineral, IV Drip therapy should be carefully dosed to avoid adverse reactions.
Dosage and Administration
Oral Dosing:
- For sensitive teeth: Strontium acetate 8% twice daily for up to 8 weeks or strontium chloride 10% for up to 6 months.
- For osteoporosis or osteopenia: 0.5 to 2 g strontium ranelate daily.
- For osteoarthritis: 1 to 2 g strontium ranelate daily.
Intravenous Dosing (IV Drip):
- Strontium gluconate — 5 mmol diluted with physiological saline to a final volume of 120 mL, injected intravenously at a constant rate over one hour. Alternatively, 500 mL of 5% glucose in water may be administered over 4 hours.
- Strontium chloride Sr 89 (Metastron) is a radiopharmaceutical used to relieve bone pain related to cancer. This should not be mistaken as a general strontium supplement.
- For bone support, 2 mL of strontium (gluconate) may be added to a mineral and vitamin infusion of 250 mL or more (500 or 1000 mL).
- Compounded Strontium lmg/mL 30mL PFV clear solution, stored at room temperature, may be used as part of IV Drip therapy.