Radiopharmaceutical Compounds Without Approved Names

15.9.3 Radiopharmaceutical Compounds Without Approved Names

Compounds may be combined with radioisotopes for research purposes. Such compounds would not receive an INN if no commercial use is intended. In lieu of an INN, standard chemical nomenclature should be followed (see 15.9.1, Elements, or consult the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics² for more information).

After first mention, the name of the substance can be abbreviated. Use the superscript form of the isotope number to the left of the element symbol. Enclose the isotope symbol in brackets and close up with the compound name if the nonradioactive isotope of the element is normally part of the compound.

glucose labeled with radioactive carbon (¹⁴C) [or glucose tagged with carbon 14]

[¹⁴C]glucose (not glucose C 14)

Use no brackets and separate the element and compound name with a hyphen if the compound does not normally contain the isotope element.

amikacin labeled with iodine 125

¹²⁵I-amikacin

If uncertain as to whether the isotope element is normally part of a compound, consult the USP Dictionary¹ for drugs and The Merck Index³ for other compounds.