Ferric ferrocyanide

859.23

859.599915

237-875-5

DTXSID9047756

Dark blue powder|Purple powder|Relatively strongly colored

V - Various

32041990

428

0.28454

Dark blue Powder

1.80 g/cm³

25.7ºC at 760 mmHg

Practically insoluble in water

Store in the dark at 25 deg C (77 deg F), excursions permitted to 15-30 deg C (59-86 deg F)

740mmHg at 25°C

Apart from poor fastness toward alkalies, its general fastness is good.|Primary particle size is less than 20 nm with a specific surface area of 100 square meters/gram.|Iron blue pigments are thermally stable for short periods at temperatures up to 180 °C...The powdered material presents an explosion hazard, the ignition point is 600-625 °C...The pigments are combustible in powder form, ignition in air being possible above 140 °C.|MW: 859.3 Daltons. Powder ranges from uniformly fine, dark granules to course light and dark-colored granules. The crystal structure of Prussian blue is a cubic lattice with the Fe(II) and Fe(III) atoms occupying the corners of the cube and the cyanide groups positioned on the sides./Prussian blue insoluble capsules/|Prussian blue insoluble may not bind to all radioactive elements and some radioactive elements may not undergo enterohepatic circulation, which is needed for Prussian blue insoluble binding and elimination.

UN 1993

1

R40:Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. R22:Harmful if swallowed. R10:Flammable. R36/38:Irritating to eyes and skin . R23/25:Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed . R11:Highly Flammable. R36/37/38:Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin .

22-24/25

LJ8200000

Xn,T,F,Xi

Stable. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, ammonia. Light sensitive.

P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P312, P304+P340, P312, P322, P330, P363, P501

H302

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

A color mixture containing /blown castor oil, turkey red oil (sulfonated castor oil) and Iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(4-)/ ignited spontaneously. Oxidation products in the air-blown oil may have reacted exothermally with the complex cyanide, a reducant.|Interaction of 'iron blue' pigment with ethylene oxide vapor at ambient temp is highly exothermic and gives a product which ignites on contact with air. The hazards of using undiluted ethylene oxide in sterilizers, and the need to use inert purging between vacuum degassing stages is stressed.|During grinding operations, the intimate mixture of pigments /of lead chromate and prussian blue/ was ignited by a spark and burned fiercely. Spontaneous ignition of Brunswick Green pigment (which also contains lead sulfate) soon after grinding was not uncommon, and similar incidents had led to the loss of ships with cargos of Prussian Blue or Brunswick Green in wooden casks.

Certification of this color additive when used in drugs is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from the certification pursuant to section 721(c) of the act.

Dept of Homeland Security; News and Terrorism: Communicating in a Crisis; A fact sheet from the National Academies and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Radiological Attack, Dirty Bombs and other Devices (2004)[Available from, as of July 29, 2011: http://www.nae.edu/File.aspx?id=11317]|Dept of Health and Human Services, NLM; Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM); Prussian Blue (Radiogardase), (Last updated April 7, 2011.[Available from, as of July 29, 2011: http://www.remm.nlm.gov/prussianblue.htm]|Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emergency Preparedness and Response; Prussian Blue: Fact Sheet, (Last updated April 20, 2010).[Available from, as of July 29, 2011: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/prussianblue.asp]|FDA; Bioterrorism and Drug Preparedness; Questions and Answers on Prussian Blue (Last updated October 2, 2003).[Available from, as of July 29, 2011: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm130337.htm]

|Warning|H302 (26%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P312, P304+P340, P312, P322, P330, P363, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 333 companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Iron salts (soluble, as Fe)/|Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. /Iron salts (soluble, as Fe)/

The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc. /Iron salts soluble, as Fe)/|Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. /Iron salts (soluble, as Fe)/

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m. Skin Designation. /Cyanides, as CN/

Recommended Exposure Limits: 10 Hour Time-Weighted Average: 1 mg/cu m /Iron salts (soluble, as Fe)/

Mild cases of hypokalemia have been reported as prussian blue may bind other electrolytes found in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal pain or distension. Constipation may occur resulting in further decreased gastrointestinal motility and increased reabsorption and exposure time to radioisotopes, but may may be treated with a fiber based laxative and/or a high fiber diet. Oral dose that results in acute toxicity in mouse, rat and rabbit is >8000mg/kg. Based on reported adverse events and mechanism of action, possible overdose symptoms may include obstipation, obstruction, or severe decrease in electrolytes.

Food effect studies were not identified in the literature. In animal studies, Prussian blue was not significantly absorbed. Prussian blue's affinity for cesium and thallium is greater than its affinity for nutritional elements. Food is not expected to appreciably interfere with prussian blue's ability to rapidly eliminate cesium and thallium.|Prussian blue insoluble binds cesium and thallium isotopes in the gastrointestinal tract after these isotopes are ingested or excreted in the bile by the liver thereby reducing gastrointestinal reabsorption (enterohepatic circulation). In studies of rats, pigs, and dogs that were internally contaminated with cesium and thallium, the presence of the insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal lumen, changed the primary elimination route from the kidney to the feces and increased the rate of elimination of these two contaminants.

LD50 Rat ip 1.13 mg/g|LD50 Rat oral >1.0 g/kg|LD50 Mouse oral 5 g/kg /Ammonium ferric cyanoferrate/

14C-Labeled ferric hexacyanoferrate was added to microcosms containing soil fine suspensions from gaswork sites where soils were slightly contaminated with iron-complexed cyanides and aerated 82 days. Ferric hexacyanoferrate degradation proceeded at 1-18% in both aerated and sterile runs, indicating that the compound is susceptible to abiotic degradation. If oxygen is present, degradation products are carbon dioxide and nitrate.

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 85,363 workers (20,494 of these were female) were potentially exposed to ferric hexacyanoferrate in the US(1).

Indicated for treatment of patients with known or suspected internal contamination with radioactive cesium and/or radioactive or non-radioactive thallium to increase their rates of elimination.|FDA Label

Antidote to thallium poisoning|Prussian blue insoluble is indicated for treatment of patients with known or suspected internal contamination with radioactive cesium and/or radioactive or non-radioactive thallium to increase their rates of elimination. /Included in US product label/|In a 1987 incident in Goiania, Brazil, 46 persons with heavy internal contamination with 137-cesium (137-Cs) were treated with Prussian blue insoluble. Data on the whole body effective half-life of 137-Cs, during and after Prussian blue insoluble treatment was completed on 33/46 of these patients. The untreated mean whole body effective half-life of 137-Cs is 80 days in adults, 62 days in adolescents, and 42 days in children. Prussian blue insoluble reduced the mean whole-body effective half-life of 137-Cs by 69% in adults, by 46% in adolescents and by 43% in children.|Prussian blue (insoluble) is used for the treatment of known or suspected internal contamination with thallium, including radioactive and nonradioactive forms of thallium, in adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients 2 years of age or older. Prussian blue increases the rate of elimination of thallium in individuals exposed to potentially toxic amounts of radioactive thallium (201)Tl and nonradioactive thallium as a result of accidental or intentional poisoning. Contamination with (201)Tl is of concern because (201)Tl is a potential component of a radiologic dispersal device (dirty bomb).|For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for FERRIC HEXACYANOFERRATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Prussian blue insoluble is administered to decrease radiation exposure. It does not treat the complications of radiation exposure. Patients contaminated with high doses of 137-Cs may develop radiation toxicity including bone marrow suppression with severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Supportive treatment for radiation toxicity symptoms should be given concomitantly with Prussian blue insoluble treatment.|In radiological emergencies, the type of elemental exposure may not be known. Prussian blue insoluble may not bind to all radioactive elements and some radioactive elements may not undergo enterohepatic circulation, which is needed for Prussian blue insoluble binding and elimination. Patients contaminated with unknown or multiple radioactive elements may require treatment with other agents in addition to Prussian blue insoluble.|Prussian blue insoluble can cause constipation. Decreased gastrointestinal motility will slow the transit time of 137-Cs bound to Prussian blue insoluble in the gastrointestinal tract, and may increase the radiation absorbed dose to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Constipation occurring during Prussian blue insoluble treatment may be treated with a fiber based laxative and/or a high fiber diet. Prussian blue insoluble should be used with caution in patients with disorders associated with decreased gastrointestinal motility.|In patients who cannot swallow capsules, when the capsules are opened and the contents are mixed with food and eaten, the mouth and teeth might be colored blue.|For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for FERRIC HEXACYANOFERRATE (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Prussian blue is an insoluble radioactive metals chelating agent and absorbent. It acts by ion-exchange, adsorption, and mechanical trapping within the crystal structure and has a very high affinity for radioactive and non-radioactive cesium and thallium. The antidote therapy greatly minimizes the extent of contamination and reduces the half life of radioactive isotopes which have relatively long physicall half life and uniform tissue distribution. Data suggest that in humans, Prussian blue can reduce cesium’s half-life by approximately 43% and reduce total body burdens by significantly increasing the feces-to-urine excretion ratio.

Agents counteracting or neutralizing the action of POISONS. (See all compounds classified as Antidotes.)|Chemicals and substances that impart color including soluble dyes and insoluble pigments. They are used in INKS; PAINTS; and as INDICATORS AND REAGENTS. (See all compounds classified as Coloring Agents.)

It is poorly or not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract walls after oral ingestion. Systemic absorption is assumed to be insignificant, with minimal release of cyanide from the complex. A small amount (approximately 2%) of the hexacyanoferrate ion was absorbed after oral ingestion of prussian blue but with no signs of decomposition. Prussian blue is not systemically bioavailable.|It predominantly depends on fecal excretion, and does not depend on renal elimination. Based on animal data, 99% of a single dose of 40 mg of labeled insoluble Prussian blue was excreted unchanged in feces.|Histopathological examination of different organs showed no deposits of prussian blue after oral administration of insoluble prussian blue.|The clearance from the body depends on the gastrointestinal tract transit time.|Prussian blue insoluble, ferric(III) hexacyanoferrate(II), after oral ingestion is not absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal wall. Its clearance from the body depends on the gastrointestinal tract transit time.|In an animal study (pigs, n = 38), after a single dose of 40 mg of labeled Prussian blue insoluble, 99% of the administered Prussian blue dose was excreted unchanged in feces. Absorption from multiple doses has not been studied.|To study the degree of resorption of prussian blue from the gastrointestinal tract, (39)Fe labeled prussian blue was administered to piglets. Low amounts of iron were absorbed from prussian blue.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for FERRIC HEXACYANOFERRATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No evidence of decomposition after oral ingestion. Prussian blue does not undergo hepatic metabolism; use of the drug is not contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment.|Piglets were also administered (14)C-labeled ferric(III) hexacyanoferrate(II). No labeled (14)CO2 was detected in the expired air, there by demonstrating that no significant amount of cyanide ions was released from prussian blue in the body. The amount incorporated cyanide ions is apparently extremely small.|If cyanides had been liberated from AFCF by digestive processes, the majority of these products would have been detoxified to thiocyanate (SNC-) and thiocyanate is normally found in milk, plasma and urine. /Ammonium ferric cyanoferrate/

Prussian blue binds cesium and thallium isotopes in the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion or excreted in the bile by the liver, therby reduces gastrointestinal reabsorption into the enterohepatic circulation. It serves as an ion exchanger for univalent cations and it preferentially binds to cesium or thallium as its affinity for cations increases as the ionic radius of the cation increases. Prussian blue exchanges potassium for cesium or thallium at the surface of the crystal in the intestinal lumen. The insoluble complex is excreted without being absorbed from the intestinal walls. Insoluble prussian blue decreases the half life of cesium by 33% and from 3.8 to 2.2 days for thallium. The rate of cesium and thallium elimination is proportional to the dose and duration of prussian blue.|Prussian blue is an orally administered insoluble unabsorbable molecule that exchanges potassium ions for thallium in the gut lumen. Prussian blue blocks the enterohepatic and enteroenteric recirculation of thallium, increasing fecal elimination. It has been shown to decrease the elimination half-life of thallium from 8 to 3 days and to decrease mortality in an animal model.|Prussian blue insoluble acts by ion-exchange, adsorption, and mechanical trapping within the crystal structure and has a very high affinity for radioactive and non-radioactive cesium and thallium.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Two human male volunteers (age not given) ingested 3 g /prussian blue/ (PB) daily; although the duration of PB ingestion is not clearly stated, the data presented suggest that the period was 20 days. The biological half-life of previously administered (137)Cs was reduced by 60-70% and no side-effects were noted except for "slight obstipation". ... There was no change in the (40)K content of the body.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Based on reported adverse events and mechanism of action, possible overdose symptoms may include obstipation, obstruction, or severe decrease in electrolytes.

Berlin blue

A pigment prepared by precipitating ferrous ferrocyanide from a solution of ferrocyanide and ferrous sulfate.|Oral: Capsules, Ferric hexacyanoferrate (Prussian blue insoluble), 500 mg in one capsule; Radiogardase, Heyl Chem.-pharm. Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG

Ferrate(4-), hexakis(cyano-.kappa.C)-, iron(3+) (3:4), (OC-6-11)-: ACTIVE|The first modern synthetic pigment, made in 1704.|Ferric Ferrocyanide and Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide are listed as CI 77510 the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union (Annex IV, Part I) and may be used in all cosmetics and personal care products and must be free from cyanide ions. When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, these ingredients must be called CI 77510. Ferric Ferrocyanide and Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide are inorganic pigments that contain iron very tightly bound to cyanide. The cyanide is so tightly bound to the iron that it is not released into products that contain these pigments.|EINECS No. 237-875-5|A pigment prepared by precipitating ferrous ferrocyanide from a solution of ferrocyanide and ferrous sulfate. Subsequent oxidation produces a complex ferriferrocyanide whose shade and pigment properties are dependent upon oxidizing agent, reactant concentrations, pH, temperature, size of batch, and other conditions of manufacture.

Human Drugs -> FDA Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book) -> Active Ingredients|Cosmetics -> Cosmetic colorant