Sterile Talc Powder

Sterile talc powder is a mineral, usually used in a powdered form. In cancer treatment, sterile talc powder is used to prevent pleural effusions (an abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall). Sterile talc powder is inserted into the space, causing it to close up, so fluid cannot collect there.

Sterile Talc Powder is a sclerosing agent intended for intrapleural administration supplied in a single use 100 ml brown glass bottle, sealed with a gray, 20 mm stopper and covered with a flip-off seal. Each bottle contains a minimum of 5.0 g of Talc USP (Ultra 2000 Talc), either white or off-white to light gray, asbestos-free and brucite-free grade of talc of controlled particle size. The composition of the talc is ≥ 95% talc as hydrated magnesium silicate. The empirical formula of talc is Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂ with a molecular weight of 379.3. Associated naturally occurring minerals include chlorite (hydrated aluminum and magnesium silicate.), dolomite (calcium and magnesium carbonate), calcite (calcium carbonate) and quartz. Talc is practically insoluble in water and in dilute solutions of acids and alkali hydroxides. The finished product has been sterilized by gamma irradiation.

Sterile Talc Powder, administered intrapleurally via a chest tube, is indicated as a sclerosing agent to decrease the recurrence of malignant pleural effusions in symptomatic patients.

NDC 63256-200-05