Tag: Tromethamine

Tromethamine is a systemic alkalizing agent that acts as a proton acceptor to help treat or prevent acid problems in the blood, a condition known as metabolic acidosis. This critical care medication serves a distinct purpose, separate from other well-known drugs that may use 'tromethamine' in their name as a salt form.

According to extensive safety assessments from organizations like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the FDA, there is no evidence to suggest that tromethamine is carcinogenic. These reviews, covering both cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses, have consistently found the compound to be safe when used as directed.

Tromethamine, commonly known as THAM, is a parenteral systemic alkalizing agent historically used for the prevention and correction of severe metabolic acidosis in critical care settings. It has specific applications, particularly during cardiac bypass surgery and cardiac arrest, where it helps sustain vital functions by neutralizing excess acid.

Tromethamine presents different sets of dangers depending on its formulation, most notably its use as a buffer for metabolic acidosis versus its presence in the potent NSAID, ketorolac tromethamine. For instance, elderly patients are at a greater risk for serious gastrointestinal complications when taking ketorolac tromethamine.

Tham, the brand name for tromethamine, is a systemic alkalizing agent that buffers excess acid in the body without producing carbon dioxide. Although it was temporarily discontinued by its manufacturer in 2016, generic versions of tromethamine are now available for critical care applications.