Therapeutic Elements
Chemical elements with established therapeutic uses in medicine, organized by clinical application.
Psychiatric / Neurological (1)Cancer Treatment (2)Diagnostic Imaging (3)Antimicrobial (2)Nutritional / Supplemental (4)
Psychiatric / Neurological
Li3
Lithium
THERAPEUTICTHERAPEUTICZ=3 · 6.940 u · alkali metal
Uses: First-line mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Used in both acute mania and long-term prophylaxis.
Mechanism: Modulates neurotransmitter release and receptor sensitivity. Inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and inositol monophosphatase, affecting intracellular signaling cascades. Narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L).
Drugs / Formulations: Lithium carbonate (Lithobid), lithium citrate
Cancer Treatment
Pt78
Platinum
THERAPEUTICNONEZ=78 · 195.084 u · transition metal
Uses: Platinum-based antineoplastic agents are among the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, effective in testicular, ovarian, lung, bladder, and head/neck cancers.
Mechanism: Forms intra-strand and inter-strand DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription. Triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Drugs / Formulations: Cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin
Gd64
Gadolinium
THERAPEUTICNONEZ=64 · 157.250 u · lanthanide
Uses: MRI contrast agent. Paramagnetic Gd³⁺ chelates enhance T1-weighted MRI images, improving visualization of tumors, inflammation, and vascular structures.
Mechanism: Gd³⁺ has seven unpaired electrons, creating a strong paramagnetic effect that shortens T1 relaxation time of nearby water protons. Must be chelated (Gd-DTPA) due to free Gd³⁺ toxicity. Risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with impaired renal function.
Drugs / Formulations: Gadopentetate (Magnevist), gadobutrol (Gadavist), gadoterate (Dotarem)
Diagnostic Imaging
Ba56
Barium
THERAPEUTICTOXICZ=56 · 137.327 u · alkaline earth metal
Uses: Barium sulfate (BaSO₄) suspension used as radiocontrast agent for GI tract X-ray and CT imaging. Outlines the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Mechanism: High atomic number (Z=56) provides excellent X-ray absorption. BaSO₄ is virtually insoluble, making it safe for oral/rectal administration despite the toxicity of soluble Ba²⁺ salts.
Drugs / Formulations: Barium sulfate suspension (various preparations)
I53
Iodine
THERAPEUTICESSENTIAL TRACEZ=53 · 126.904 u · halogen
Uses: Iodinated contrast agents for CT angiography and enhanced CT. Also I-131 for thyroid therapy and I-123 for thyroid imaging.
Mechanism: High atomic number (Z=53) provides strong X-ray attenuation. Iodinated contrast is administered intravenously for vascular and organ enhancement. Thyroid selectively concentrates iodine via the sodium-iodide symporter.
Drugs / Formulations: Iohexol (Omnipaque), iopamidol (Isovue), I-131 sodium iodide
Tc43
Technetium
THERAPEUTICNONEZ=43 · 97.907 u · transition metal
Uses: Tc-99m is the most widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine, accounting for ~80% of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.
Mechanism: Tc-99m emits 140 keV gamma rays with a 6-hour half-life, ideal for gamma camera detection. Generated on-site from Mo-99/Tc-99m generators. Various Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals target different organs.
Drugs / Formulations: Tc-99m sestamibi (cardiac), Tc-99m MDP (bone), Tc-99m MAA (lung perfusion)
Antimicrobial
Ag47
Silver
THERAPEUTICNONEZ=47 · 107.868 u · transition metal
Uses: Topical antimicrobial for burn wounds and chronic wound care. Silver nanoparticles used in antimicrobial coatings for medical devices and wound dressings.
Mechanism: Ag⁺ ions bind to bacterial cell wall proteins and DNA, disrupting membrane integrity and inhibiting replication. Broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Drugs / Formulations: Silver sulfadiazine cream (Silvadene), silver-impregnated wound dressings, colloidal silver
Bi83
Bismuth
THERAPEUTICNONEZ=83 · 208.980 u · unknown
Uses: GI relief (nausea, diarrhea, heartburn) and component of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens (quadruple therapy).
Mechanism: Bismuth subsalicylate has both antisecretory and antimicrobial properties. Coats GI mucosa providing a protective barrier. Directly toxic to H. pylori by disrupting bacterial cell wall.
Drugs / Formulations: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), bismuth subcitrate (De-Nol)
Nutritional / Supplemental
Fe26
Iron
THERAPEUTICESSENTIALZ=26 · 55.845 u · transition metal
Uses: Treatment and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia, the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Essential for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport.
Mechanism: Supplemental iron provides Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ for incorporation into heme groups of hemoglobin and myoglobin, and for iron-dependent enzymes (cytochromes, catalase).
Drugs / Formulations: Ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, iron sucrose (IV), ferric carboxymaltose (IV)
Zn30
Zinc
THERAPEUTICESSENTIAL TRACEZ=30 · 65.380 u · transition metal
Uses: Wound healing, immune function support, treatment of zinc deficiency. Zinc lozenges may reduce cold duration. Wilson's disease treatment (zinc acetate).
Mechanism: Cofactor for >300 enzymes including carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and DNA/RNA polymerases. Essential for immune cell function and wound re-epithelialization.
Drugs / Formulations: Zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate lozenges, zinc acetate (Galzin for Wilson's disease)
Se34
Selenium
THERAPEUTICESSENTIAL TRACEZ=34 · 78.971 u · nonmetal
Uses: Antioxidant supplementation. Component of selenoenzymes (glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase). Deficiency linked to Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease.
Mechanism: Incorporated as selenocysteine into selenoproteins that protect cells from oxidative damage. Glutathione peroxidase reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides.
Drugs / Formulations: Selenium sulfide (topical antifungal), sodium selenite, selenomethionine supplements
Ca20
Calcium
THERAPEUTICESSENTIALZ=20 · 40.078 u · alkaline earth metal
Uses: Bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Treatment of hypocalcemia. Calcium channel modulation. Antacid use (calcium carbonate).
Mechanism: Essential for bone mineralization (hydroxyapatite), muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Supplementation maintains bone mineral density, especially in postmenopausal women.
Drugs / Formulations: Calcium carbonate (Tums, Os-Cal), calcium citrate (Citracal), calcium gluconate (IV for emergencies)