Barium Sulfate
Steritalc is a brand-name sterile talc powder used in medical procedures to induce pleurodesis, a process that causes the lining of the lungs to adhere to the chest wall. It is commonly used in patients with malignant pleural effusions or recurrent pleural effusions to prevent fluid accumulation and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath.
Steritalc is a sterile talc product used to seal the pleural space and prevent fluid buildup around the lungs in certain patients.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2003394
- Generic
- Steritalc
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Steritalc is used for chemical pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusions, recurrent non-malignant pleural effusions, and spontaneous pneumothorax. It may also be used for lymphatic mapping in certain cancers such as melanoma and breast cancer.
When instilled into the pleural space, sterile talc causes irritation and inflammation of the pleural surfaces, leading to adhesion between the visceral and parietal pleura. This seals the pleural space, preventing the accumulation of fluid (effusion) or air (pneumothorax).
Steritalc should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in an appropriate clinical setting. It is supplied in sterile, single-use vials to prevent contamination. Potential side effects may include pain, fever, and in rare cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients should be monitored during and after the procedure.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy