It works by preventing the breakdown of bone through the inhibition of osteoclast activity, thus lowering the amount of free calcium in the blood.

[6] According to Hedley et al., gallium inhibits replicative DNA synthesis, the major gallium-specific target probably being ribonucleotide reductase.

The stable, nonahydrate, Ga(NO3)3•9H2O is a white, slightly hygroscopic, crystalline powder of molecular weight 417.87, that is readily soluble in water.

[11] Use of higher doses of gallium nitrate than recommended may cause nausea, vomiting and increases risk of chronic kidney disease.

In the case of overdose, serum calcium should be monitored, patients should receive vigorous hydration for 2–3 days and any further drug administrations should be discontinued.

[14] Another interesting schedule of subcutaneous injection with low doses of gallium nitrate has been proposed, especially for the treatment of bone metastases, but the definitive results have not yet been published.

The chemical reduction of materials in this group can be rapid, but often requires initiation of heat, catalyst and addition of a solvent.

Explosive mixtures of gallium nitrate with reducing agents often persist unchanged for long periods if initiation is prevented.

[11] In a controlled trial of patients, it was noticed a decrease in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the treatment with gallium nitrate.