Iotroxic acid (trade name Biliscopin), used in the form of

meglumine Meglumine is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose that contains an amino group modification. It is often used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals and in conjunction with iodinated compounds in contrast media A contrast agent (or contrast medium ...

iotroxate, is a molecule used as a

contrast medium A contrast agent (or contrast medium) is a substance used to increase the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. Contrast agents absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasound, which is different from radiop ...

during

X-rays An X-ray (also known in many languages as Röntgen radiation) is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than those of ultraviolet rays and longer than those of gamma rays. Roughly, X-rays have a wavelength ran ...

. It is specifically used during tests looking at the

gallbladder In vertebrates, the gallbladder, also known as the cholecyst, is a small hollow Organ (anatomy), organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine. In humans, the pear-shaped gallbladder lies beneath t ...

and

biliary tract The biliary tract (also biliary tree or biliary system) refers to the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, and how they work together to make, store and secrete bile. Bile consists of water, electrolytes, bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids an ...

. It is given by slow injection into a vein. Side effects are uncommon. They include vomiting, skin flushing, headache, itchiness, and

low blood pressure Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is a cardiovascular condition characterized by abnormally reduced blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood and is ...

. Rare side effects include

seizures A seizure is a sudden, brief disruption of brain activity caused by abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal firing. Depending on the regions of the brain involved, seizures can lead to changes in movement, sensation, behavior, awareness, o ...

and

allergic reactions Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are various conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, alle ...

. It should not be used by those who have an iodine allergy. Iotroxic acid is an iodine containing contrast media of the diionic dimer type. Iotroxic acid was first made in 1976. It is on the

World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (aka Essential Medicines List or EML), published by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe to meet the most important needs in a health s ...

. It is rarely used in the

developed world A developed country, or advanced country, is a sovereign state that has a high quality of life, developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure relative to other less industrialized nations. Most commonly, the criteria for eval ...

due to the availability of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

References

Acetanilides Benzoic acids Iodobenzene derivatives Radiocontrast agents World Health Organization essential medicines Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate {{pharmacology-stub