acetrizoic acid

Acetrizoic acid is a historical iodinated contrast medium belonging to the class of ionic, high-osmolar contrast agents (HOCA). Developed in the 1950s, it was one of the first triiodinated benzoic acid derivatives used for diagnostic imaging, specifically in procedures such as intravenous urography, retrograde pyelography, and hysterosalpingography. It functions by absorbing X-rays due to its high iodine content, thereby enhancing the visualization of internal structures. However, its high osmolality was associated with significant adverse effects, including vascular pain and organ toxicity, leading to its replacement by more modern, non-ionic, and low-osmolar contrast media.

Brand names

UrokonCystokonPyelokonThixokonSalpixVasurixTriurolDiaginol

Other names

3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acidsodium acetrizoatemeglumine acetrizoate