bunamiodyl

Bunamiodyl is an iodinated organic compound formerly used as an oral radiopaque contrast medium for cholecystography and cholangiography. It functions by being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted into the bile, allowing for X-ray visualization of the gallbladder and biliary ducts. However, its use was largely discontinued in the mid-1960s due to reports of severe nephrotoxicity, including fatal acute renal failure (anuria), particularly in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or when administered in high doses. Mechanistically, it competes with bilirubin and other organic anions for binding to hepatic cytoplasmic proteins (specifically the Z fraction), which can lead to transient hyperbilirubinemia.

Brand names

OrabilexOrabilix

Other names

bunamiodyl sodiumbunamiodylate sodium