ethiodized oil

Ethiodized oil is a sterile, injectable radio-opaque contrast agent derived from poppyseed oil and organically bound iodine (37% by weight). It is primarily used in diagnostic imaging procedures such as hysterosalpingography, lymphography, and selective hepatic intraarterial radiography. The mechanism of action involves its high iodine content, which absorbs X-rays and enhances the visibility of internal structures during radiological investigations. Ethiodized oil can also be labeled with radioactive iodine (I‑131) for use as an antineoplastic agent in certain cancer therapies. It is selectively retained in tumor vessels for extended periods, aiding both diagnosis and targeted therapy. The drug was first developed by Marcel Guerbet and Laurent Lafay in 1901 and has been marketed under several brand names since then.

Brand names

LipiodolEthiodolVividolLipiodol Ultra Fluide

Other names

ethiodized oil injectioniodized oilethyl esters of iodised fatty acidsiodized ethyl esters of poppyseed fatty acids