iocetamic acid

Iocetamic acid is an iodine-containing radiopaque contrast medium primarily used for oral cholecystography and cholecystocholangiography. It is a triiodinated small molecule that, following oral administration, is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently excreted into the bile. Once concentrated in the gallbladder and biliary ducts, the iodine atoms provide sufficient radiopacity to allow for X-ray visualization of these structures. Developed in the late 1960s, it was marketed under brand names such as Cholebrin. While it was a standard diagnostic tool for detecting gallstones and assessing gallbladder function, its clinical use has largely been superseded by non-invasive imaging modalities like ultrasound. Rare but serious side effects associated with its use include severe thrombocytopenia and angioneurotic edema.

Brand names

CholebrinCholebrine

Other names

iocetamic acid