ioglycamic acid

Ioglycamic acid is a triiodinated, ionic radiopaque contrast medium belonging to the class of triiodobenzene derivatives. It was primarily developed for use in intravenous cholangiography and cholecystography to visualize the gallbladder and biliary tract. The drug is characterized by its dual excretion pathway, being eliminated through both the bile and the urine, with hepatic transport occurring via an active process. While it was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s under brand names like Biligram and Bilivistan, its clinical application has significantly declined due to the development of safer non-ionic contrast agents and the advent of non-invasive imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Experimental uses have included inhalation bronchography using a powdered form and hepatobiliary scintiscanning when labeled with Iodine-131.

Brand names

BiligramBilivistan

Other names

ioglycamatecalcium ioglycamic acidmethylglucamine ioglycamic acidioglycamideMGI