metrizamide

Metrizamide is a non-ionic, water-soluble, iodinated contrast medium that was historically used for neuroradiological procedures such as myelography and cisternography. Developed by Torsten Almén and Nyegaard & Co. (now part of GE HealthCare), it was the first non-ionic contrast agent to reach the market, offering reduced osmotic toxicity compared to earlier ionic agents. However, due to its inherent neurotoxicity and the requirement for manual reconstitution from powder, it has been largely superseded in clinical practice by more stable and less toxic agents like iohexol. Beyond its diagnostic applications, metrizamide is extensively utilized in laboratory research as a density gradient medium for the centrifugal isolation of cells, organelles (including lysosomes and mitochondria), and viruses. Recent bioinformatics studies have also identified it as a potential candidate for drug repositioning in Alzheimer's disease.

Brand names

Amipaque

Other names

metrizamide