UROGRAFIN 60%

Indications

• Diagnostic imaging in radiography
• Angiography
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Urography
• Visualizing vascular structures and abnormalities

Dosage

Children: Dosing in children should be determined based on age, weight, and the specific imaging requirement. Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate pediatric dosing guidelines.

Adults: The dosage for adults varies depending on the specific imaging procedure and the concentration of the contrast agent used. Refer to the BNF for detailed dosing information.

Mechanism of action

Amidotrizoate functions as a radiopaque agent that contains iodine, which effectively blocks X-rays. The high density of electron-dense iodine atoms scatters X-rays, allowing for clear imaging of body structures where the contrast medium localizes. This enables the differentiation of organs and tissues on X-ray films, appearing white and providing necessary contrast for diagnosis.

Pharmacodynamics

As a water-soluble, iodinated contrast medium, amidotrizoate is utilized to facilitate diagnostic imaging by creating a distinction between different organs and tissues during X-ray examinations. The localization of this agent in specific areas enhances the visibility of anatomical structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities.

Pharmacokinetics

Amidotrizoate is administered primarily via intravenous injection, although it can also be given intraarterially, intrathecally, or intraabdominally. It is rapidly distributed throughout the body, and its excretion occurs predominantly through the kidneys. The contrast medium's nephrotoxicity is a significant concern, as it may reduce renal blood flow and directly affect renal tubular cells, leading to acute renal failure in susceptible patients.

Adverse effects

• Allergic reactions
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Nephrotoxicity
• Injection site reactions

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with known allergies to iodine or previous reactions to contrast media
• Consider renal function prior to administration, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
• Monitor for signs of nephrotoxicity

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

A decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Injection solution

Indications

• Used as a solubilizing agent in pharmaceutical preparations
• Used in radiographic contrast media formulations

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific formulations for paediatric dosing instructions as it varies depending on the application.

Adults: Refer to specific formulations for adult dosing instructions as it varies depending on the application.

Mechanism of action

Meglumine acts by enhancing the solubility and stability of drugs in solution, particularly in radiographic contrast agents. It is involved in purinergic signaling pathways, which are essential for various physiological processes, including neurotransmission and inflammation.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic profile of meglumine is largely influenced by its role as a solubilizing agent. It does not exhibit direct pharmacological effects on its own but rather facilitates the action of other active ingredients in formulations. Its impact on purinergic signaling may contribute to modulating physiological responses in the body.

Pharmacokinetics

Meglumine is rapidly absorbed when administered, with its pharmacokinetics closely tied to the properties of the drugs it accompanies. The distribution, metabolism, and excretion of meglumine are not well-defined as it typically functions as an excipient rather than an active therapeutic agent. Its elimination from the body is primarily via renal pathways.

Pregnancy

There is insufficient data on the use of meglumine in pregnancy, therefore it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Caution is advised when administering meglumine to breastfeeding women, as its effects on infants are not well studied.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Mechanism of action

Diatrizoate is an iodine-containing X-ray contrast agent. Iodated contrast agents were among the first contrast agents developed. Iodine is known to be particular electron-dense and to effectively scatter or stop X-rays. A good contrast agent requires a high density of electron-dense atoms. Therefore, the more iodine, the more "dense" the x-ray effect. Iodine based contrast media are water soluble and harmless to the body. These contrast agents are sold as clear colorless water solutions, the concentration is usually expressed as mg I/ml. Modern iodinated contrast agents can be used almost anywhere in the body. Most often they are used intravenously, but for various purposes they can also be used intraarterially, intrathecally (the spine) and intraabdominally - just about any body cavity or potential space. Radiocontrast medium induced nephrotoxicity is a major clinical problem. There is considerable interest in reducing the incidence of acute renal failure due to the use of radiocontrast media (RCM). Reduction of renal blood flow and direct toxic effect on renal tubular epithelial cells have been postulated as major causes of RCM nephropathy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which RCM cause cell damage may allow the development of pharmacological therapy to prevent their nephrotoxicity. In this work we have investigated the signaling pathways that may be affected by RCM. The incubation of human renal tubular proximal cells with sodium diatrizoate, iopromide and iomeprol caused a marked dephosphorylation of the kinase Akt on Ser473 within 5min of incubation. RCM also caused a decrease in cell viability, which was substantially alleviated by transfecting the cells with a constitutively active form of Akt. Further downstream targets of Akt, including the Forkhead family of transcription factors FKHR and FKHRL1, were also dephosphorylated by RCM at Thr24 and Thr32, respectively. The P70S6 kinase was also dephosphorylated at Thr389 and Ser371 by RCM. However there was a more dramatic decrease in phosphorylation of the phosphorylated form of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and of the extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 caused by sodium diatrizoate than by iopromide. These results demonstrate the effect of RCM on some intracellular signaling pathways that may allow understanding of the mechanism of their toxicity and may allow the development of strategies to overcome their adverse effects.

Pharmacodynamics

Diatrizoate is the most commonly used water-soluble, iodinated, radiopaque x-ray contrast medium. Radiopaque agents are drugs used to help diagnose certain medical problems. They contain iodine, which blocks x-rays. Depending on how the radiopaque agent is given, it localizes or builds up in certain areas of the body. The resulting high level of iodine allows the x-rays to make a "picture" of the area. The areas of the body in which the radiopaque agent localizes will appear white on the x-ray film. This creates the needed distinction, or contrast, between one organ and other tissues. The contrast will help the doctor see any special conditions that may exist in that organ or part of the body.