Sodium amidotrizoate

Diatrizoate, also known as amidotrizoate, is a contrast agent used during X-rays. This includes when visualizing veins, the urinary system, spleen, and joints, as well as during computer tomography (CT scan). It is given by mouth, injection into a vein, injection into the bladder, through a nasogastric tube, or rectally. Diatrizoate, also known as amidotrizoate, is a contrast agent used during X-rays. This includes when visualizing veins, the urinary system, spleen, and joints, as well as during computer tomography (CT scan). It is given by mouth, injection into a vein, injection into the bladder, through a nasogastric tube, or rectally. Relatively common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin redness. Other side effects include itchiness, kidney problems, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. It is not recommended in people who have an iodine allergy. Diatrizoate is an iodinated ionic radiocontrast agent with high osmolality. Diatrizoate was approved for medical use in the United States in 1954. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. As of 2016, the wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$5.49 per 20 ml vial. In the United States a dose costs less than US$25. Diatrizoic acid may be used as an alternative to barium sulfate for medical imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, such as upper gastrointestinal series and small bowel series. It is indicated for use in patients who are allergic to barium, or in cases where the barium might leak into the abdominal cavity. It does not coat the stomach/bowel lining as well as barium, so it is not used commonly for this purpose. It is used for intravenous pyelography. It is also used to treat Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworms).Diatrizoate may not actually kill Ascaris, but instead it promotes shifting of fluid in the bowel lumen, so may relieve intestinal obstruction caused by impacted Ascaris.