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Diatrizoic acid is an iodinated radiocontrast agent used in X-ray imaging to enhance visual clarity. It contains iodine, which absorbs X-rays, causing filled structures like blood vessels, the urinary tract, or gastrointestinal system to appear bright white on scans. It is administered orally, rectally, or intravenously depending on the procedure. Although effective, it is a high-osmolar contrast medium and may cause side effects like allergic reactions or kidney stress. It has been largely replaced by safer low-osmolar agents for vascular use but remains common in GI studies.
Items | Specifications | Results |
Appearance | White,odorless powder | Complies |
Identification | It responds to the Thin-Layer Chromatographic Identification Test; Positive reaction. | Complies |
Water | 4.5%~7.0% | 5.5% |
Residue on ignition | NMT 0.1% | 0.04% |
Heavy Metals | NMT 0.002% | Complies |
Iodine and iodide | NMT 0.02% of iodide | Complies |
Free aromatic amine | NMT 0.05% | 0.007% |
Ethyl alcohol | NMT 0.5% | Not Found |
Acetic acid | NMT 0.5% | Not Found |
Bacterial endotoxins | NMT 1.5 EU/g | ＜1.5 EU/g |
Microbe Limit | Total aerobic microbial count: ＜1000cfu/g Total yeast and molds count: ＜100cfu/g | Complies Complies |
Assay by HPLC | 98.0%~102.0%(Calculated on the anhydrous basis) | 99.5% |
Conclusion | The test results conform to USP 43 specifications. | |
Diatrizoic Acid is a radiocontrast agent (or contrast medium) used extensively in X-ray-based imaging procedures. It is an iodinated, water-soluble compound belonging to the class of ionic, high-osmolar contrast media (HOCM). Its primary function is to dramatically improve the visibility of internal organs, blood vessels, and body cavities by absorbing X-rays, thereby creating a clear contrast between tissues and the surrounding areas.
Iodine Content: The key to its function is its high iodine content (approximately 47%). Iodine has a high atomic number (53), which means it has a high density of electrons.
Mechanism of Action: X-rays are absorbed by dense materials. When injected or introduced into the body, diatrizoic acid's iodine atoms effectively block (absorb) X-rays, preventing them from reaching the X-ray film or digital detector. This causes the areas filled with the contrast agent to appear bright white on the resulting radiographic image, sharply defining them against darker, softer tissues.
Diatrizoic acid is used in a variety of diagnostic procedures:
Angiography and Arteriography: To visualize the inside of blood vessels and the chambers of the heart.
Urography (Intravenous Pyelogram - IVP): To assess the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
Hysterosalpingography: To examine the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
Gastrointestinal Tract Imaging: Given orally or via enema to outline the esophagus, stomach, and intestines (e.g., in a "barium swallow," though it is sometimes used as an alternative to barium sulfate, especially if a perforation is suspected).
Body Cavity Imaging: Used in fistulograms (to visualize abnormal passages) and arthrograms (joint imaging).
It is administered in different ways depending on the procedure:
Intravenously (IV): For vascular and urinary tract studies.
Orally: For GI tract studies.
Rectally: As an enema for lower GI studies.
Direct Injection: Into body cavities or joints.
It is commercially available under various brand names (e.g., Gastrografin, Hypaque) and is often formulated with its sodium or meglumine salts to optimize solubility and tolerability.
As a high-osmolar agent, diatrizoic acid has a much higher osmolality (concentration of particles) than blood. This property is responsible for many of its side effects.
Common Side Effects: A warm, flushing sensation, metallic taste in the mouth, and nausea. These are usually transient.
More Serious Risks:
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN): Kidney damage or dysfunction, a significant risk for patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions: Can range from mild itching and hives to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Cardiovascular Effects: Its high osmolality can cause fluid shifts, vasodilation, and hypotension, posing risks to patients with heart conditions.
Due to these risks, diatrizoic acid has been largely replaced by safer, newer agents—Non-Ionic, Low-Osmolar Contrast Media (LOCM) and Iso-Osmolar Contrast Media (IOCM)—for most intravascular injections, especially in high-risk patients. However, it remains in common use for gastrointestinal studies due to its safety profile in that context (if not absorbed) and its usefulness in cases of suspected bowel obstruction or perforation.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Class | Ionic, High-Osmolar Contrast Media (HOCM) |
| Active Element | Iodine |
| Function | Absorbs X-rays to make body structures visible on imaging |
| Key Use | Radiographic imaging of vessels, urinary tract, and GI system |
| Major Drawback | High osmolality leads to more side effects than newer agents. |
In conclusion, diatrizoic acid is a foundational radiocontrast agent that revolutionized diagnostic imaging. While its use has declined for vascular procedures due to the development of safer alternatives, it remains an important tool, particularly for gastrointestinal studies.
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