GALLBLADDER X-RAY TEST DRUGS (Cholecystographic Agents)

Brand & Generic Names

Bilivist
Bilopaque
Cholebrine
IOCETAMIC ACID
IOPANOIC ACID
IPODATE
Oragrafin Calcium
Oragrafin Sodium
Telepaque
TYROPANOATE

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Diagnostic aid, radiopaque

Uses

To check for problems with the gallbladder or the bile ducts.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Take tablets or liquid as directed after the evening meal on the evening before special x-rays will be taken.
Don't eat or drink anything (except water) after taking.

When to take:
As directed.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
These are organic iodine compounds which get absorbed into the blood stream, get concentrated in a healthy gallbladder and make the gallbladder and gallstones (if present) visible on special x-rays.

Time lapse before drug works:
10 to 15 hours.

Don't take with:
Other medicines unless directed by your doctor or x-ray specialist.
If you take cholestyramine, discontinue it for 48 hours before taking the radiopaque drug.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; difficult urination.

WHAT TO DO:

Not life-threatening. Discontinue and call doctor right away.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Faintness; swelling of Discontinue. Seek lips, hands, face; emergency treatment. difficult breathing.

Common:

Difficult or painful urination, increased urinary frequency.

Infrequent:

Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, vomiting, nausea.

Rare:

Itching, unusual bleeding or bruising, hives or rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any iodine compound or other radiopaque chemicals.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you are allergic to anything, including shellfish, cabbage, kale, turnips, iodized salt.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Ask doctor about smaller doses.

Pregnancy:
X-rays should not be taken unless absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but ask doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected, but ask doctor.

Prolonged use:
Not intended for prolonged use.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• Special diets and laxatives or enemas before x-rays may be ordered. Follow instructions.
• Tests on your thyroid gland may be made inaccurate for 8 weeks because of the iodine contained in radiopaque substances. Keep this in mind if your doctor orders thyroid tests.
• Results of other lab studies may be inaccurate.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Cholestyramine	Unsuccessful gallbladder test.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.