Drip infusion cholangiography using iotroxamide. Double blind comparison with ioglycamide

A double blind clinical trial was carried out in 200 unselected patients to compare the efficacy and tolerance of ioglycamide and iotroxamide as contrast media for intravenous cholangiography. The two agents were administered by slow infusion at a rate of 2.6 mumoles/kg bodyweight/minute for one hour. Radiological opacification of the bile duct was assessed independently by two radiologists. In patients with serum bilirubin levels of less than 34 mumoles/litre visualization of the bile duct was significantly better with iotroxamide than with ioglycamide (P < 0.001). Toxic side effects were observed in 8% of patients receiving ioglycamide and in only 3% of the patients given iotroxamide.