Bar-Test Cholecystographic

Cholecystographic agent is a radiopaque substance which does not allow X-rays to pass through it. It contains iodine which blocks the X-rays. It is used in the diagnosis of various problems.

When X-ray is taken after giving this drug, the part of the body containing this drug appear white on the film and helps in diagnosis by creating proper distinction between an organ and other tissues.

This agent is given through oral route and helps in the visualization of gallbladder and biliary tract. It is used in clinical setting under supervision of a specialist doctor or a radiologist and is available in the form of cream, tablet, paste, suspension, powder (for suspension), capsule and solution.

As with initiation of any therapy, it is important for doctor and patient to have detailed discussion about the drug and it usage. The doctor should inform patient of all the merits and demerits of the use of this drug and patient should let the doctor know about any queries or doubts.

• Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case it is more likely that a drug be started after it. Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.
• Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition by which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.
• Age specific analysis of patients helps in keeping a safety profile. Some drugs are suitable for one age group and lethal for the other; hence it is necessary to have assessment while keeping age in view. There are fewer studies in children about it safety and only iopanoic acid has shown to cause extra effects in children than in adults. Geriatric patients have similar effects as young adults. There is less evidence to support its safety for use in pregnancy; however, all the studies have shown that it does not cause harm to the developing fetus. The agent passes through breast milk but has not shown effects in infants.
• Drug interactions may occur when multiple drugs are used together. It is important for the patient to avoid any new drug while being on this medication. Even the use of over the counter drugs should begin after consulting a doctor. The effects of tobacco, alcohol and certain foods should also be discussed with the physician.
• Other medical conditions may lead to severe effects on the body and may also decrease the efficacy and removal of drug. The patient should inform the doctor about these conditions in detailed medical history to avoid complications. The conditions which may result in more harm include asthma, allergic reaction to penicillin or other drug, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease and overactive thyroid gland.

Cholecystographic agent is a contrast agent which is used under clinical settings, especially in radiology departments. It is given through oral route by an experienced medical professional after measuring the dose required. Dose is different for different patients and is determined by age, physical health and part of the body to be examined.

This contrast agent has minimal effects on the body but still it is important to maintain some precautions for optimal effects.

• Tell your doctor if you are planning for thyroid test in near future.
• Keep drinking water after its use unless forbidden by the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other contrast agent or any drug or food product.
• Consult your doctor in case of any side effects.

This drug, like other drugs, also has bad effects along with good ones. All of these effects may not occur at same time but care has to be taken when any of these arise. It is important to get medical help in case of any problem. Some side effects include skin rash, unusual bleeding and bruising. When dose is not calculated properly and overdosing has been done, symptoms of overdose occur which include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and difficulty in urination.