GB834517A - Radiopaque compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Radiopaque compositions comprise suspensions of finely divided, substantially insoluble, radiopaque substances in water containing a polyethylene glycol as thickening agent, and a small quantity of a pharmacologically acceptable surface active agent. The radiopaque substance is preferably present to an extent of at least 50% and up to 90% by weight. Examples are barium sulphate, zirconium oxide, propyl 3,5 - diiodo - 4 - pyridone - N - acetate; ethyl 3,5 - diacetamido - 2,4,6 - triiodobenzoate. The polyethylene glycol may have a molecular weight of from 400 to 20,000 (preferably about 2000 to 10,000), polyethylene glycol 6000 being especially preferred, and may be present in amounts of from 1 to 20% (preferably 5 to 10%) by weight. The surface active agent may be present to an extent of from about 0.01 to 0.5% (preferably 0.1 to 0.3%) by weight, its nature being uncritical provided it is non-toxic in the amounts used. Examples are those marketed under the Registered Trade Marks "Triton" and "Tween", e.g. Triton WR-1339 and Tween 20 and 80. Buffering agents may also be present.