Bentiromide

Bentiromide is a dipeptide which is obtained by condensation of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosine with 4-aminobenzoic acid.

Bentiromide

Use

It is used as a noninvasive screening test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to monitor the adequacy of supplemental pancreatic therapy, it is given by mouth: the amount of 4-aminobenzoic acid and its metabolites excreted in the urine is taken as a measure of the chymotrypsin-secreting activity of the pancreas. It has a role as a diagnostic agent, an indicator and a reagent.

Screening test for exocrine pancreatic function

It is a screening test for evaluating pancreatic exocrine function and monitoring the adequacy of supplemental pancreatic therapy. It is typically administered orally. Cases of headache and gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported with the use of bentiromide. Bentiromide is currently not available in the U.S. or Canada.

Mechanism of Action

Bentiromide is a peptide that is broken down in the pancreas by chymotrypsin. By determining the output of unchanged bentiromide in the urine following oral administration, it is possible to determine the sufficiency of pancreatic activity.

Indications

Indicated as a screening test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to monitor the adequacy of supplemental pancreatic therapy. Chymotrypsin labile peptide used diagnostically as an index of exocrine pancreas function, used in the bentiromide test for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include shortness of breath and troubled breathing. Headache and gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported in patients taking bentiromide. Bentiromide is not available in the U.S. or Canada (It was withdrawn in the US in October 1996.)

See also

• Chronic pancreatitis

Bentiromide on Wikipedia

• Wikipedia's article on Bentiromide

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