Abstract: Meglumine, also known as N-methyl-D-glucamine or methylglucamine, is a compound with diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. This article explores the role of meglumine in diagnostic medicine, particularly as a component of contrast agents, and its utility as a solubilizer in the formulation of these agents. The chemical properties, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of meglumine are discussed, along with its advantages and considerations for use.
Product Code: BM-2-5-020
English Name: Meglumine
CAS No.: 6284-40-8
Molecular formula: C7H17NO5
Molecular weight: 195.21
EINECS No.: 228-506-9
MDL No.：MFCD00004707
Hs code: 29221980
Analysis items: HPLC>99.0%, LC-MS
Main market: USA, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Indonesia, UK, New Zealand , Canada etc.
Manufacturer: BLOOM TECH Changzhou Factory
Technology service: R&D Dept.-4
We provide Meglumine Powder CAS 6284-40-8, please refer to the following website for detailed specifications and product information.
Keywords: Meglumine; diagnostic medicine; contrast agents; solubilizer; pharmaceutical applications
Introduction
Meglumine (C7H17NO5) is an amino sugar derived from sorbitol, with a molecular weight of 195.21 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. Meglumine has been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its unique chemical properties, which make it an ideal candidate for various applications, including as a component of contrast agents and as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs.
Meglumine in Diagnostic Medicine
Role in Contrast Agents
Contrast agents are substances used to enhance the visibility of internal structures or fluids within the body during medical imaging procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These agents work by altering the signal intensity of the tissues or fluids they are introduced into, thereby improving the contrast between different structures and aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.
Meglumine is commonly used as a counterion or salt-forming agent in the formulation of iodinated contrast agents. Iodinated contrast agents are the most widely used type of contrast media, particularly for X-ray and CT imaging. The iodine atoms in these agents have a high atomic number, which makes them effective at absorbing X-rays and increasing the contrast between tissues.
Mechanism of Action
When meglumine is combined with an iodinated compound, it forms a salt that is more soluble in water than the iodinated compound alone. This increased solubility is crucial for the effective administration of contrast agents, as it allows for the preparation of high-concentration solutions that can be injected into the patient. Upon injection, the contrast agent circulates through the bloodstream and is taken up by the tissues or fluids of interest, where it alters the signal intensity and improves the visibility of these structures on medical images.
Types of Contrast Agents Containing Meglumine
Several types of iodinated contrast agents contain meglumine as a component. These include:
Ionic Contrast Agents
These are the traditional type of iodinated contrast agents and include compounds such as meglumine diatrizoate and meglumine iotroxate. Ionic contrast agents are highly water-soluble and are rapidly excreted by the kidneys. However, they have a higher osmolality compared to non-ionic contrast agents, which can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Non-Ionic Contrast Agents
These are newer types of iodinated contrast agents that have a lower osmolality and are less likely to cause adverse reactions. Non-ionic contrast agents are often formulated with meglumine as a counterion, although other counterions such as sodium and calcium are also used.
Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents
Although not iodinated, gadolinium-based contrast agents are used in MRI imaging. Some of these agents, such as gadopentetate dimeglumine, contain meglumine as a component. Gadolinium-based contrast agents work by altering the magnetic properties of the tissues they are introduced into, thereby improving the contrast on MRI images.
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Meglumine as a Solubilizer
In addition to its role in contrast agents, meglumine is also used as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs. Solubilizers are compounds that increase the solubility of drugs in aqueous solutions, thereby improving their bioavailability and efficacy. Meglumine is particularly effective as a solubilizer due to its amphiphilic nature, which allows it to interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules.
Mechanism of Solubilization
The solubilization of drugs by meglumine occurs through several mechanisms, including:
Ion Pairing
Meglumine can form ion pairs with ionic drugs, thereby increasing their solubility in water. This is particularly effective for weakly acidic or weakly basic drugs, which can form salts with meglumine.
Micelle Formation
Meglumine can also form micelles around hydrophobic drugs, encapsulating them and increasing their solubility in water. Micelles are aggregates of amphiphilic molecules that form spherical structures with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic outer layer.
Complexation
Meglumine can form complexes with metal ions or other molecules, altering their solubility and bioavailability. This is particularly useful for drugs that are poorly soluble due to their high molecular weight or complex structure.
Advantages of Meglumine as a Solubilizer
Improved Bioavailability
By increasing the solubility of drugs, meglumine can improve their bioavailability and efficacy. This is particularly important for drugs that are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or that have a narrow therapeutic window.
Reduced Toxicity
Meglumine is a relatively non-toxic compound and is generally well-tolerated by patients. This makes it an ideal candidate for use as a solubilizer, as it reduces the risk of adverse reactions associated with other solubilizers.
Versatility
Meglumine can be used to solubilize a wide range of drugs, including ionic, non-ionic, and hydrophobic compounds. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in the formulation of pharmaceutical products.
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Clinical Applications of Meglumine
Diagnostic Imaging
As mentioned earlier, meglumine is a key component of many iodinated contrast agents used in diagnostic imaging. These agents are used to visualize internal structures and fluids within the body, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions such as:
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Contrast agents are used to visualize the heart and blood vessels, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and aortic aneurysms.
- Cancer: Contrast agents can help detect and stage tumors, as well as monitor the response to treatment.
- Neurological Disorders: Contrast agents are used to visualize the brain and spinal cord, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Contrast agents can help visualize the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as ulcers, tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Therapeutic Applications
In addition to its diagnostic applications, meglumine has also been investigated for its therapeutic potential. For example, meglumine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties in preclinical studies. However, further research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
Considerations for Use
While meglumine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it is important to consider the potential for adverse reactions when using contrast agents or other pharmaceutical products containing meglumine. Common adverse reactions associated with iodinated contrast agents include:
- Allergic Reactions: These can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions. Patients with a history of allergies or asthma may be at increased risk.
- Kidney Damage: Iodinated contrast agents can cause acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Iodine-containing contrast agents can interfere with thyroid function, particularly in patients with thyroid disorders.
To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, it is important to carefully screen patients before administering contrast agents and to monitor them closely for any signs of adverse effects.
Meglumine can interact with other drugs, potentially altering their efficacy or safety. For example, meglumine can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs, such as tetracycline antibiotics, when administered concomitantly. It is important to consider potential drug interactions when formulating pharmaceutical products containing meglumine.
Meglumine-containing pharmaceutical products should be stored under appropriate conditions to ensure their stability and efficacy. Factors such as temperature, light, and humidity can affect the stability of meglumine and the drugs it is used to solubilize. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and handling of these products.
Conclusion
Meglumine is a versatile compound with diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. Its role in the formulation of contrast agents has significantly improved the diagnostic capabilities of medical imaging procedures, allowing for the early detection and treatment of various medical conditions. Additionally, its utility as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs has enhanced the bioavailability and efficacy of these agents.
While meglumine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it is important to consider potential adverse reactions and drug interactions when using pharmaceutical products containing this compound. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of meglumine and to optimize its use in the formulation of pharmaceutical products.
In summary, meglumine is a valuable tool in the arsenal of diagnostic and therapeutic agents available to healthcare providers. Its unique chemical properties and versatility make it an ideal candidate for various applications in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, and its continued use and development will likely contribute to improvements in patient care and outcomes.