indication

Used as a screening test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to monitor the adequacy of supplemental pancreatic therapy.

pharmacology

Bentiromide is a peptide used as a screening test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to monitor the adequacy of supplemental pancreatic therapy. It is given by mouth as a noninvasive test. The amount of p-aminobenzoic acid and its metabolites excreted in the urine is taken as a measure of the chymotrypsin-secreting activity of the pancreas. Headache and gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported in patients taking bentiromide. Bentiromide is 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.

toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include shortness of breath and troubled breathing.

biotransformation

Primarily hepatic. Enzymatic activity capable of hydrolyzing bentiromide has also been found in normal small intestine.