Meglumine

Used as an excipient (an inert substance) in pharmaceuticals that improves solubility, drug release rate and stabilization of anionic drug substances. Counter ion used to replace sodium. It is impermeable towards cell membranes with comparable osmotic activity like sodium. Widely used in the preparation of contrast/radiopaque media in combination with iodine containing compounds, such as diatrizoate meglumine and iodipamide meglumine. Examples of meglumine-combined drugs are flunixin meglumine (used as a veterinary anti-inflammatory and analgesic) and meglumine antimoniate (antiprotozoal to treat leishmaniasis).