dehydrocholic acid
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dehydrocholic acid
[de-hi″dro-ko´lik]a synthetic bile acid used to increase output of bile by the liver and the filling of the gallbladder. Preparations of this acid are used to aid the digestion of fats and increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Drugs containing dehydrocholic acid are contraindicated in cases of biliary obstruction. Because of the bitter taste on the tongue after it is injected into a vein, it is used to provide an end point for the measurement of arm-tongue circulation time.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
de·hy·dro·cho·lic ac·id
(dē-hī'drō-kol'ik as'id),Agent with a stimulating effect on the secretion of bile by the liver (choleretic); improves absorption of essential food materials in states associated with deficient bile formation.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
dehydrocholic acid
(dē-hī″drō-kŏl′ĭk)A bile salt that stimulates production of bile from the liver.
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners