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Chymex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Chymex - General Information

Chymex 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 4-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. Chymex is not available in the U.S. or Canada (It was withdrawn in the US in October 1996).

 

Pharmacology of Chymex

Chymex 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. Chymex is not available in the U.S. or Canada.

 

Chymex for patients

How the test is done: Bentiromide is given by mouth as a single dose. After you take bentiromide, all of your urine is collected for the next six hours. The total amount is measured and a small sample is saved and examined. Your doctor may repeat the test after seven days.

 

Chymex Interactions

Bentiromide may interact with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), chloramphenicol (e.g., Chloromycetin), local anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine and lidocaine), para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-containing preparations (e.g., sunscreens and some multivitamins), procainamide (e.g., Pronestyl), sulfonamides (sulfa medicines), thiazide diuretics (use of these medicines during the test period will affect the test results), and pancreatic supplements (use of pancreatic supplements may give false test results).

 

Chymex Contraindications

Bentiromide is contraindicated in disease of the stomach and intestines, kidney disease, and liver disease as these medical problems may cause false test results.

 

Additional information about Chymex

Chymex Indication

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

Mechanism Of Action
Chymex is a peptide that is broken down in the pancreas by lipase, protease, and amylase. By determining the output of unchanged bentiromide in the urine following oral administration, it is possible to determine the sufficiency of pancreatic activity.
Generic Name
Bentiromide
Synonyms
Bentiromide [USAN-BAN-INN-JAN]; Bentiromido [INN-Spanish]; Bentiromidum [INN-Latin]; BTPABA; PFD; PFT
Drug Category
Diagnostic aids
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Bentiromide
Chymex;
Toxicity (Overdose)
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.
Chemical IUPAC Name
4-[[2-(benzoylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]benzoic acid
Chemical Formula
C23H20N2O5
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals