P-Aminohippurate
P-Aminohippurate (PAH) is a diagnostic agent primarily used to assess kidney function by measuring effective renal plasma flow. Administered intravenously, it is filtered by the glomeruli and actively secreted by the renal tubules, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate how efficiently the kidneys are processing blood.
A diagnostic compound used to measure kidney blood flow and filtration capacity, not a therapeutic medication.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 42837
- Generic
- P-Aminohippurate
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used to measure effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and overall kidney function assessment. Primarily employed in clinical testing and research settings to evaluate renal perfusion and tubular secretion capacity.
PAH is freely filtered through the glomeruli and actively secreted by the proximal tubules via organic anion transporters. Since it undergoes near-complete extraction from plasma during a single renal pass, its clearance rate approximates renal plasma flow.
This is a diagnostic agent, not a therapeutic medication. Administered intravenously during testing procedures. Largely replaced by other methods in routine clinical practice but remains valuable in research and specialized renal function assessment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 31, 2026. · Read our editorial policy