Omnipaque 240mg/ml Inj, 50ml
WARNING: Some products must not be given into the spine. Very bad and sometimes deadly health problems have happened when these products were given into the spine. This includes coma, heart attack, kidney failure, paralysis, seizures, high body temperature, a muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis, or brain problems like bleeding or swelling. Talk with the doctor. @ COMMON USES: It is used before a CT scan or other test.
Drug Class
Diagnostic Agent
Pharmacologic Class
Iodinated Contrast Media, Non-ionic
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Aug 1985
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Iohexol is a special dye, called a contrast agent, that helps doctors see inside your body more clearly during X-ray, CT scans, or other imaging tests. It makes certain parts of your body, like blood vessels or organs, show up better on the pictures.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to follow all instructions carefully.
Preparation and Administration
Before receiving this medication, ensure you are not dehydrated. Consult your doctor to determine if you need to drink extra fluids before administration. After using this medication, drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
Administration Methods
Injection: Your doctor will administer this medication. You may receive other medications before this one to help prevent side effects.
Liquid: This medication can be taken orally or rectally.
Storage and Disposal
Liquid: If you need to store this medication at home, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Injection: This medication will be administered in a healthcare setting, and you will not need to store it at home.
Missed Dose
Liquid: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Injection: Since this medication is administered in a healthcare setting, you will not need to worry about missing a dose.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to follow all instructions carefully.
Preparation and Administration
Before receiving this medication, ensure you are not dehydrated. Consult your doctor to determine if you need to drink extra fluids before administration. After using this medication, drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
Administration Methods
Injection: Your doctor will administer this medication. You may receive other medications before this one to help prevent side effects.
Liquid: This medication can be taken orally or rectally.
Storage and Disposal
Liquid: If you need to store this medication at home, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Injection: This medication will be administered in a healthcare setting, and you will not need to store it at home.
Missed Dose
Liquid: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Injection: Since this medication is administered in a healthcare setting, you will not need to worry about missing a dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Stay well-hydrated before and after the procedure, especially if you have kidney problems or diabetes, to help your kidneys clear the dye.
- Inform your doctor about all your medications, especially metformin, and any allergies you have (to iodine, shellfish, or other drugs).
- Report any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure, such as itching, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 30ml
- Omnipaque 240mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Omnipaque 350mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Omnipaque 240mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Omnipaque 350mg/ml Inj, 500ml
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Omnipaque 180mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Omnipaque 350mg/ml Inj, 200ml
- Omnipaque 350mg/ml Inj, 150ml
- Omnipaque 350mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Omnipaque 240mg/ml Inj, 20ml
- Omnipaque 240mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 150ml
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 500ml
- Omnipaque 300mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Omnipaque 140mg/ml Inj, 50ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Highly variable depending on the diagnostic procedure and route of administration (intravascular, intrathecal, body cavities). Typical intravascular doses range from 20 mL to 150 mL (or more for specific procedures) of 240 mgI/mL or higher concentrations.
Dose Range:
20 - 200 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
CT Scan (Head):
50-150 mL (300 mgI/mL or 350 mgI/mL)
CT Scan (Body):
50-150 mL (300 mgI/mL or 350 mgI/mL)
Angiography (Cerebral):
5-10 mL per injection (240 mgI/mL or 300 mgI/mL)
Angiography (Peripheral):
20-100 mL (240 mgI/mL or 300 mgI/mL)
Urography:
50-100 mL (300 mgI/mL)
Myelography (Lumbar):
10-15 mL (180 mgI/mL or 240 mgI/mL)
Arthrography:
5-15 mL (180 mgI/mL or 240 mgI/mL)
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Dosing is weight-based and procedure-specific. Generally 1-3 mL/kg, not to exceed 4 mL/kg or 150 mL total, depending on concentration and procedure.
Infant:
Dosing is weight-based and procedure-specific. Generally 1-3 mL/kg, not to exceed 4 mL/kg or 150 mL total, depending on concentration and procedure.
Child:
Dosing is weight-based and procedure-specific. Generally 1-3 mL/kg, not to exceed 4 mL/kg or 150 mL total, depending on concentration and procedure.
Adolescent:
Dosing is weight-based and procedure-specific. Generally 1-3 mL/kg, not to exceed 4 mL/kg or 150 mL total, depending on concentration and procedure.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific dose adjustment for intravascular use, but caution advised. Ensure adequate hydration.
Moderate:
Use with caution. Consider lower doses or alternative imaging if possible. Ensure adequate hydration. Increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
Severe:
Contraindicated or used with extreme caution only if essential and benefits outweigh risks. High risk of CIN. Consider alternative imaging. If used, ensure adequate hydration and monitor renal function closely.
Dialysis:
Iohexol is dialyzable. If patient is on dialysis, administration can be followed by dialysis to remove the contrast agent. Timing of dialysis post-contrast should be discussed with nephrology.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific dose adjustment needed.
Moderate:
No specific dose adjustment needed.
Severe:
No specific dose adjustment needed.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Iohexol is a non-ionic, water-soluble, tri-iodinated benzoic acid derivative. When administered, it increases the attenuation of X-rays in the areas where it distributes, allowing for visualization of internal structures (e.g., blood vessels, urinary tract, subarachnoid space) on radiographic images. The iodine atoms in the molecule absorb X-rays, creating contrast.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100% (intravascular administration)
Tmax:
Immediately after intravenous injection (distribution phase)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (parenteral administration)
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.26 L/kg (similar to extracellular fluid volume)
ProteinBinding:
<2%
CnssPenetration:
Limited (does not cross intact blood-brain barrier; used intrathecally for CNS imaging)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 2 hours (intravascular)
Clearance:
Renal clearance, approximately 110 mL/min/1.73m²
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (glomerular filtration)
Unchanged:
>95% (excreted unchanged in urine)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (upon injection)
PeakEffect:
Varies by site of injection and blood flow (e.g., arterial phase immediately, venous phase minutes later)
DurationOfAction:
Minutes to hours, depending on the procedure and clearance from the body. Provides diagnostic opacification for 5-15 minutes in vascular structures, longer in collecting systems.
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Allergic Reactions: Rash, hives, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Thyroid Problems: Weight changes, nervousness, excitability, restlessness, weakness, hair thinning, depression, eye or neck swelling, difficulty focusing, heat or cold intolerance, menstrual changes, shakiness, or excessive sweating.
Injection-Related Side Effects:
+ Chest pain or pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat.
+ Weakness on one side of the body, speech or thinking difficulties, balance problems, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
+ Severe dizziness or fainting.
+ Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
+ Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
+ Seizures.
+ Changes in vision.
Tissue Damage: If the medication leaks from the vein, it can cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse if you experience redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or fluid leakage at the injection site.
Severe Skin Reactions: These can occur anywhere from 1 hour to several weeks after receiving the medication and may include:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions that can affect body organs and be life-threatening.
+ Symptoms may include: red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Spinal Injection Side Effects: A burning, numbness, or tingling sensation that is not normal.
Liquid Form Side Effects: Swelling.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most medications can cause side effects, but many people experience none or only mild side effects. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Common Side Effects:
+ Upset stomach or vomiting
+ Headache
Injection-Related Side Effects:
+ Dizziness (if given in an artery or vein)
+ Feeling of warmth
+ Changes in taste
+ Dizziness (if given into the spine)
+ Back pain
+ Neck pain
+ Stiff neck
Liquid Form Side Effects:
+ Stomach pain or diarrhea
+ Gas
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Allergic Reactions: Rash, hives, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Thyroid Problems: Weight changes, nervousness, excitability, restlessness, weakness, hair thinning, depression, eye or neck swelling, difficulty focusing, heat or cold intolerance, menstrual changes, shakiness, or excessive sweating.
Injection-Related Side Effects:
+ Chest pain or pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat.
+ Weakness on one side of the body, speech or thinking difficulties, balance problems, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
+ Severe dizziness or fainting.
+ Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
+ Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
+ Seizures.
+ Changes in vision.
Tissue Damage: If the medication leaks from the vein, it can cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse if you experience redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or fluid leakage at the injection site.
Severe Skin Reactions: These can occur anywhere from 1 hour to several weeks after receiving the medication and may include:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions that can affect body organs and be life-threatening.
+ Symptoms may include: red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Spinal Injection Side Effects: A burning, numbness, or tingling sensation that is not normal.
Liquid Form Side Effects: Swelling.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most medications can cause side effects, but many people experience none or only mild side effects. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Common Side Effects:
+ Upset stomach or vomiting
+ Headache
Injection-Related Side Effects:
+ Dizziness (if given in an artery or vein)
+ Feeling of warmth
+ Changes in taste
+ Dizziness (if given into the spine)
+ Back pain
+ Neck pain
+ Stiff neck
Liquid Form Side Effects:
+ Stomach pain or diarrhea
+ Gas
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Unusual pain or swelling at the injection site
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations to ensure safe treatment:
Allergies: If you are allergic to this medication, any of its components, or other medications, foods, or substances. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Dehydration, poor nutrition, or recent use of laxatives or diuretics.
Previous skin reactions to this medication or similar medications.
Current use of metformin.
Additional Considerations for Specific Administration Routes:
Spinal Injection: Inform your doctor if you have an active infection or are taking medications that may increase the risk of seizures, or if you have taken such medications within the last 48 hours.
Injection into an Artery or Vein: Tell your doctor if you are experiencing urinary retention.
Use before an X-ray of the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes: Inform your doctor if you are menstruating, have a genital infection, or have a suspected or confirmed growth in the reproductive tract. Also, report any recent procedures, such as curettage or conization, within the past 30 days, or termination of pregnancy within the last 6 months.
Pregnancy: Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Interactions with Other Medications and Health Conditions:
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe treatment. Do not initiate, stop, or modify any medication without consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations to ensure safe treatment:
Allergies: If you are allergic to this medication, any of its components, or other medications, foods, or substances. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Dehydration, poor nutrition, or recent use of laxatives or diuretics.
Previous skin reactions to this medication or similar medications.
Current use of metformin.
Additional Considerations for Specific Administration Routes:
Spinal Injection: Inform your doctor if you have an active infection or are taking medications that may increase the risk of seizures, or if you have taken such medications within the last 48 hours.
Injection into an Artery or Vein: Tell your doctor if you are experiencing urinary retention.
Use before an X-ray of the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes: Inform your doctor if you are menstruating, have a genital infection, or have a suspected or confirmed growth in the reproductive tract. Also, report any recent procedures, such as curettage or conization, within the past 30 days, or termination of pregnancy within the last 6 months.
Pregnancy: Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Interactions with Other Medications and Health Conditions:
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe treatment. Do not initiate, stop, or modify any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Important Warnings and Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood work regularly. Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you experience any signs of kidney problems, such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, bloody, brown, or foamy urine, shortness of breath, cough, or swelling in your face, feet, or hands, contact your doctor immediately.
Special Considerations
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Similarly, if the patient is a child, this medication should be used with caution, as the risk of side effects may be higher in some children.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Injection (Given in an Artery or Vein)
In children under 3 years of age, the use of medications like this one has been associated with low thyroid function, which can impact child development. If the patient is a child, your doctor may need to monitor their thyroid function for an extended period after the injection.
Rarely, life-threatening or fatal heart problems, including low blood pressure and heart attack, have been reported with this medication. Discuss these risks with your doctor.
The use of this medication in conjunction with certain procedures has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, potentially resulting in death. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor.
Injection (Given into the Spine)
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizures. Consult your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk of seizures while taking this medication.
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood work regularly. Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you experience any signs of kidney problems, such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, bloody, brown, or foamy urine, shortness of breath, cough, or swelling in your face, feet, or hands, contact your doctor immediately.
Special Considerations
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Similarly, if the patient is a child, this medication should be used with caution, as the risk of side effects may be higher in some children.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Injection (Given in an Artery or Vein)
In children under 3 years of age, the use of medications like this one has been associated with low thyroid function, which can impact child development. If the patient is a child, your doctor may need to monitor their thyroid function for an extended period after the injection.
Rarely, life-threatening or fatal heart problems, including low blood pressure and heart attack, have been reported with this medication. Discuss these risks with your doctor.
The use of this medication in conjunction with certain procedures has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, potentially resulting in death. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor.
Injection (Given into the Spine)
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizures. Consult your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk of seizures while taking this medication.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Acute renal failure
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
- Pulmonary edema
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Seizures (especially with intrathecal overdose)
What to Do:
Treatment is supportive. Monitor vital signs, fluid and electrolyte balance, and renal function. Hemodialysis can be used to remove iohexol from the body. For intrathecal overdose, removal of CSF may be considered. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Metformin (in patients with renal impairment or acute kidney injury): Increased risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin should be withheld at the time of or prior to the contrast procedure and for 48 hours afterward, and reinstituted only after renal function is stable.
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2): Increased risk of delayed, severe, or fatal hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media in patients who have received IL-2 within weeks prior to contrast administration.
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers: May blunt the compensatory cardiovascular responses to anaphylaxis, making treatment of severe hypersensitivity reactions more difficult.
- Diuretics: May increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy due to dehydration.
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides): Concomitant use may increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Renal function (Serum Creatinine, eGFR)
Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function and risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes, or other risk factors.
Timing: Prior to contrast administration (within 30 days, ideally within 7 days for high-risk patients).
Allergy history (to contrast media, iodine, shellfish, asthma, other allergies)
Rationale: To identify patients at increased risk for hypersensitivity reactions and determine need for pre-medication.
Timing: Prior to contrast administration.
Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4)
Rationale: To identify patients at risk for contrast-induced hyperthyroidism, especially those with pre-existing thyroid disease or autonomous thyroid nodules.
Timing: Prior to contrast administration, if clinically indicated.
Hydration status
Rationale: Adequate hydration is crucial to minimize the risk of CIN.
Timing: Prior to contrast administration.
Routine Monitoring
Vital Signs (BP, HR, RR, O2 Sat)
Frequency: Before, during, and immediately after injection, then as clinically indicated.
Target: Within patient's normal limits.
Action Threshold: Significant deviations (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, desaturation) warrant immediate assessment and intervention.
Signs/Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Reaction
Frequency: Continuously during and for at least 30 minutes post-injection (delayed reactions can occur hours later).
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Any signs of rash, urticaria, dyspnea, bronchospasm, angioedema, hypotension, or anaphylaxis require immediate medical intervention.
Renal function (Serum Creatinine, eGFR)
Frequency: 24-72 hours post-contrast in high-risk patients (e.g., pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes, heart failure, elderly).
Target: Stable or returning to baseline.
Action Threshold: Increase in serum creatinine by ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥50% from baseline within 48-72 hours indicates CIN and requires further management.
Symptom Monitoring
- Rash
- Urticaria (hives)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Bronchospasm (wheezing)
- Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue)
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Chest pain
- Seizures (rare, especially with intrathecal use)
- Extravasation at injection site (pain, swelling, redness)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category B (older classification, current labeling advises use only if clearly needed). Animal studies have not shown harm, but no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Risk of teratogenicity is generally low for iodinated contrast media, but caution is advised.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered safer than first trimester, but still use only if medically necessary.
Third Trimester:
Risk of transient hypothyroidism in the neonate due to free iodide crossing the placenta. Neonatal thyroid function monitoring may be considered.
Lactation
Iohexol is minimally excreted into breast milk. The amount absorbed by the infant is negligible. Generally considered safe for breastfeeding. The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends that mothers may continue breastfeeding after receiving iodinated contrast media.
Infant Risk:
Low. Minimal systemic absorption by the infant. No known adverse effects on the breastfed infant.
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and procedure-specific. Pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, may be more susceptible to fluid shifts and electrolyte imbalances. Careful attention to hydration and renal function is crucial. Higher risk of adverse reactions in very young or critically ill children.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are at increased risk for contrast-induced nephropathy due to age-related decline in renal function, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, heart failure), and polypharmacy. Careful assessment of renal function and hydration status is essential. Use the lowest effective dose.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always assess renal function (eGFR) before administering iodinated contrast, especially in patients with risk factors for CIN.
- Ensure adequate hydration before and after contrast administration to minimize the risk of CIN.
- Patients with a history of prior contrast reaction, asthma, or multiple allergies are at higher risk for hypersensitivity reactions and may benefit from pre-medication (e.g., corticosteroids, antihistamines).
- Metformin should be temporarily discontinued in patients with renal impairment or acute kidney injury at the time of or prior to contrast administration, and for 48 hours afterward, with renal function re-evaluated before restarting.
- Monitor patients closely for signs of hypersensitivity reactions during and for at least 30 minutes after injection. Be prepared to manage anaphylaxis.
- Extravasation can occur; monitor injection site for pain, swelling, or redness. Management typically involves elevation and cold compresses.
- For intrathecal use, ensure the correct concentration is used and avoid rapid injection or excessive volumes to minimize neurological complications (e.g., seizures).
Alternative Therapies
- Iopamidol (Isovue)
- Ioversol (Optiray)
- Iodixanol (Visipaque - iso-osmolar)
- Iopromide (Ultravist)
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents (for MRI, different mechanism, different risks)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely by concentration, volume, and supplier. Typically ranges from $50 - $300+ per 50mL vial. per 50mL vial
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally covered by most medical insurance plans as it is a diagnostic agent administered in a clinical setting.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly; do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. For guidance on the best disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who may also be aware of local drug take-back programs. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken to ensure prompt and effective treatment.