osudhkosh

Generic

Iopamidol

8 brands available in the market

At a glance

Iopamidol is a contrast agent used to enhance visibility of blood vessels and non-bony structures before an X-ray test or CT scan.

Description

Iopamidol is a nonionic iodinated radiographic contrast medium. It allows visualization of internal body structures by opacifying the path of its flow. It is used in neuroradiology, angiography, urography, CT scanning contrast enhancement, arthrography, and fistulography.

Indications
  • Neuroradiology (lumbar myelography, thoraco-cervical myelography)
  • Angiography (cerebral angiography, selective coronary angiography, left ventriculography, aortography, angiocardiography)
  • Urography
  • CT scanning contrast enhancement
  • Arthrography
  • Fistulography
Therapeutic class

Contrast medium for diagnostic procedures

Pharmacological class

Radiographic Contrast Agent (Non-ionic)

Pharmacology

Iopamidol is an organic iodine compound used as a non-ionic water soluble radiographic contrast medium. It blocks X-rays as they pass through the body, thereby allowing body structures not containing iodine to be visualized. The degree of opacity produced by Iopamidol is directly proportional to the total amount of the iodinated contrast agent in the path of the X-rays.

Mechanism of action

Allows radiographic visualization by blocking X-rays and opacifying the path of its flow.

Dosage

Adult Dose:

  • Neuroradiology (Lumbar/Thoraco-cervical myelography): Iopamidol 370, 6-13 mL
  • Cerebral Angiography: Iopamidol 300, 8-12 mL; Iopamidol 370, 6-13 mL
  • Selective Coronary Arteriography: Iopamidol 370, 4-8 mL/artery
  • Left Ventriculography: Iopamidol 370, 25-50 mL
  • Urography: Iopamidol 300, 50 mL IV OR Iopamidol 370, 40 mL IV
  • CT Scanning (Head/Body): Iopamidol 300, 100-200 mL IV

Child Dose:

  • Angiocardiography (370 mg/mL): <2 years: 10-15 mL IV; 2-9 years: 15-30 mL IV; 10-18 years: 20-50 mL IV
  • CT Scanning/Urography: 1-3 mL/kg IV; not to exceed 30 g iodine
Administration

Administered by doctor or nurse as injection only; do not self administer; intrathecal (myelography), intravascular (angiography) or intravenous (urography, CT) administration; draw into syringe immediately before use.

Missed dose

Not applicable (given before imaging test); important to take at time advised by doctor; if missed, test results can be inaccurate.

Side effects

Side Effects:

  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
  • Nausea
  • Hot flashes
  • Arrhythmias, arterial spasm, flushing, vasodilatation
  • Dizziness, confusion, paresthesia, visual disturbances, seizure, paralysis, coma
  • Coughing, sneezing, rhinitis, asthma, apnea, laryngeal edema
  • Muscle spasm
  • Severe anaphylactoid reactions (Potentially Fatal)
Precautions & warnings

Precautions:

  • Iopamidol does not usually affect your ability to drive
  • In myelography, keep patient hydrated and bed head raised
  • Patients taking Metformin should stop 48 hours before and after X-ray examination
  • Caution in severe liver and kidney disease
  • Biguanide oral anti-diabetic agents (Metformin) compete with contrast media for excretion in kidneys
Contraindications

Contraindications:

  • Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Severe liver and kidney disease
  • Not for intrathecal use
Drug interactions

Drug Interactions:

  • May interfere with thyroid function tests
  • Biguanide oral anti-diabetic agents (Metformin) compete with contrast media for excretion in kidneys
Food interactions

Food Interactions: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Iopamidol; consult your doctor.

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: Iopamidol injection should be administered only if procedure is considered essential by physician; teratogenicity studies in rats and rabbits showed no influence.

Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests drug does not represent significant risk to baby.

Pediatric use

Pediatric doses provided for angiocardiography, CT scanning and urography above.

Geriatric use

No specific data for elderly; however caution advised.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed; caution with Metformin patients.

Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severe liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose effects

Overdose: Treatment is directed toward support of all vital functions and prompt institution of symptomatic therapy.

Storage conditions

Store away from light below 30°C; if crystallization occurs, do not use; use immediately after opening; discard any residue.

Chemical structure

Iopamidol

Common questions

What is Iopamidol used for?
It is used to enhance visibility of blood vessels and non-bony structures before X-ray and CT scans.
How is it given?
It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse; do not self administer.
What are the side effects?
Injection site reactions, nausea, hot flashes, allergic reactions.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.