Indications
Iopamidol is an iodine-based contrast medium, sometimes called a contrast dye. It is used during X-ray based scans and procedures, such as CT scans, angiography (imaging of blood vessels), urography (imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract) and some spinal imaging, to make organs and blood vessels show up more clearly.
How It Works
Iodine blocks X-rays. When Iopamidol is in the blood vessels or body spaces, those areas appear bright on the images, so the doctor can see their shape and spot blockages, bleeding, tumours or other problems. It is not broken down by the body and is passed out unchanged in the urine, mostly within a day in people with normal kidneys.
Dosage and Administration
Iopamidol is given only in a hospital or imaging centre by a doctor, radiographer or nurse, usually by injection into a vein or artery. The strength and amount depend on the type of scan, the body area and the patient’s weight and kidney function, and are decided by the radiologist. You may be asked not to eat for a few hours before the scan and to drink plenty of fluids afterwards.
Interactions
Tell the team if you take Metformin, as it may need to be paused around the scan if kidney function is reduced. Beta blockers can make allergic reactions harder to treat. Some kidney-harming medicines, such as certain painkillers (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, increase kidney risk. People who have had Interleukin-2 treatment may have delayed reactions. Contrast can affect thyroid tests for several weeks.
Contraindications
It should not be given to people who have had a serious reaction to Iopamidol before, or who have untreated overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Doctors weigh the risks carefully in people with a previous reaction to other iodine contrast agents.
Side Effects
Common effects include a warm feeling, a metallic taste, nausea, mild headache and pain at the injection site. Some people get itching, hives or flushing. Less often it can cause vomiting, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, or worsening of kidney function, especially in people with existing kidney disease or diabetes. Delayed skin rashes can appear hours to days later.
Get urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, a widespread rash, fainting, chest pain, seizures, or passing much less urine in the days after the scan.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Tell the team if you are or may be pregnant. Contrast is used in pregnancy only when clearly needed, and the newborn’s thyroid may be checked afterwards. Only a very small amount enters breast milk, and breastfeeding can usually continue; ask your doctor if you are unsure.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell the team before the scan if you have asthma, allergies, a past contrast reaction, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, myeloma, sickle cell disease or a tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma). Drinking enough fluid before and after the scan helps protect the kidneys. You will usually be observed for a short time after the injection.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely because the dose is measured by professionals. Very large amounts may affect the kidneys, heart and breathing; treatment is supportive, and dialysis can remove the contrast if needed.
Therapeutic Class
Iodinated, non-ionic X-ray contrast medium.
Storage
Stored by the hospital as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C and protected from light.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.