iodixanol at a glance
Medicine class
Non-ionic iodinated X-ray contrast agent
Main role
Improves visibility during diagnostic imaging and angiographic procedures
Administration
Given by trained staff into a vein, artery, spinal canal or body cavity; some gastrointestinal examinations use it orally or rectally
After injection
A brief warm feeling or metallic taste may occur
What is iodixanol used for?
The selected product is licensed for diagnostic use in adults and, for specified examinations, children.
Imaging of the heart, brain, abdominal and peripheral blood vessels
Urography, venography and CT enhancement
Imaging of the spinal canal, joints, uterus and fallopian tubes
Studies of the gastrointestinal tract
Paediatric cardioangiography, urography, CT enhancement and upper gastrointestinal studies
How does iodixanol work?
Its iodine absorbs X-rays, increasing contrast between structures so they appear more clearly. It does not treat the condition being investigated.
How to take iodixanol
Iodixanol is normally administered by trained healthcare professionals in an imaging department. The route and preparation depend on the examination. Follow the department’s instructions about eating, drinking, medicines and aftercare.
Tell the team about previous contrast reactions, allergies, asthma, kidney or thyroid disease, pregnancy and current medicines.
Adequate hydration should be considered before and after administration where clinically appropriate.
After spinal-canal administration, follow instructions about positioning, supervision and driving.
Tell staff promptly if the injection site becomes painful or swollen.
iodixanol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Brief warmth, flushing or altered taste during an injection
- Headache, nausea or vomiting
- Rash, itching or hives
- Pain or discomfort at the administration site
- Abdominal pain or diarrhoea with gastrointestinal use
- Abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding after hysterosalpingography
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe immediate or delayed hypersensitivity, including breathing difficulty, throat swelling, low blood pressure or collapse
- Acute kidney injury
- Serious heart rhythm, circulation or breathing problems
- Confusion, seizures, visual disturbance, weakness or speech difficulty
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Severe tissue injury after leakage outside a blood vessel
iodixanol in pregnancy
Human pregnancy safety is not established. Because the examination may also involve ionising radiation, iodixanol should be used only when the clinician considers the investigation essential and its benefit greater than the potential risk. Hysterosalpingography must not be performed during pregnancy. Thyroid monitoring is recommended for newborns exposed before birth.
iodixanol while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding normally does not need to be interrupted because little iodixanol is expected to enter milk or be absorbed by the infant. Specialist advice is appropriate if the infant is premature or unwell.
iodixanol interactions
The imaging team should review current medicines and relevant laboratory tests before iodixanol is given.
Metformin
Temporary kidney impairment associated with contrast can increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, so renal function and any required interruption must be assessed.
Beta blockers
They may increase bronchospasm risk, alter the presentation of hypersensitivity and reduce responsiveness to adrenaline.
Interleukin-2
Recent treatment is associated with an increased risk of delayed flu-like or skin reactions.
Common questions about iodixanol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is iodixanol radioactive?
No. It contains iodine that absorbs X-rays but is not itself radioactive.
What might an injection feel like?
A short-lived warm sensation, metallic taste or feeling of passing urine can occur.
Can iodixanol cause an allergic reaction?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.