What is Iopamidol?
Iopamidol (pronounced RAY dee oh PAYK) is a contrast agent that's radiopaque. Iopamidol is a radiopaque contrast agent. It contains iodine. This substance absorbs x-rays. Contrast agents that are radiopaque allow the blood vessels, organs, and non-bony tissue to be more easily seen on a CT scan.
Iopamidol can be used to diagnose certain diseases of the brain, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. Iopamidol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Iopamidol
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat, pain in the eyes, or skin irritation), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blistering or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. This can include a skin rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms may include muscle aches or weakness, unusual bruises, or yellowing.
Iopamidol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- An overwhelming sensation of dizziness. You feel as if you could faint.
- Weight gain and swelling are rapid, but there is little or no urinating.
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizure (convulsions);
- You may experience swelling of the neck or throat.
- Symptoms of thyroid disease include extreme tiredness, dry skin, stiffness or joint pain, muscle weakness or pain, hoarseness in voice, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and weight gain.
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure, spreading pain to your jaw and shoulders, nausea, or sweating.
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden hack or breathlessness, or coughing blood
- Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness and weakness, especially on one side; a severe headache or slurred speech; or problems with vision or equilibrium.
Iopamidol can cause a variety of side effects.
- Chest pain;
- Slow heartbeat
- Hot flashes; burning sensation
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Nausea;
- Hives
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Diazepam, valium, simethicone, hyoscyamine, levsin, and mylicon
Warnings
If you have an active infection, you should not take iopamidol.
Before you take this drug
Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
- Any type of reaction to a contrast agent.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart failure, including congestive heart disease.
- Stroke, blood clots, or coronary arterial disease.
- Asthma; hay fever; food allergies
- Epilepsy
- Sickle-cell anemia
- Diabetes;
- An active infection
- Pheochromocytoma
- Multiple myeloma; bone cancer
- A thyroid disorder.
Iopamidol is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take Iopamidol?
Iopamidol infusions are given into an artery or vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. While you receive iopamidol, you may be prescribed medication to help prevent certain side effects. If you experience any pain or swelling when iopamidol injections are given, tell your carers.
Drink more fluids both before and after the radiologic test. Iopamidol may cause dehydration, which could have dangerous effects on the kidneys. You should follow your doctor's advice on the type and amount of fluids to drink before and following your test. You may need to take extra care with older adults in order to prevent dehydration. You may need to have your kidney function checked after receiving iopamidol.
Some reactions to iopamidol can take up to 60 minutes before they manifest. You may be watched by your caregivers during this time. You want to be sure that you don't have any side effects or delayed reactions. Iopamidol may interfere with some medical tests up to 16 weeks after treatment. Inform any doctor that treats you about your recent use of iopamidol.
Iopamidol dosing information
Adult dose for computed tomography:
Computed Tomography: Contrast Enhancement of Computerised Tomography (CECT): Cisternography and Ventriculography
Neuroradiology myelography (lumbar, cervical, thoracic)
ISOVUE-M 200 (iopamidol injection): Thoraco-lumbar myelography
Cerebral Arteriography
Peripheral Arteriography
Selective Visceral Aortography
Coronary Arteriography Ventriculography
Excretory Urography
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not have a schedule of iopamidol dosages since it is only used during the radiologic test.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid becoming dehydrated in the first few days following iopamidol treatment. During this period, call your doctor if any diarrhea or nausea occurs. You should follow your doctor's advice on the type and amount of fluids to drink.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your current medications, including:
- Diabetes medicine that contains metformin. (Glucophage Glucovance Actoplus Met prandimet Avandamet Janumet Kazano Invokamet Jentadueto Xigduo Synjardy Metaglip and others).
This list is incomplete. Iopamidol may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
