Drug Notes

Iohexol (By injection, by mouth, into the rectum)

Iohexol (eye-oh-HEX-ol)

A contrast agent that is used to help create pictures of the body during a medical imaging procedure.

Brand Name(s):

Omnipaque 140, Omnipaque 180, Omnipaque 240, Omnipaque 300, Omnipaque 350

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A doctor or other health professional will give you this medicine before the imaging procedure. This medicine is usually given as a shot into a vein, artery, or the spine.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine after you receive this medicine as a shot.
• The medicine is also given by mouth, in the rectum, or into other body areas for some procedures.
• You might need to stay at the hospital or clinic after the test, depending on what kind of test you have.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using a phenothiazine medicine (such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine). These medicines may be used to treat severe vomiting, coughing, psychiatric problems, or other conditions. Also tell your doctor if you use an MAO inhibitor, sedative or tranquilizer, depression medicine, or medicine for mental illness.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal problems (such as pheochromocytoma), sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, or a history of epilepsy or seizures, heart attack, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have been drinking alcohol, or if you have a history of asthma, hay fever, or food allergies.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Blood clotting problems
  • Kidney failure
• The warnings and side effects that related to this medicine can be different, depending on how you were given the medicine and what part of your body was examined. Ask your health caregiver if there are any specific things you should know about your situation.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Back pain, neck pain or stiffness
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast or shallow breathing
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Seizures, drowsiness, or changes in vision
• Sudden or severe headache, nausea or vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or warmth where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017