Iohexol
About Iohexol
Iohexol is a radiopaque contrast agent used for medical imaging procedures. It helps to improve the quality of X-ray, CT, and angiography images by enhancing the visibility of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Radiography is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the body's internal structures, helping diagnose conditions like fractures and infections.
Iohexol contains Iohexol, a non-ionic, water-soluble contrast agent. This medication alters how X-rays interact with the body, making tissues and blood vessels more visible on the scan. The contrast helps distinguish between various structures within the body, improves procedure accuracy, and allows for a more exact diagnosis.
In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, back pain, sweating, or headache. Most of these side effects may not require medical treatment and will subside with time. However, if the adverse effects persist or worsen, see a doctor.
Iohexol should not be received if you are allergic to it. Before starting treatment with Iohexol, inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal products you are taking. Do not eat or drink anything for two hours before your examination. If you have a history of heart disease, hyperthyroidism, asthma, myasthenia gravis, and kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving the injection. Do not use this medicine for hysterosalpingography if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are close to your menstrual period, had an abortion in the last 6 months, or had surgery or a procedure in your reproductive tract within the previous 30 days.
Uses of Iohexol
• X-ray and CT scans: Iohexol is used in X-ray and CT scans to enhance visibility of internal structures.
• Angiography: Iohexol helps in angiography to visualize blood vessels.
• Myelography: Iohexol used in myelography for spinal cord imaging and to detect spinal cord abnormalities.
• Diagnosis: Iohexol helps diagnose herniated discs, tumors, and spinal injuries.
• Arthrography: Iohexol used in arthrography to examine joints.
• Urography: Iohexol helps in urography to assess kidney and urinary tract function.
Medicinal Benefits
Iohexol helps by absorbing X-rays, which improves the contrast between various tissues in the body. This makes blood vessels and internal organs more visible on radiographic images. As a result, doctors can accurately diagnose conditions by identifying issues like blockages, abnormal growths, or damaged tissues.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Iohexol
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Sweating
- headache
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Iohexol or if you have any other allergies. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about any medications or herbal products you are currently taking. If you have a history of heart disease, hyperthyroidism, asthma, myasthenia gravis, or kidney or liver disease, let your doctor know before receiving the injection. Do not eat or drink anything for two hours before your examination. Do not use this medicine for hysterosalpingography if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are near your menstrual period, had an abortion in the last 6 months, or had surgery or a procedure in your reproductive tract within the last 30 days. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of Iohexol for children, considering their age, weight, and the specific imaging procedure to ensure safe use.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Iohexol may interact with antivirals (adefovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, kanamycin), antidiabetics (metformin), beta-blockers (acebutolol), thiazide diuretics (benzthiazide), NSAIDs (diclofenac), and antipsychotics (ziprasidone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No known significant interactions.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, hyperthyroidism, asthma, myasthenia gravis, and kidney or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Iohexol. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionIohexol should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on the use of Iohexol during breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider to assess risks and benefits.
Driving
cautionIohexol may affect vision temporarily. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience visual disturbances after the injection.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Iohexol. It should be used with caution in patients with severe liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disorder, inform your doctor before receiving Iohexol. It should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney impairment.
Children
cautionYour doctor will adjust the dosage of name for children based on age, weight, and the imaging procedure, ensuring it is used safely.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids to help clear the contrast agent.
- Avoid alcohol to reduce side effects.
- Follow fasting instructions from your doctor.
- Consult your doctor about diet and fluid intake if you have kidney issues.
- Eat a balanced diet for recovery.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity after the procedure.
Special Advise
Iohexol may affect certain laboratory tests (like the protein-bound iodine test), potentially leading to inaccurate results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Angiography: Angiography is a medical imaging procedure used to see inside blood vessels and organs, frequently to diagnose blockages, aneurysms, or arterial disorders.
CT Scan: CT scan is a diagnostic imaging method that uses X-rays to produce comprehensive images of organs, bones, and soft tissues within the body.
Radiography: Radiography is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses X-rays to inspect inside tissues. It is widely used to detect fractures, infections, and abnormal growths.
FAQs
Iohexol is a contrast agent used in diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and angiography. It helps enhance the visibility of blood vessels and internal organs, allowing for better imaging and accurate diagnosis of various conditions.
Iohexol works by absorbing X-rays and enhancing the contrast in the images taken during diagnostic procedures. This helps doctors observe blood vessels, organs, and tissues with greater detail, enabling accurate diagnoses.
If you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before receiving Iohexol, as it may increase the risk of kidney complications. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or option for an alternative contrast medium.
Iohexol should only be received during pregnancy or breastfeeding if necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving it.
Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, back pain, sweating, or headache. Seek medical care if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Iohexol is generally safe for most people, however, it should be used with caution in persons who are allergic to iodine, have kidney difficulties, or have had previous contrast reactions. Always counsel your doctor about any pre-existing conditions.
