Iodixanol
Iodixanol injection
What is Iodixanol injection?
IODIXANOL (Visipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. Iodixanol will be given into your vein or artery by a health care provider. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iodixanol contains iodine. The iodine in iodixanol will make the blood vessels and surrounding structures in your body opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Usually several pictures are taken as iodixanol moves through your body. Iodixanol can be used to take pictures of the blood vessels around your heart, your brain, your kidney or other structures in your body. It can also be used to help diagnose blood clots. Generic iodixanol injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Iodixanol?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
asthma
allergic tendencies including eczema, hayfever, or allergies to food or drugs
blood clots or strokes
dehydration or if you are taking diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix®) or bumetanide (Bumex®)
diabetes mellitus
heart disease
heart failure
high blood pressure or pheochromocytoma
liver disease
lung disease
multiple myeloma
myasthenia gravis
kidney disease or decreased kidney function
seizures
sickle cell disease
thyroid disease
an unusual reaction to Iodixanol, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Iodixanol is for injection or infusion into a vein or artery. It is given by a health-care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. Your health care provider may have special instructions for you before you have this procedure. Follow these directions carefully.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with Iodixanol?
aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
amiodarone
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
amphotericin B
certain antibiotics given by injection
certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
cisplatin
cyclosporine
entecavir
metformin and combination drugs containing metformin
water pills
You may or may not be able to take your regular medications during the time of your procedure. Ask your health care provider.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Iodixanol?
Follow all instructions of your health care provider to properly prepare you for your test. Serious side effects are rare. After the test, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Follow all instructions of your prescriber for care after the test.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Iodixanol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
an unusual feeling of pain or warmth
change in vision
chest pain
chills or fever
decrease or increase in the amount of urine
dizziness
excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
fast or irregular heart beat or pulse
hives
hot flashes
itching
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
pain, swelling, or warmth where ioversol was injected
rash
seizures
swelling of your lips or face
tightness in chest or troubled breathing
wheezing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxiety
bitter or bad taste in your mouth
bruising
headache
nose congestion
pain or tingling in your hands or feet
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will only receive iodixanol in a hospital or clinic setting.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert