Iohexol
Iohexol (oral/rectal administration)
What is Iohexol (oral/rectal administration)?
IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. When iohexol is taken by mouth or given as an enema, the iodine in iohexol makes areas of the Gi tract (stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon) opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Usually several pictures are taken as iohexol moves through the GI tract. Depending on the type of test, iohexol may also be given into your vein by a health care provider. Iohexol shows if anything is wrong inside the GI tract and how well it is working. Generic iohexol injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Iohexol?
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
difficulty swallowing
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 Iohexol, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Iohexol is taken by mouth (swallowed) when used to look at the GI tract. Sometimes, it may be given into the rectum as an enema. Your health care provider will prepare the solution right before your test. Iohexol will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. Depending on the type of test, your health care provider may also give iohexol into your vein. You may not be able to eat for a certain time period before your test. Ask your health care provider. 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 Iohexol?
The drug interactions listed below may occur when iohexol is taken by mouth, given into the rectum, or injected into a vein. While the drug interactions are more common when iohexol is injected into the vein, the drug interactions can occur when iohexol is taken by mouth or given rectally.
aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
amphotericin B
certain antibiotics given by injection
certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
cisplatin
cyclosporine
entecavir
glipizide; metformin
glyburide; metformin
metformin
metformin; rosiglitazone
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 Iohexol?
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 Iohexol?
The side effects listed below may occur when iohexol is taken by mouth, given as a rectal enema, or when given into a vein. While some of the side effects are more common when given into the vein, the side effects can occur when iohexol is taken by mouth or given as a rectal enema.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
an unusual feeling of pain or warmth
bloating
change in vision
chest pain
chills or fever
cramping
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 iohexol was injected
rash
seizures
severe abdominal or stomach pain
severe diarrhea
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 mouth
bruising
diarrhea or runny stools
gas
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 iohexol in a hospital or clinic setting.
Iohexol injection (intrathecal)
What is Iohexol injection (intrathecal)?
IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. Iohexol will be given into your spinal fluid through your back by a health care provider. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. The iodine in iohexol will make the spinal fluid opaque or white so it can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Iohexol can be used to look at your brain or spinal column to diagnose problems or diseases in your head or nervous system. Generic iohexol injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Iohexol?
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
brain cancer or tumor in your head
dehydration or if you are taking diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix®) or bumetanide (Bumex®)
diabetes mellitus
drink alcohol on a regular basis
heart disease
heart failure
high blood pressure or pheochromocytoma
infection
liver disease
lung disease
multiple myeloma
multiple sclerosis
myasthenia gravis
kidney disease or decreased kidney function
seizures
sickle cell disease
thyroid disease
an unusual reaction to Iohexol, iodine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Iohexol is for injection or infusion into the spinal fluid through your back. 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 Iohexol?
aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
amiodarone
amphetamine
amphotericin B
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
bupropion
caffeine
certain antibiotics given by injection
certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
certain medicines used for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
cisplatin
cocaine
corticosteroids
cyclosporine
dextroamphetamine
entecavir
glipizide; metformin
glyburide; metformin
medications called MAO inhibitors- such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Eldepryl®)
medications or herbal products used for weight control or appetite
metformin
metformin; rosiglitazone
theophylline
tramadol
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 Iohexol?
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 Iohexol?
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, speech, or hearing
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
hallucinations
headache
hives
hot flashes
itching
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
pain, swelling, or warmth where iohexol was injected
paralysis
rash
seizures
swelling of 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 or agitation
back pain
bitter or bad taste in mouth
bruising
diarrhea
irritability
nose congestion
leg pain or sciatica
pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
upset stomach
weakness
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will only receive iohexol in a hospital or clinic setting.
Iohexol injection (Intra-uterine administration)
What is Iohexol injection (intra-uterine)?
IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. Iohexol will be injected into your uterus through your cervix by a health care provider during a procedure called a hysterosalpingography. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. The iodine in iohexol will make the uterus and fallopian tubes opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays. Usually several pictures are taken as iohexol moves through your uterine cavity. Iohexol shows if anything is wrong inside your uterine cavity. Generic iohexol injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Iohexol?
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
cancer of your uterus or cervix
date of your last menstrual period
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 Iohexol, iodine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if you were recently pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Iohexol will be injected into your uterus through your cervix. 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 Iohexol?
The drug interactions listed below may occur when iohexol is injected into your uterus or your vein. While the drug interactions are more common when iohexol is injected into the vein, the drug interactions can occur when iohexol is injected into your uterine cavity.
aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
amiodarone
amphotericin B
certain antibiotics given by injection
certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
cisplatin
cyclosporine
entecavir
glipizide; metformin
glyburide; metformin
metformin
metformin; rosiglitazone
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 Iohexol?
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.
Avoid the use of tampons, the use of douches or sexual intercourse for 48 hours after the procedure. Follow all instructions of your prescriber for care after the test.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Iohexol?
The side effects listed below may occur when iohexol is injected into the uterus or a vein. While some of the side effects are more common when injected into the vein, the side effects can occur when injected into the uterine cavity.
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
excessive vaginal bleeding
fast or irregular heart beat or pulse
hives
hot flashes
itching
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
pain, swelling, or warmth where iohexol was injected
rash
seizures
severe abdominal pain or cramping
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 mouth
bruising
headache
mild abdominal pain
minor vaginal bleeding
nose congestion
pain or tingling in your hands or feet
small amount of vaginal discharge
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will only receive iohexol in a hospital or clinic setting.
Iohexol injection (intravascular)
What is Iohexol injection (intravascular)?
IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. Iohexol will be given into your vein or artery by a health care provider. Sometimes, iohexol is injected into the knee or shoulder to see if there is anything wrong. Iohexol can also be used to look at your pancreas, bladder, to identify gallstones, to identify blood clots, or to see if you have a hernia. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. The iodine in iohexol will make the blood vessels and structures in your body opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Usually several pictures are taken as iohexol moves through your body. Iohexol can be used to take pictures of the blood vessels around your heart, your brain, your kidney or other structures in your body. Generic iohexol injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Iohexol?
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 Iohexol, iodine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Iohexol is for injection or infusion into a vein, artery, joint, or other body part. 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 Iohexol?
aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
amiodarone
amphotericin B
certain antibiotics given by injection
certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
cisplatin
cyclosporine
entecavir
glipizide; metformin
glyburide; metformin
metformin
metformin; rosiglitazone
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 Iohexol?
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 Iohexol?
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 iohexol 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 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 iohexol in a hospital or clinic setting.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert