💉 Iohexol Injection
(140 to 350 mg iodine/mL)
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Iohexol injection is a non-ionic, water-soluble iodinated contrast agent used for diagnostic imaging procedures, including:
- Intravenous urography
- Angiography
- CT scans (contrast-enhanced CT)
- Myelography
- Cerebral and peripheral arteriography
- Excretory urography
It enhances visualization of blood vessels, organs, urinary tract, and body cavities in X-ray or CT imaging.
🔹 2. Description:
- Type: Non-ionic monomeric iodinated contrast medium
- Concentration range: 140 mg/mL to 350 mg/mL of iodine
- Form: Clear, colorless to pale yellow sterile aqueous solution
- Route of administration: Intravenous (IV), intra-arterial, or intrathecal (depending on diagnostic need)
Brand examples: Omnipaque®, Hexabrix® (for other combinations)
🔹 3. Advantages:
- Lower osmolality than ionic contrast agents → reduced pain and side effects
- Wide concentration range → suitable for varied diagnostic uses (CT, angiography, myelography, etc.)
- Minimal neurotoxicity → safe for intrathecal use
- Fast renal excretion → limited tissue retention
- Better tolerability → fewer allergic-type reactions than older agents
🔹 4. Nature / Pharmacologic Class:
- Pharmacologic class: Radiographic contrast agent
- Iodine-based: Enhances contrast in X-ray and CT imaging
- Water-soluble, non-ionic
- Excretion: Primarily via kidneys (glomerular filtration)
- Half-life: ~2 hours in patients with normal renal function
🔹 5. Common Packaging:
- Single-use vials or pre-filled syringes
- Common strengths:
- 140 mg iodine/mL (low-dose, for sensitive applications)
- 240 mg iodine/mL
- 300 mg iodine/mL
- 350 mg iodine/mL (high-dose, for angiography or CT)
- Volumes:
- 20 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, 200 mL, 500 mL vials or bottles (depending on use)
- Glass bottles or polymer bottles with rubber stopper and aluminum seal
🔹 6. Storage:
- Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Protect from excessive heat and light
- Do not freeze
- Inspect visually for particulate matter or discoloration before use
- Use immediately after opening (single-use)
🔹 7. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Inform your radiologist if you:
- Have kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, or heart problems
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have had a previous reaction to contrast media
- Hydration is critical:
- Drink fluids before and after the procedure to help eliminate the contrast
- Side effects (usually mild and self-limited):
- Warm sensation, metallic taste, nausea, flushing
- Report immediately:
- Rash, breathing difficulty, dizziness, swelling (may indicate allergic reaction)
- Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN):
- Higher in elderly, diabetics, or those with poor renal function
🔹 8. Purpose / Clinical Use by Strength:
| Concentration | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| 140 mg iodine/mL | Pediatric or low-dose CT |
| 240 mg iodine/mL | Myelography, brain/spinal cord imaging |
| 300 mg iodine/mL | Routine CT scans, IV urography, venography |
| 350 mg iodine/mL | Angiography, enhanced CT for chest/abdomen |
⚠️ Warnings / Precautions:
- Hypersensitivity reactions possible, including anaphylaxis
- Use caution in patients with:
- Renal impairment
- Thyroid disorders (may affect thyroid function tests)
- Multiple myeloma
- Dehydration
- Not recommended for intrathecal use at higher concentrations (≥300 mg/mL)