Generic medicine

Iopamidol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Iopamidol is a radiographic contrast agent (not a therapeutic drug) that is administered to enhance the visibility of internal structures, blood vessels and more.

Forms:Injection

About Iopamidol

Indications of Iopamidol

Iopamidol is a radiographic contrast agent (not a therapeutic drug) that is administered to enhance the visibility of internal structures, blood vessels, and organs during x-ray based imaging procedures. Its use is classified below by strength of evidence.

Established/FDA-approved uses

  • Intravascular use: cerebral and peripheral arteriography, coronary arteriography and left ventriculography (cardiac angiography), visceral (abdominal) angiography, excretory urography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the head and body, and venography.
  • Intrathecal use (specific formulations only): myelography of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions, and adjunctively for CT of the head and spine following intrathecal administration.
  • Other: arthrography (joint imaging).

Notes on use

Iopamidol is used strictly for diagnostic imaging under the supervision of a qualified radiologist or physician; it has no independent therapeutic effect. The specific concentration and formulation of Iopamidol used (e.g., for intravascular versus intrathecal procedures) must match the intended route of administration, as formulations are not interchangeable.

Dosage & Administration of Iopamidol

The dose and concentration of Iopamidol are individualized by the physician/radiologist based on the specific imaging procedure, the patient's age, body weight, cardiovascular status, and renal function. The table below summarizes typical use by procedure category; exact volumes and concentrations are determined at the time of the procedure.

ProcedureTypical Iopamidol concentrationRoute
Cerebral/peripheral arteriographyIsovue-300 or Isovue-370 equivalentIntra-arterial
Cardiac angiography (coronary/ventriculography)Isovue-370 equivalentIntra-arterial
Contrast-enhanced CT (head/body)Isovue-300 or Isovue-370 equivalentIntravenous
Excretory urographyIsovue-300 equivalentIntravenous
VenographyIsovue-300 equivalentIntravenous
Myelography (lumbar/thoracic/cervical)Isovue-M 200 or 300 equivalent (specific intrathecal formulation only)Intrathecal
ArthrographyLower-concentration equivalentIntra-articular

See Dosage and Administration sections below for further detail, and Precautions and Warnings for pre-procedure hydration and premedication considerations.

Side Effects of Iopamidol

Adverse effects reported with Iopamidol are generally described below by frequency and severity.

Common (usually mild and transient)

  • Sensation of warmth or flushing
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Altered taste (metallic taste)
  • Headache
  • Injection site pain or discomfort

Serious (uncommon but clinically important)

  • Hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions: urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, hypotension, and rarely anaphylactic shock (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Contrast-induced nephropathy/acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or diabetes.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias or hemodynamic changes, especially with intra-arterial cardiac angiography.
  • Thyroid dysfunction/thyroid storm in susceptible individuals.
  • Extravasation injury at the injection site (pain, swelling, and rarely tissue damage).
  • Seizures (reported with intrathecal use).

Contraindications of Iopamidol

Iopamidol is absolutely contraindicated in:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to Iopamidol or to other iodinated contrast media.
  • Patients with overt, untreated (uncontrolled) thyrotoxicosis, due to the risk of precipitating thyroid storm from the iodine load.

Patients with a history of a prior mild reaction to contrast media are not absolutely excluded but may require premedication protocols or use of an alternative imaging strategy (see Precautions and Warnings).

Frequently Asked Questions about Iopamidol

What is Iopamidol used for?

Iopamidol is an iodinated contrast agent used during imaging procedures such as CT scans, angiography, urography, venography, and myelography (specific formulations) to improve the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and internal structures on x-ray-based images. It is a diagnostic aid, not a treatment for any disease.

Is Iopamidol safe to use if I have kidney problems?

Iopamidol can affect kidney function, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or dehydration, a condition known as contrast-induced nephropathy. Your doctor will assess your kidney function beforehand, use the lowest effective dose, and ensure you are well hydrated before and after the procedure. Always inform your doctor of any history of kidney disease before receiving Iopamidol.

Can Iopamidol cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Iopamidol can rarely cause hypersensitivity (allergic-type) reactions ranging from mild skin rash to severe, life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions, even in people with no prior history of contrast exposure. Iopamidol is therefore given in a setting equipped to manage such emergencies, and you will usually be observed for a period after the injection.

Is Iopamidol safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Iopamidol should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the diagnostic benefit outweighs the potential risk to the baby; please consult your physician. It passes into breast milk only in small amounts, and your doctor can advise whether any precaution, such as a brief pause in breastfeeding, is needed after you receive Iopamidol.

I take metformin for diabetes — is that a concern with Iopamidol?

Yes, this combination needs medical supervision. If Iopamidol causes a temporary reduction in kidney function, metformin can build up in the body and increase the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Your doctor may advise temporarily stopping metformin around the time of your Iopamidol procedure and restarting it only after your kidney function is confirmed to be stable.

What should I do if too much Iopamidol is given or I have a reaction after the procedure?

If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling, chest pain, or reduced urination after receiving Iopamidol, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services. Overdose or excessive contrast load is managed by your medical team with supportive care, and Iopamidol can be removed from the body by dialysis if needed in cases of significant kidney impairment.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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