What is iopamidol?
Iopamidol is in a group of drugs called radiopaque (RAY dee oh payk) contrast agents.
Iopamidol contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays. Radiopaque contrast agents are used
to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on a CT scan
or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.
Iopamidol is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart, brain, blood vessels, and
nervous system.
Iopamidol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking iopamidol?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.
You should not receive iopamidol if you have any type of active infection.
Before receiving iopamidol, tell your doctor if you have:
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a brain tumor or hematoma;
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a recent head or brain injury;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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sickle cell anemia;
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multiple sclerosis;
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alcoholism;
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a history of stroke, blood clots, or circulation problems;
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asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies;
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diabetes;
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multiple myeloma (bone cancer);
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pheochromocytoma; or
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a thyroid disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive
iopamidol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether iopamidol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Older adults may need special care in avoiding dehydration by drinking extra fluids before
and after the radiologic test. Your kidney function may also need to be watched closely after you
have received iopamidol.
How should I take iopamidol?
Iopamidol is given as an injection through a needle placed into the space around your
spinal cord. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting during your radiologic
test. The medicine must be injected slowly, so the needle will stay in place for 1 to 2 minutes
before it is removed.
Drink extra fluids before and after you receive iopamidol. This medication can cause
you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your
doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your
test.
After receiving iopamidol you will be required to lie as still as possible and keep your
head raised above the level of your spine during the test.
Some people receiving this medication have had reactions to iopamidol that did not
start until 30 to 60 minutes after the medicine was first given. Your doctor or other healthcare
provider may want to watch you during this period of time after your injection. This is to make
sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain thyroid tests. If you
have such tests within 16 days after receiving iopamidol, tell the doctor in charge that you have
recently received iopamidol.
What happens if I miss a dose of iopamidol?
Since iopamidol is used only during your radiologic test, you will not be on a dosing
schedule.
Where can I get more information about iopamidol?
Your pharmacist has information about iopamidol written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of iopamidol?
Some of the side effects of iopamidol can occur up to 24 hours after you have received the
medication.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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urinating less than usual or not at all;
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severe headache lasting several days, especially if you also
have nausea and vomiting;
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seizure (convulsions);
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feeling light-headed, fainting;
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uneven heartbeat;
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wheezing or trouble breathing;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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severe swelling of the glands in your neck or jaw; or
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pain, tenderness, redness, or skin changes where the
medicine was injected.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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headache;
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nausea, vomiting;
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joint or muscle pain;
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back ache, stiff neck;
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numbness, warmth, or tingly feeling;
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burning or tingling pain in your lower back, buttocks, or
the back of your leg;
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ringing in your ears;
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increased sweating, itchy skin;
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chills, stuffy nose, sneezing;
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problems with your vision or hearing; or
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confusion, slurred speech.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about iopamidol?
You should not receive iopamidol if you have any type of active infection.
Tell your doctor if you have asthma, hay fever, or history of food or drug allergies,
especially if you have had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.
Drink extra fluids before and after you receive iopamidol. This medication can cause
you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your
doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your
test.
After receiving iopamidol you will be required to lie as still as possible and keep your
head raised above the level of your spine during the test. Avoid abrupt movement or physical
straining during your test and for several hours afterward. Too much movement can cause
iopamidol to mix with your spinal fluid and increase your risk of serious side effects.
What should I avoid while taking iopamidol?
Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated during the first few days after receiving
iopamidol. Call your doctor if you have any vomiting or diarrhea during this time. Follow your
doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink.
Avoid abrupt movement or physical straining during your test and for several hours
afterward. Too much movement can cause iopamidol to mix with your spinal fluid and increase
your risk of serious side effects.
What other drugs will affect iopamidol?
Do not use a phenothiazine medicine to treat nausea or vomiting for at least 48 hours after
receiving iopamidol. Phenothiazines include chlopromazine (Thorazine), perphenazine
(Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promazine (Sparine), promethazine (Phenergan),
thiethylperazine (Torecan), and triflupromazine (Stelazine).
Before receiving iopamidol, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
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seizure medicines (Dilantin, Tegretol, and others);
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cold medicine, diet pills;
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a stimulant such as Ritalin, Adderall, Cafergot, Dexedrine;
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medicine to treat a mental illness such as schizophrenia;
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an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam); or
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antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline
(Pamelor).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may need to stop using them
for a short time before receiving iopamidol.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect iopamidol. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of iopamidol?
