What is iodixanol used for?

Iodixanol is a contrast agent used during imaging tests like CT scans or angiographies to help doctors see blood vessels more clearly.

Can iodixanol cause kidney damage?

Yes, iodixanol can cause contrast-induced acute kidney injury or renal failure, so staying hydrated is important.

Is iodixanol safe for children?

Yes, it has been shown to be safe and effective for various imaging uses in children, including infants, though doctors monitor thyroid function in very young children.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to iodixanol?

Severe reactions can include breathing problems, swelling (angioedema), or shock, and they often happen shortly after injection.

Can I take metformin while receiving iodixanol?

If you have kidney issues, you may need to stop metformin before or at the time of the procedure to avoid a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

Is iodixanol safe to use during pregnancy?

There is no specific data on iodixanol use in pregnant women, so the risks are unknown.

What happens if iodixanol is injected into the spine?

Accidentally injecting it into the spinal fluid is extremely dangerous and can cause death, seizures, paralysis, or brain edema.

Can iodixanol affect my thyroid treatment?

Yes, it can interfere with the effectiveness of radioactive iodine treatments for 6 to 8 weeks.

iodixanol | CAS 92339-11-2 | NBQNWMBBSKPBAY

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Radiographic contrast medium

How it worksIodixanol is a contrast agent that makes blood vessels visible on imaging tests by making them appear darker or lighter on X-rays or CT scans.

Brand names:VISIPAQUE 270

Used for

Intra-arterial imaging procedures (like angiography) for adults and children over 12Computed tomography (CT) scans of the head and bodyImaging of the urinary tract (excretory urography)Peripheral venographyCoronary CT angiography to check for heart artery disease

Conditions

Coronary artery disease evaluationVascular imaging needs

Class

Diagnostic AidContrast MediumRadiographic contrast mediumCardiovascularGastrointestinalNervous SystemRenalIntegumentary

How to take

FormsInjection

RoutesIntravascular (into the bloodstream)

The dose is customized for each person based on their age, weight, size of the blood vessel, and how fast their blood flows.

This drug must only be used by medical professionals through injection into the bloodstream. It should never be injected into the spinal fluid (intrathecal use).

Key warnings

DANGER: DO NOT USE FOR INTRA THECAL USE. If this drug is accidentally injected into the space around the spinal cord, it can cause death, seizures, coma, paralysis, or brain swelling.

·DANGER: DO NOT USE FOR INTRA THECAL USE. If this drug is accidentally injected into the space around the spinal cord, it can cause death, seizures, coma, paralysis, or brain swelling.
·Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur.
·Use can cause sudden kidney injury.
·Can cause heart-related issues like shock or cardiac arrest.
·In children aged 0-3, it may affect thyroid function.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to the components of this product.
·Do not use for injection into the spinal fluid (intrathecal use).

Side effects

Common

Warmth or heat sensationPain or discomfort at the injection siteNausea or vomitingDiarrheaHeadache or migraineDizziness or feeling faintItchy rash or hives

Serious

·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) including difficulty breathing or swelling
·Acute kidney injury or renal failure
·Heart rhythm disturbances or cardiac arrest
·Severe neurological events if accidentally injected into the spinal area
·Thyroid issues in children under 3 years old

Seek help if

·Difficulty breathing
·Swelling of the face or throat
·Chest pain
·Seizures

Interactions

·Metformin: Using iodixanol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis in patients taking metformin, especially if kidney function is poor.
·Radioactive Iodine: This drug can interfere with how the body takes up radioactive iodine used for thyroid treatments for up to 8 weeks.
·Beta-blockers: These medications may make allergic reactions to the contrast agent more severe and harder to treat.

Special populations

PregnancyThere are no studies on the use of iodixanol in pregnant women. While animal studies did not show birth defects, all pregnancies carry a natural risk of birth defects or miscarriage.

BreastfeedingIt is not known if iodixanol passes into breast milk. Use caution if being treated while nursing.

PediatricIodixanol is approved for use in children from birth for certain imaging like heart and brain scans. For other types of scans, it is generally used for children 12 years and older.

GeriatricIn studies, elderly patients (65+) reacted similarly to younger patients. However, doctors should be cautious and often start with lower doses because older adults may have decreased kidney or heart function.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Kidney function (eGFR)
·Thyroid function in infants
·Allergic reaction symptoms

Questions to ask

·Do I have kidney disease?
·Am I allergic to any contrast dyes?
·Should I stop taking metformin before my scan?
·Is it safe for my child to receive this dye?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPeak blood iodine levels occur immediately following rapid injection.

Half-life2.1 hours (± 0.1)

DurationMaximum contrast enhancement can take up to one hour after injection.

Protein bindingIn an in vitro human plasma study, iodixaol did not bind to protein.

MetabolismIodixaol does not undergo metabolism.

ExcretionApproximately 97% is excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours; less than 2% in feces.

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose can be life-threatening and affect the heart and lungs. Treatment focuses on supporting vital functions. Because iodixanol does not bind to blood proteins, it can be removed via dialysis.

StorageProtect from sunlight. Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Do not freeze. Can be kept in a warmer at 37°C for up to one month.

Ingredients

Inactive

Citric acidglycerinpolysorbate 80sodium citrate USPsodium phosphate dibasicwater

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.