Iohexol Oral Injection: Uses, Dose, Side Effects

Iohexol is a type of contrast agent that is used to help diagnose or find problems in different parts of the body, such as the brain, heart, blood vessels, stomach, joints, bladder, and reproductive tract. It is injected into a vein or an artery, or given by mouth before an x-ray, CT scan, or other imaging test.

What is iohexol used for?

Iohexol can be used for various purposes, depending on the part of the body that needs to be examined. Some of the common uses of iohexol are:

Angiography: This is a test that uses x-rays to look at the blood vessels and how blood flows through them. Iohexol can help show the shape, size, and blockages of the arteries and veins in the heart, brain, kidneys, legs, and other organs.
Ventriculography: This is a test that uses x-rays to look at the chambers and valves of the heart and how well they pump blood. Iohexol can help show the function and structure of the heart muscle and valves.
Myelography: This is a test that uses x-rays to look at the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. Iohexol can help show the shape, size, and compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
CT scan: This is a test that uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Iohexol can help show the organs, tissues, bones, and blood vessels more clearly and detect abnormalities such as tumors, infections, bleeding, or inflammation.
Urography: This is a test that uses x-rays to look at the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Iohexol can help show how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood and how urine flows through the urinary tract.
Hysterosalpingography: This is a test that uses x-rays to look at the uterus and fallopian tubes in women who have problems getting pregnant. Iohexol can help show the shape and size of the uterus and fallopian tubes and detect any blockages or abnormalities that may affect fertility.

How is iohexol given?

Iohexol can be given in different ways depending on the type of test and the part of the body that needs to be examined. Some of the common ways of giving iohexol are:

Injection: Iohexol can be injected into a vein or an artery using a syringe or a pressure injector. The injection may be given as a single dose or as multiple doses depending on the test. The injection may cause some discomfort or pain at the injection site.
Oral: Iohexol can be given by mouth as a liquid solution using a bottle or a cup. The oral solution may have a bitter taste and may cause nausea or vomiting. The oral solution should be taken one to two hours before the test.
Intrathecal: Iohexol can be injected into the space around the spinal cord using a needle. This is done only for myelography and requires special care and monitoring. The intrathecal injection may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

What are the doses of iohexol?

The doses of iohexol depend on various factors such as the type of test, the part of the body that needs to be examined, the age and weight of the patient, and the kidney function of the patient. The doses of iohexol should be determined by a doctor based on individual needs. Some of the common doses of iohexol are:

Angiography: The usual dose of iohexol for angiography ranges from 5 mL to 80 mL per injection depending on the blood vessel that needs to be examined. The concentration of iohexol may vary from 140 mgI/mL to 350 mgI/mL depending on the test.
Ventriculography: The usual dose of iohexol for ventriculography is 40 mL of a 350 mgI/mL solution. The dose may range from 30 mL to 60 mL per injection and may be repeated as needed, not to exceed 250 mL per procedure.
Myelography: The usual dose of iohexol for myelography ranges from 4 mL to 17 mL per injection depending on the part of the spinal cord that needs to be examined. The concentration of iohexol may vary from 180 mgI/mL to 300 mgI/mL depending on the test.
CT scan: The usual dose of iohexol for CT scan ranges from 50 mL to 250 mL per injection or infusion depending on the part of the body that needs to be examined. The concentration of iohexol may vary from 140 mgI/mL to 350 mgI/mL depending on the test.
Urography: The usual dose of iohexol for urography is 200 mgI/kg to 350 mgI/kg of body weight. The concentration of iohexol may vary from 300 mgI/mL to 350 mgI/mL depending on the test.
Hysterosalpingography: The usual dose of iohexol for hysterosalpingography is 10 mL to 20 mL of a 300 mgI/mL solution. The dose may be repeated as needed, not to exceed 40 mL per procedure.

What are the side effects of iohexol?

Iohexol may cause some side effects that are usually mild and temporary. Some of the common side effects of iohexol are:

Injection site reactions: Iohexol may cause pain, swelling, redness, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. These reactions usually go away within a few hours or days.
Allergic reactions: Iohexol may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to it. These reactions may include rash, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. These reactions may occur within minutes or hours after the injection and may require emergency treatment.
Nausea and vomiting: Iohexol may cause nausea and vomiting in some people, especially if taken by mouth. These symptoms usually go away within a few hours or days.
Headache: Iohexol may cause headache in some people, especially if injected into the spine. This symptom usually goes away within a few hours or days.
Dizziness and fainting: Iohexol may cause dizziness and fainting in some people, especially if injected into the spine or an artery. This symptom usually goes away within a few minutes or hours.
Kidney problems: Iohexol may cause kidney problems in some people who have existing kidney disease or risk factors for kidney damage. These problems may include reduced urine output, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, or acute kidney injury. These problems may occur within hours or days after the injection and may require treatment.

How to store iohexol?

Iohexol should be stored at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. It should not be frozen or exposed to high temperatures. It should be used as soon as possible after opening or mixing. It should not be used if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. It should be discarded if it is expired or no longer needed.

Iohexol Price Comparison in Different Countries

Country	Price per mL (USD)	Reference
USA	$0.26	https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/iohexol
Canada	$0.18	https://www.wellrx.com/prescriptions/iohexol/canada/
Australia	$0.15	<a href=”https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/11203F-11204G-11205H-11206J-