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Iopamidol vs. Omnipaque

Iopamidol (Isovue) is a contrast agent that helps imaging tests show blood vessels, organs, and the space in your spine more clearly. It's used in adults and children for procedures like CT-scans and X‑rays. Depending on the test, it might be given by mouth or injected into your vein, artery, or spine. It's given by a healthcare professional just before or during your imaging test. Common side effects include pain or warmth at the injection site, a hot flush, or nausea.

• Blood vessel imaging in the brain, heart, arms and legs, and other organs
• Kidney and urinary tract imaging
• Imaging of the head and body
• Imaging of the spine and brain
• Imaging of the gut

Injected into the spine

• Headache (16%)
• Nausea (7%)
• Vomiting (4%)
• Back pain (2%)
• Leg pain (1%)
• Neck pain (1%)
• Low blood pressure (1%)

Injected into vein or artery

• Pain (3%)
• Hot flashes (2%)
• Burning sensation (1%)
• Nausea (1%)
• Warmth (1%)

• Risks with injecting Isovue into the spine
• Serious allergic and skin reactions
• Kidney problems
• Heart problems
• Blood clots
• Leakage and injection site reactions
• Worsening thyroid problems
• High blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
• Sickle cell crisis

Omnipaque (iohexol) is an iodine-containing contrast agent that's used to help providers see inside of your body on a CT scan. Omnipaque (iohexol) can be injected into many different areas of the body. It can also be given by mouth or rectally when providers need to see parts of the gut. Side effects can depend on how you receive Omnipaque (iohexol), but generally include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Omnipaque (iohexol) might not be the best option if you have an iodine allergy.

• Diagnostic imaging during a CT scan

Injection into the spine

• Adults

  • Headaches (18%)
  • Pain (back, neck, stiffness; 8%)
  • Nausea (6%)
  • Vomiting (3%)

• Children

  • Headache (9%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Injection into blood vessels

• Adults

  • Pain (3%)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (2%)
  • Vision changes (2%)
  • Nausea (2%)

• Children

  • Vomiting (2%)

Oral (by mouth)

• Adults

  • Diarrhea (42%)
  • Nausea (15%)
  • Vomiting (11%)
  • Stomach pain (7%)

• Children

  • Diarrhea (36%)
  • Vomiting (9%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Fever (5%)

• Trained healthcare provider only
• Serious allergic reactions
• Serious allergic skin reactions
• Kidney problems
• Low blood pressure and shock
• Risk of heart attack or stroke
• Worsening hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone)
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) in children
• High blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
• Sickle cell crisis