Omnipaque
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.
What is Omnipaque (iohexol)?
What is Omnipaque (iohexol) used for?
Diagnostic imaging during a CT scan
How Omnipaque (iohexol) works
Omnipaque (iohexol) is a special dye called a contrast agent used for medical imaging. It's a dye that's absorbed by the blood vessels in your body. Tumors and abnormal blood vessels absorb more dye than regular blood vessels. This makes it easier for providers to see tumors or other conditions in images taken with X-rays or CT scans.
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What are the side effects of Omnipaque (iohexol)?
Common Side Effects
- Adults
- Headaches (18%)
- Pain (back, neck, stiffness; 8%)
- Nausea (6%)
- Vomiting (3%)
- Children
- Headache (9%)
- Vomiting (6%)
- Adults
- Pain (3%)
- Irregular heart rhythm (2%)
- Vision changes (2%)
- Nausea (2%)
- Children
- Vomiting (2%)
- Adults
- Diarrhea (42%)
- Nausea (15%)
- Vomiting (11%)
- Stomach pain (7%)
- Children
- Diarrhea (36%)
- Vomiting (9%)
- Nausea (5%)
- Fever (5%)
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic and skin reaction: difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, fast heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling in the face or tongue, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swollen lymph nodes
- Heart attack: chest pain, pain in the arms or shoulders, pain in the neck or jaw)
- Stroke: difficulty speaking, numbness on one side of the body, confusion
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Thyroid storm: fever, feeling agitated, delirious, feeling restless, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, fast heart beat
Source:Â DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Omnipaque (iohexol)
Pros
Can be used to see many different parts of the body
Can be given by many administration routes (e.g., by mouth, injection)
The oral (by mouth) version is neutral-tasting and can be mixed with water, milk, juice, or carbonated drinks
Can be used in adults and children
Cons
Might not be the best option if you have an iodine allergy
Can cause short-term kidney problems
Can cause rare, but life-threatening, skin reactions
Might not be a good option during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Omnipaque (iohexol)
Omnipaque (iohexol) can worsen the signs and symptoms of many medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, heart problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, sickle cell disease, etc.). Make sure to tell your provider about all of your medical conditions before receiving Omnipaque (iohexol). You might need your dose adjusted, closer monitoring, or a different contrast dry agent other than Omnipaque (iohexol).
Let your care team know if you feel pain while receiving Omnipaque (iohexol). If this happens, there's a risk that the contrast agent might've leaked from your IV into the surrounding tissues.
Severe skin reactions can happen up to several weeks after a Omnipaque (iohexol) dose. Go to the emergency room if you notice sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swollen lymph nodes. You'll need to get tested and treated, if necessary, right away.
Let your provider know if you're allergic to iodine and what your reaction to iodine is. It's possible you might not be able to receive Omnipaque (iohexol), depending on your reaction.
If you're pregnant, speak to your provider before receiving Omnipaque (iohexol). You won't be able to receive this contrast agent for imaging of the uterus or fallopian tubes. It's unclear whether or not it's safe for you to receive this for imaging of other parts of the body.
Omnipaque (iohexol) can pass into breast milk, but it's unlikely to cause harm to breastfed babies. But, there isn't a lot of information on the safety of Omnipaque (iohexol) during breastfeeding. Your provider might recommend that you avoid breastfeeding for at least 10 hours after your dose of Omnipaque (iohexol).
Frequently asked questions about Omnipaque (iohexol)
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What are the risks and warnings for Omnipaque (iohexol)?
Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Trained healthcare provider only
Only trained healthcare providers should give Omnipaque (iohexol). There are different strengths and formulations of Omnipaque (iohexol) and they're not interchangeable with each other. Your provider will give you the medication and make sure you receive the proper formulation for your CT test.
Serious allergic reactions
Serious allergic reactions to Omnipaque (iohexol) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, nausea, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, swelling around your eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue after receiving Omnipaque (iohexol), stop and get medical attention right away. These reactions can happen within minutes of the start of an injection, to hours later. If you've had any previous allergic reactions to contrast agents, your provider might give you pre-medications with antihistamines or corticosteroids to lower your risk of having these reactions again.
Serious allergic skin reactions
Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause serious allergic skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). This can happen anywhere from an hour after you've received Omnipaque (iohexol), to several weeks later. Let your provider know right away if you have a fever, body aches, and a painful rash.
Kidney problems
Risk factors: Age older than 65 years | History of kidney problems | Diabetes | Heart failure | Blood vessel problems | Multiple myeloma | Having high amounts of certain proteins in blood (paraproteinemia) | Repeated or large doses of Omnipaque (iohexol) | Low fluids in the body | Taking medications that can cause kidney problems
Contrast dye products like Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause severe, and even fatal, kidney problems. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors like older age, diabetes, or taking medications that can cause kidney problems. Your provider might monitor you for signs or symptoms of kidney failure or order lab tests to monitor your kidney health before and after treatment with Omnipaque (iohexol).
Low blood pressure and shock
Risk factors: Receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) by injection | History of heart problems
Omnipaque (iohexol) injections can cause sudden low blood pressure and shock, which can be serious and life-threatening if not quickly detected and treated. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure after you receive Omnipaque (iohexol), especially if you have heart failure.
Risk of heart attack or stroke
Risk factors: Longer procedures | Use of certain catheter and syringe materials | History of heart problems | Taking medications that can cause heart problems | Homocystinuria
Though rare, receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) for an angiocardiography (imaging of the heart) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Your risk is higher if you have a rare genetic condition called homocystinuria. Let your provider know right away if you have any breathing problems, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness of the face, legs, or arms.
Worsening hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone)
Risk factors: History of hyperthyroidism | Receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) injection through arteries or veins
Although rare, Omnipaque (iohexol) can worsen hyperthyroidism and lead to a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm. Make sure to tell your provider if you have hyperthyroidism or if you're taking thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine (Synthroid)) before receiving Omnipaque (iohexol). Your provider might monitor your thyroid health more closely.
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) in children
Risk factors: Children up to 3 years | Very low birth weight | Premature (early) babies | History of thyroid problems | Children in the intensive care unit (ICU) | Congenital heart problems
Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) in children ages 0 to 3 years. Thyroid hormone is especially important for your child's brain health and development. Your child's provider might order blood tests to check their thyroid health after receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) and give your child treatment if needed.
High blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
Risk factors: Receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) injection into blood vessels | Higher doses of Omnipaque (iohexol) | History of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma
People with pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas, which are types of tumors that release chemicals that raise your blood pressure, can have severely high blood pressure called hypertensive crisis after receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) injections in the blood vessels. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure after receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) and give you treatment to lower your blood pressure if needed. Depending on your risk factors and medical conditions, your provider might ask you to measure and record your blood pressure at home.
Sickle cell crisis
Risk factors: Receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) injection into blood vessels | Low fluids in the body
Receiving Omnipaque (iohexol) injections into blood vessels can cause sickle cell crisis in people with sickle cell disease. Let your provider know if you have sickle cell disease because they might use a different contrast medication than Omnipaque (iohexol). Or, they'll make sure you have enough fluids in the body before and after receiving Omnipaque (iohexol).
Omnipaque (iohexol) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml of 140mg/ml | 1 bottle | $38.25 | $38.25 |
| 50ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $43.86 | $43.86 |
| 100ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $78.85 | $78.85 |
| 150ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $105.45 | $105.45 |
| 200ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $141.55 | $141.55 |
| 30ml of 300mg/ml | 2 bottles | $86.18 | $43.09 |
| 50ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $50.73 | $50.73 |
| 75ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $72.96 | $72.96 |
| 100ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $93.41 | $93.41 |
| 125ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $110.68 | $110.68 |
| 200ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $163.75 | $163.75 |
| 50ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $54.71 | $54.71 |
| 75ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $78.74 | $78.74 |
| 100ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $103.10 | $103.10 |
| 125ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $117.42 | $117.42 |
| 150ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $139.95 | $139.95 |
| 200ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $187.42 | $187.42 |
Typical dosing for Omnipaque (iohexol)
Your provider will calculate the dose based on how Omnipaque (iohexol) is being given to you, your age, and the location of your body your provider wants to see on imaging.
Omnipaque (iohexol) can be given as an injection into your spine, arteries, veins, joints, and directly into your body spaces or cavities (e.g., stomach area). It can also be given by mouth and rectally.
Omnipaque (iohexol) is typically given as a single dose, but doses might need to be repeated if the medication wears off and your provider still needs to see your results on imaging.
How much does Omnipaque (iohexol) cost?
Omnipaque (iohexol) contraindications
Injecting Omnipaque (iohexol) 140 and Omnipaque (iohexol) 350 into the spine
Taking Omnipaque (iohexol) oral solution 9 and 12 for injection
Giving Omnipaque (iohexol) 240 and 300 through a body cavity for uterus or fallopian tube imaging in females who are pregnant, suspected of being pregnant, menstruating, soon-to-be menstruating, within 6 months after ending a pregnancy, within 30 days of certain cervical surgical procedures, signs of genital infection, reproductive tract cancers
What are alternatives to Omnipaque (iohexol)?
Diagnostic imaging during a CT scan
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Heart Association. (2023). Hypertensive crisis: When you should call 911 for high blood pressure.
Andreucci, M., et al. (2014). Side effects of radiographic contrast media: Pathogenesis, risk factors, and prevention. BioMed Research International.
Barr, M. L., et al. (2016). Thyroid dysfunction in children exposed to iodinated contrast media. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Drugs and Lactation Database. (2022). Iohexol. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
GE Healthcare Inc. (2018). Omnipaque.
GE Healthcare Inc. (2023). Omnipaque [package insert]. DailyMed.
Koya, H. H., et al. (2022). Shock. StatPearls.
Lee, S. Y., et al. (2015). A review: Radiographic iodinated contrast media-induced thyroid dysfunction. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Homocystinuria.
Nadolski, G. J., et al. (2012). Contrast alternatives for iodinated contrast allergy and renal dysfunction: Options and limitations. Journal of Vascular Surgery.
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Pheochromocytoma.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
Pokhrel, B., et al. (2022). Thyroid storm. StatPearls.
RadiologyInfo.org. (2022). Contrast materials. Radiological Society of North America, Inc.
Telano, L. N., et al. (2022). Physiology, cerebral spinal fluid. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends thyroid monitoring in babies and young children who receive injections of iodine-containing contrast media for medical imaging.
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