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.
Drug facts
Side effects of Omnipaque (iohexol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
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%)
Omnipaque (iohexol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- 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
The following Omnipaque (iohexol) 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):
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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).
Common questions about Omnipaque (iohexol)
Omnipaque (iohexol) is typically given as an injection, rectally, or by mouth. Depending on the formulation, it can also be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, into the veins or arteries, or directly into specific areas of your body. The way in which you receive Omnipaque (iohexol) will depend on the part of your body your provider wants to see on a CT scan.
Omnipaque (iohexol) contains iodine, so if you're allergic to iodine, make sure to tell your provider before receiving this medication. Depending on how severe your reaction to iodine is, your provider will decide if it's safe for you to receive Omnipaque (iohexol) or if you should receive contrast that doesn't contain iodine.
The side effects can differ based on the strength you receive, how many doses you get, and how it's being given to you (e.g., by mouth, by injection, etc.). See the side effects section for a more detailed list of possible side effects based on age and route of administration. In general, contrast agents like Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause headache, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. They can also affect certain parts of your body and cause kidney problems and thyroid problems. In fact, there was an FDA warning that called for more thyroid monitoring in babies and young children who receive iodine-contrast agents. Rarely, Omnipaque (iohexol) can cause serious allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you experience shortness of breath, hives, or swelling after receiving this medication.
Yes. In studies, up to 42% of adults and children receiving oral Omnipaque (iohexol) reported diarrhea as a side effect. If you experience diarrhea, it's important to stay hydrated so you don't lose too much body fluid. Also, ask your provider what other options you have to ease your symptoms.
Yes, there's an oral (by mouth) version of Omnipaque (iohexol) that's drinkable. It's used for diagnostic imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It's also possible to need both oral (by mouth) and injectable Omnipaque (iohexol) for people who need a CT scan of the stomach area.
Studies show that people who received Omnipaque (iohexol) oral solution reported it had a neutral taste. Your provider might be able to make the solution easier to take by mixing it with water, milk, juice, or a carbonated drink.
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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
Bottle| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $431.55 | $431.55 |
| 500ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $437.95 | $437.95 |
Bottle of infusion| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $163.75 | $163.75 |
| 50ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $43.86 | $43.86 |
| 200ml of 240mg/ml | 1 bottle | $141.55 | $141.55 |
| 125ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $110.95 | $110.95 |
| 75ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $72.96 | $72.96 |
| 50ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $50.73 | $50.73 |
| 30ml of 300mg/ml | 1 bottle | $46.21 | $46.21 |
| 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 | $117.13 | $117.13 |
| 150ml of 350mg/ml | 1 bottle | $139.95 | $139.95 |
| 50ml of 140mg/ml | 3 bottles | $102.26 | $34.09 |
Typical dosage 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?
$13.43
Omnipaque (iohexol) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Omnipaque (iohexol) will not be safe for you to take.
- 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
