Iohexol injection (intrathecal)

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What is Iohexol injection (intrathecal)?

IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. Iohexol will be given into your spinal fluid through your back by a health care provider. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. The iodine in iohexol will make the spinal fluid opaque or white so it can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Iohexol can be used to look at your brain or spinal column to diagnose problems or diseases in your head or nervous system. Generic iohexol injections are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• allergic tendencies including eczema, hayfever, or allergies to food or drugs
• blood clots or strokes
• brain cancer or tumor in your head
• dehydration or if you are taking diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix®) or bumetanide (Bumex®)
• diabetes mellitus
• drink alcohol on a regular basis
• heart disease
• heart failure
• high blood pressure or pheochromocytoma
• infection
• liver disease
• lung disease
• multiple myeloma
• multiple sclerosis
• myasthenia gravis
• kidney disease or decreased kidney function
• seizures
• sickle cell disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual reaction to Iohexol, iodine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Iohexol is for injection or infusion into the spinal fluid through your back. It is given by a health-care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. Your health care provider may have special instructions for you before you have this procedure. Follow these directions carefully.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Iohexol?

• aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
• amiodarone
• amphetamine
• amphotericin B
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• bupropion
• caffeine
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
• certain medicines used for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
• cisplatin
• cocaine
• corticosteroids
• cyclosporine
• dextroamphetamine
• entecavir
• glipizide; metformin
• glyburide; metformin
• medications called MAO inhibitors- such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Eldepryl®)
• medications or herbal products used for weight control or appetite
• metformin
• metformin; rosiglitazone
• theophylline
• tramadol
• water pills

You may or may not be able to take your regular medications during the time of your procedure. Ask your health care provider.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Iohexol?

Follow all instructions of your health care provider to properly prepare you for your test. Serious side effects are rare. After the test, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Follow all instructions of your prescriber for care after the test.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Iohexol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• an unusual feeling of pain or warmth
• change in vision, speech, or hearing
• chest pain
• chills or fever
• decrease or increase in the amount of urine
• dizziness
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• fast or irregular heart beat or pulse
• hallucinations
• headache
• hives
• hot flashes
• itching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• pain, swelling, or warmth where iohexol was injected
• paralysis
• rash
• seizures
• swelling of lips or face
• tightness in chest or troubled breathing
• wheezing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety or agitation
• back pain
• bitter or bad taste in mouth
• bruising
• diarrhea
• irritability
• nose congestion
• leg pain or sciatica
• pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• upset stomach
• weakness

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will only receive iohexol in a hospital or clinic setting.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.