Iohexol (oral/rectal administration)

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What is Iohexol (oral/rectal administration)?

IOHEXOL (Omnipaque™) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose certain medical conditions. It is usually only given in a hospital or clinic. Iohexol contains iodine. When iohexol is taken by mouth or given as an enema, the iodine in iohexol makes areas of the Gi tract (stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon) opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays or CT scans. Usually several pictures are taken as iohexol moves through the GI tract. Depending on the type of test, iohexol may also be given into your vein by a health care provider. Iohexol shows if anything is wrong inside the GI tract and how well it is working. 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
• dehydration or if you are taking diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix®) or bumetanide (Bumex®)
• diabetes mellitus
• difficulty swallowing
• heart disease
• heart failure
• high blood pressure or pheochromocytoma
• liver disease
• lung disease
• multiple myeloma
• myasthenia gravis
• kidney disease or decreased kidney function
• seizures
• sickle cell disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual reaction to Iohexol, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Iohexol is taken by mouth (swallowed) when used to look at the GI tract. Sometimes, it may be given into the rectum as an enema. Your health care provider will prepare the solution right before your test. Iohexol will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. Depending on the type of test, your health care provider may also give iohexol into your vein. You may not be able to eat for a certain time period before your test. Ask your health care provider. 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?

The drug interactions listed below may occur when iohexol is taken by mouth, given into the rectum, or injected into a vein. While the drug interactions are more common when iohexol is injected into the vein, the drug interactions can occur when iohexol is taken by mouth or given rectally.
• aldesleukin-2 (IL-2)
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• amphotericin B
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• certain medicines used to control high blood pressure
• cisplatin
• cyclosporine
• entecavir
• glipizide; metformin
• glyburide; metformin
• metformin
• metformin; rosiglitazone
• 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?

The side effects listed below may occur when iohexol is taken by mouth, given as a rectal enema, or when given into a vein. While some of the side effects are more common when given into the vein, the side effects can occur when iohexol is taken by mouth or given as a rectal enema.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• an unusual feeling of pain or warmth
• bloating
• change in vision
• chest pain
• chills or fever
• cramping
• decrease or increase in the amount of urine
• dizziness
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• fast or irregular heart beat or pulse
• hives
• hot flashes
• itching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• pain, swelling, or warmth where iohexol was injected
• rash
• seizures
• severe abdominal or stomach pain
• severe diarrhea
• swelling of your 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
• bitter or bad taste in mouth
• bruising
• diarrhea or runny stools
• gas
• headache
• nose congestion
• pain or tingling in your hands or feet

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.