Visipaque

Generic Name: iodixanol (eye oh DIX an ol)

Brand Names: Visipaque

What is Visipaque (iodixanol)?

Iodixanol is in a group of drugs called radiopaque (RAY dee oh payk) contrast agents. Iodixanol contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays. Radiopaque contrast agents are used to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Iodixanol is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Iodixanol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Visipaque (iodixanol)?

Tell your doctor if you have asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies, especially if you have had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.

Drink extra fluids before and after you receive iodixanol. This medication can cause you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your test.

Older adults may need special care in avoiding dehydration by drinking extra fluids before and after the radiologic test. Your kidney function may also need to be watched closely after you have received iodixanol.

Iodixanol should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly before the test. You should not receive iodixanol if you have any type of active infection.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Visipaque (iodixanol)?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.

Iodixanol should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly before the test. You should not receive iodixanol if you have any type of active infection.

Before receiving iodixanol, tell your doctor if you have:

• 
  

  a brain tumor or hematoma;

  
  


• 
  

  a recent head or brain injury;

  
  


• 
  

  epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  
  


• 
  

  kidney disease;

  
  


• 
  

  liver disease;

  
  


• 
  

  heart disease, including congestive heart failure;

  
  


• 
  

  sickle cell anemia;

  
  


• 
  

  a history of stroke, blood clots, or circulation problems;

  
  


• 
  

  asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies;

  
  


• 
  

  diabetes;

  
  


• 
  

  a weak immune system caused by disease or by taking certain medicines such as steroids or cancer treatment;

  
  


• 
  

  an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis;

  
  


• 
  

  multiple myeloma (bone cancer);

  
  


• 
  

  pheochromocytoma;

  
  


• 
  

  a thyroid disorder.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive iodixanol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether iodixanol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may need special care in avoiding dehydration by drinking extra fluids before and after the radiologic test. Your kidney function may also need to be watched closely after you have received iodixanol.

How is iodixanol used?

Iodixanol is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting, just before your radiologic test.

Drink extra fluids before and after you receive iodixanol. This medication can cause you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your test.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since iodixanol is used only during your radiologic test, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an iodixanol overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast or pounding heartbeats, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while receiving Visipaque (iodixanol)?

Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated during the first few days after receiving iodixanol. Call your doctor if you have any vomiting or diarrhea during this time. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink.

Visipaque (iodixanol) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 
  

  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


• 
  

  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

  
  


• 
  

  sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

  
  


• 
  

  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


• 
  

  feeling light-headed, fainting;

  
  


• 
  

  swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

  
  


• 
  

  chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

  
  


• 
  

  wheezing or trouble breathing; or

  
  


• 
  

  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

  
  

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• 
  

  headache, dizziness, nervousness;

  
  


• 
  

  nausea, vomiting;

  
  


• 
  

  pain, warmth, or cold feeling where the medicine was injected;

  
  


• 
  

  numbness, warmth, or tingly feeling;

  
  


• 
  

  unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

  
  


• 
  

  skin redness or itching; or

  
  


• 
  

  sleep problems (insomnia).

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Visipaque (iodixanol)?

There may be other drugs that can affect iodixanol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Visipaque resources

• Visipaque Side Effects (in more detail)
• Visipaque Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Visipaque Drug Interactions
• Visipaque Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Visipaque - Add your own review/rating

• Visipaque Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Visipaque with other medications

• Aortography
• Cerebral Arteriography
• Computed Tomography
• Coronary Arteriography
• Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography
• Peripheral Arteriography
• Renal Arteriography
• Urography
• Venography

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist has more information about iodixanol written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Visipaque side effects (in more detail)