Omnipaque 140

Omnipaque 140 is a contrast agent given to make internal organs more visible for imaging procedures like myelography, CT (computerized tomography) scan, and angiography. Iohexol is an iodine-based substance.

Doctors use Omnipaque 140 as an injection, oral or rectal administration to diagnose conditions in:

• the joints
• head
• urinary bladder
• stomach
• intestines
• pancreas
• heart
• spinal cord
• uterus and nearby structures

Omnipaque 140 is a prescription medication and must be used only according to doctor’s instructions.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Omnipaque 140. Tell the doctor if you have allergies to iodine or experienced sensitivities to iodine-based contrast agents before receiving Omnipaque 140.

Also, mention to the doctor if you have allergies to foods like shellfish and to iodine antiseptics (like Betadine). Iohexol is eliminated in the kidneys. Make sure to tell the doctor if you are dehydrated, have problems in the kidneys or have difficulty urinating before receiving Iohexol.

Mention all the medicines you take before taking Iohexol, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and multivitamins. Iohexol is known to interact with certain medications like Metformin, Amiodarone, painkillers and medications for a cough and asthma. The doctor may temporarily stop the use of these medications before you take Iohexol.

Iohexol can be used in children and elderly safely. Tell your doctor if you use alcohol or tobacco before taking Omnipaque 140. Tell the doctor all your health conditions before receiving Omnipaque 140.

The doctor needs to know if you have any of the following health problems:

• History or currently abusing alcohol
• Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• Multiple sclerosis
• Have history of convulsions or seizures
• Allergies or hypersensitivities
• Hay fever or allergic rhinitis
• Allergies to contrast agents
• Food allergies
• Allergies to iodine
• Asthma. Iohexol may worsen asthma, and must be used with caution
• Problems urinating
• Congestive heart failure
• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Kidney disease
• Multiple myelomas, a type of cancer in the bone marrow
• Elevated levels of paraprotein in the bloodstream, which can increase risk of kidney failure
• Problems with blood clotting
• Hypertension
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Overactive adrenal glands, or pheochromocytoma
• Sickle cell anemia, which may be worsened by taking Iohexol
• Homocystinuria. Patients with homocystinuria are not candidates for angiography due to risk of blood clotting problems
• Having infection

Proper usage of Omnipaque 140 requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. You can only have Omnipaque 140 in the doctor’s clinic or hospital.

The doctor will determine the dose of Omnipaque 140 and the route of administration. Depending on the imaging test and presentation, you may take Omnipaque 140 by mouth, administered through the rectum, or injected into your veins or the spinal cord.

Before administration, the doctor may give you medications (corticosteroids or antihistamines) to reduce the incidence of undesirable effects. Iohexol is given before the imaging test.

The doctor will instruct you to drink plenty of fluids after the test to facilitate elimination of Iohexol through the urine. Only health professionals can give you Iohexol. Because you will be given Iohexol in a health facility, overdosing and missing a dose is unlikely.

In using Omnipaque 140, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. The doctor will monitor your condition after receiving Omnipaque 140.

Make sure to stick to scheduled visits and maintain open communication with your doctor after receiving Omnipaque 140. If you became pregnant soon after taking Iohexol, tell the doctor right away.

Iohexol may cause severe kidney problems, especially in individuals with medical conditions in the urinary tract. Kidney complications are generally avoidable by drinking plenty of fluids before and after taking Iohexol.

Call the doctor if you experienced the following:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle twitching
• Swelling of the face, hands or feet
• Rapid weight gain
• Agitation
• Confusion

Iohexol may cause increased risk of heart attack, stroke or blood clotting issues when used in angiography. Discuss this risk to your doctor.

Call the doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden severe headache
• Problems with vision, speech, and walking
• Chest pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, arms or back
• Coughing up blood
• Fainting
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea
• Unusual sweating
• Numbness or weakness of an arm or one side of the body.

Iohexol may cause anaphylaxis or very severe acute allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can cause death if not treated right away. Anaphylaxis can occur even to individuals who did not have previous reactions to Iohexol and other iodine-based agents.

Call your doctor if you experienced the following symptoms:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden sweating
• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or lips
• Tightness in the chest

Iohexol can change the result of lab tests. If you will receive care from another doctor or will have lab tests, make sure they know you took Iohexol.

After taking Iohexol, do not take other medications including over-the-counter medicines, multivitamins or herbal supplements without doctor’s prescription.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Omnipaque 140 to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

Call the doctor if you experience the following side effects:

• Any swelling or pain
• Difficulty or heavy breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chest tightness
• Itching or hives
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Changes in taste
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if getting up from lying or sitting position
• Fainting
• Too slow, fast or irregular heart rate
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden or unusual sweating
• Swelling in the throat
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Unusual tiredness or fatigue
• Pounding in the ears
• Having convulsions or seizures
• Fever
• Pale skin
• Sensation of spinning
• Swelling of the face, arms, legs or fingers
• Bleeding or bruising
• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in the abdomen
• Sensation of bloating
• Excess gas
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Stomach acidity or upset
• Slurred speech
• Stuffy nose
• Uncontrolled eye movements
• Increased hunger
• Having nightmares
• Unusual skin redness
• Unsteady movement and shakiness
• Diarrhea