Iopamidol is a radiopaque (RAY dee oh payk) contrast agent. Iopamidol 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.

Iopamidol is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart, brain, blood vessels, and nervous system.

Iopamidol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive iopamidol if you have any type of active infection.

Iopamidol is given as an infusion into a vein or artery. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving iopamidol.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when iopamidol is injected.

Drink extra fluids before and after your radiologic test. Iopamidol 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 to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your kidney function may need to be checked after you have received iopamidol.

Some people receiving iopamidol have had reactions that did not start until 30 to 60 minutes after the medicine was first given. Your caregivers may want to watch you during this period of time after your injection. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

Iopamidol can interfere with certain medical tests for up to 16 days after you are treated with this medicine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received iopamidol.

Usual Adult Dose for Computed Tomography:

Computed Tomography: Contrast enhancement of computed tomographic (CECT): cisternography and ventriculography

Neuroradiology: Myelography (lumbar, thoracic, cervical, total columnar)

ISOVUE-M 200 (lopamidol Injection): Thoraco-lumbar myelography

Cerebral Arteriography

Peripheral Arteriography

Selective Visceral Arteriography and Aortography

Coronary Arteriography and Ventriculography

Excretory Urography

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of reaction to another contrast agent;

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease, including congestive heart failure;

• a stroke, blood clots, or coronary artery disease;

• asthma, hay fever, food allergies;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• sickle cell anemia;

• diabetes;

• an active infection;

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

• multiple myeloma (bone cancer); or

• a thyroid disorder.

It is not known whether iopamidol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

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

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated during the first few days after receiving iopamidol. 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Iopamidol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;

• wheezing or trouble breathing;

• seizure (convulsions);

• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid);

• thyroid symptoms--extreme tired feeling, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain;

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, coughing up blood; or

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Common side effects of iopamidol may include:

• chest pain;

• slow heart rate;

• hot flashes, burning sensation;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• nausea;

• hives; or

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

• diabetes medicine that contains metformin (Glucophage, Glucovance, Actoplus Met, PrandiMet, Avandamet, Kombiglyze, Janumet, Kazano, Invokamet, Jentadueto, Xigduo, Synjardy, Metaglip, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iopamidol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.