SAFETY, TOLERANCE, AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF IODIXANOL INJECTION, A NONIONIC, ISOSMOLAR, HEXA-IODINATED CONTRAST AGENT

Rationale and Objectives. A review of clinical-chemical parameters and tolerability of iodixanol is presented, Iodixanol is a newly develope d dimeric, ratio 6 radiographic contrast medium formulated to be isoto nic to plasma in all concentrations by the balanced addition of electr olytes. We summarize completed trials of iodixanol. Results. The incre ase in femoral blood flow following administration of iodixanol was si gnificantly smaller than that seen with most other nonionic contrast m edia. Iodixanol appears to have less impact than other nonionic media on renal tubular function, Unlike iohexol and ioxaglate, the rate of a dverse events after iodixanol administration was essentially the same for normal patients as for patients at increased risk for negative rea ctions (patients with previous adverse reactions to contrast administr ation). The risk following administration of iodixanol also appears to be similar in normal patients and in patients with Other risk factors , including those with a history of congestive heart failure, renal in sufficiency or disease, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or vascular di sease. A significant reduction in the sensation of injection-associate d heat and pain was noted for iodixanol versus ioxaglate. Cardiac elec trophysiologic measurements and contractility revealed minimal interfe rence from iodixanol. Conclusion. Iodixanol is a safe and effective no nionic, isotonic contrast medium that may offer clinical advantages.