From the Guidelines
Iodinated contrast media are also known as iodine-based contrast agents, radiopaque contrast media, contrast dye, X-ray contrast, radiographic contrast agents, or simply contrast agents. These agents are used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of internal structures during radiographic procedures. The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides guidance on the use of iohexol, a type of iodinated contrast media, and its safety profile. Some specific types of iodinated contrast media include:
- Ionic contrast media (like diatrizoate and iothalamate)
- Non-ionic contrast media (such as iohexol, iopamidol, and ioversol) Brand names vary by manufacturer but include:
- Omnipaque (iohexol)
- Visipaque (iodixanol)
- Isovue (iopamidol)
- Optiray (ioversol) These substances work by temporarily filling structures within the body and blocking X-rays, creating contrast between different tissues and allowing radiologists to visualize blood vessels, organs, and other internal structures that would otherwise be difficult to distinguish. The iodine atoms in these compounds are responsible for their radiopaque properties, as iodine effectively absorbs X-rays due to its high atomic number, as noted in the study 1. It is worth noting that the use of iodinated contrast media has been recommended in certain guidelines, such as the KDIGO guidelines, which suggest using either iso-osmolar or low-osmolar iodinated contrast media in patients at increased risk of CI-AKI 1. However, the most recent study 1 provides more detailed information on the safety profile of iohexol and its use in clinical practice.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Iodinated Contrast Media Other Names
- Iodinated contrast agents 2, 3
- Radiographic contrast agents 2
- Contrast media 4, 5, 6
- Iodinated contrast agents can be divided into four categories:
- Ionic monomers
- Ionic dimers
- Nonionic monomers
- Nonionic dimers 2