When you have to do something like an X-ray or a CT scan, sometimes the doctor will give you a special medicine (either to drink or as an injection), right? That's what makes the organs and blood vessels inside your body clearly visible on the scan. Today we're talking about a medicine that is used for such a special purpose, and that acts like a 'dye'. Its name is Ethiodized Oil.
What is Ethiodized Oil?
Simply put, Ethiodized Oil is a special 'contrast agent' used in medical examinations. It is made from iodine and poppyseed oil.
Imagine a doctor wanting to see something very delicate inside your body, like a blood vessel, a lymphatic vessel, or your uterus and fallopian tubes. These things might not be visible on a regular scan. When this Ethiodized Oil injection is given to that area, the oil stays inside the organ, making those areas appear very clear and white on an X-ray or other scan. It's like when you put white lines on a road, you can see the road clearly at night when the lights of a car are on.
This medication is most commonly known by the brand name Lipiodol.
How do you use this medicine?
This is very important. This medicine is not something you can use at home. Ethiodized Oil is only given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or health professional.
The way this vaccine is administered varies depending on the organ that needs to be tested.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) test: This test is performed to check for any blockages in the uterus and fallopian tubes in women who are having difficulty conceiving. This test involves inserting a needle into the uterus.
- Lymphangiography: To check for problems with the lymphatic system, an injection is made into a lymphatic vessel.
- Hepatic Artery Embolization: This medication is injected into the main artery that supplies blood to the liver (the hepatic artery) to treat conditions such as liver cancer.
Remember, this is a specialized medical procedure performed under the supervision of a doctor, so there is no need to be afraid of this.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should definitely discuss it with your child's pediatrician, as special precautions are required.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, the doctor will ask you a few questions about your health. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell the doctor without hiding it.
| Your medical condition or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Allergies to iodine, this medicine or other medicines, foods, or dyes | Because this is a medicine that contains iodine, there is a risk of severe allergic reactions. |
| Thyroid Disease | Iodine can affect the function of the thyroid gland. |
| Bleeding Disorders | The risk of bleeding may increase during the injection process. |
| Kidney or Liver Disease | This organ affects the process of removing drugs from the body. |
| Respiratory diseases such as asthma | If allergies occur, there is an increased risk of respiratory problems. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine can harm an unborn baby, and special advice is also needed for breastfeeding mothers. |
| If you are receiving or have recently received radiation therapy | There may be interactions between radiation therapy and this medicine. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Watch out for the following symptoms:
| Go to your doctor or the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Blood Clot | Chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, swelling, or a feeling of unusual warmth. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden change in vision, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty walking, dizziness. |
| If it persists or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Cough, fever. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. This medicine may interact with some medications, especially `sodium iodide I-131`, which is used to treat thyroid diseases.
Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking (Western, Sinhala/Ayurvedic, vitamins, dietary supplements). Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this medicine is given under medical supervision in a hospital, the chances of an 'overdose' are very low. However, if you suspect that something like this has happened, you should immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Ethiodized Oil is a medicine that acts like a special dye and is used to clearly view the internal organs of the body during medical examinations.
- This is only given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional.
- Be sure to inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have, especially iodine allergies, thyroid disease, and whether you are pregnant.
- If you experience a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing), chest pain, or signs of a stroke (numbness of the face/arm), go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- After the test, follow all instructions given by your doctor.
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