A special injection given before a scan: What you need to know about Iodixanol injection

Perhaps you too have been asked by a doctor to do a special test like a CT scan or an angiogram. At times like these, you may remember that a special dye is sometimes injected to see the organs and blood vessels inside our body more clearly. Iodixanol is a special contrast agent used for such tests. You may also be a little scared or curious about this. That's why we will talk about it simply.

What is Iodixanol?

Simply put, Iodixanol is a special liquid containing iodine, specially developed for medical examinations. When it is injected into the body, X-rays can clearly identify where the liquid passes.

Imagine that you want to see if the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart are blocked. Then, when this Iodixanol injection is given to the body, it travels along the blood vessels. Then, when you do the scan, the doctor can see every little blockage and problem inside those blood vessels very clearly. That is, what this does is give a clear picture of what is inside our body. It is mainly used to identify problems in the blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys, and other parts of the body.

What are the things you need to tell the doctor before getting this vaccine?

This is the most important part . Before receiving the Iodixanol vaccine, it is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor the full truth about your health condition. Do not hide anything, even the smallest thing. Be sure to inform him/her, especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergies: If you have any allergies to Iodixanol, iodine, other scan dyes, other medications, foods (especially seafood), dyes, or preservatives, please let us know first.
• Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease or have had it in the past, you should definitely tell us.
• Diabetes: If you are diabetic, please state that and any medications you are taking (especially Metformin).
• Heart Disease: If you have any type of heart disease.
• Thyroid Disease: If you have a condition that causes your thyroid gland to be overactive or underactive.
• Blood diseases: Blood-related conditions like sickle cell anemia.
• Cancer: If you are undergoing treatment for any cancer condition.
• Respiratory diseases: Lung-related diseases such as asthma.
• Dehydration: If you have recently lost too much water from your body (due to diarrhea, vomiting).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Be sure to tell your doctor.

How do you use this medicine?

This is not a medicine you can take home. Iodixanol vaccine is given only by a trained doctor or staff member in a hospital or clinic . It can be given as an injection into a vein or as an infusion of saline.

This vaccine is given to young children, even very newborns, in some special cases. But it is done very carefully. If your child is given this vaccine, talk to your pediatrician about it carefully and ask any questions you may have.

What if I take too much medicine?

This is given in a hospital, under medical supervision, so the chances of such a thing happening are very low. However, if something like this happens, the hospital staff will take the necessary steps immediately. You do not need to panic. Usually, in the event of an overdose of any medicine, the best thing to do is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Iodixanol can cause some side effects. However, not everybody gets them. Most of the time, the side effects are not serious. However, there are some things we need to be aware of.

To make it easier to understand, let's divide these side effects into two parts.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, bought from the pharmacy, traditional Ayurveda, vitamins, dietary supplements). Some medications can interact with Iodixanol. For example:

• Metformin (a common medication for diabetes)
• NSAIDs (pain relievers and anti-inflammatories - e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Aspirin and similar medications
• Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease
• Drugs like Cisplatin, Cyclosporine
• Some antibiotics
• Diuretics

This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about everything you are taking .