Has your doctor ordered you to have a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray? When you do, you may sometimes be given a special medicine into a vein. Iohexol is a medicine that is used in such cases. You may be a little scared when you hear this name. But there is no reason to be afraid. In this article, we will talk very simply about what this medicine is used for and what you need to know before taking it.
What is Iohexol? Let's understand it simply.
Iohexol is a special liquid used in medicine. We call these 'contrast agents'. Simply put, it's like a "dye" that makes the inside of our bodies clearly visible. But it's not a dye that you can use on clothes!
Imagine that the doctor wants to examine your blood vessels, brain, kidneys, or other organs in detail. Normally, when a scan is taken, some subtle details are not clearly visible. That is when this Iohexol liquid is injected into the body through a vein. When this liquid enters the body, the relevant organ or blood vessels can be seen very clearly and brightly in the scan image (for example, in CT, MRI, or X-ray). It is like coloring the most important part of a black and white picture. This helps the doctor a lot in diagnosing a disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is a very important part. Before getting the Iohexol vaccine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because people with certain medical conditions need special care when giving this medicine. Take a look at the table below, and you will get a good idea about this.
| If you have these conditions... | Why is it important to say that? |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to iodine , seafood (such as shrimp, squid, crab), other contrast agents, or any other medications. |
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. So if there is any weakness in the kidneys, this medicine may affect the kidneys. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes, especially those with kidney problems, should be careful when giving this medicine. Also, tell them if you are taking a medication like Metformin. |
| Heart disease | People with heart disease are at risk of developing complications from this medication. Therefore, inform your doctor about your heart condition. |
| Thyroid disease | Because Iohexol contains iodine, it may have some effect on thyroid function. |
| Respiratory diseases such as asthma | Asthmatic patients are at relatively high risk of developing allergies. |
| Other medical conditions | Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions, such as cancer, dehydration, pheochromocytoma, or sickle cell disease. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to inform the medical team. |
How is this medicine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Iohexol is given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. It is usually injected into a vein in your arm.
Even for small children, this medicine is given when necessary. But the doctor decides about it. So if your child is prescribed this medicine, talk to the doctor about it carefully.
What to do if you get too much medicine?
This medicine is given under medical supervision, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. Otherwise, you should immediately go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . In any emergency, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. It is given to you according to your medical condition and to suit your body. Therefore, never compare or share information about this with others.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you are taking may interact with Iohexol. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
Here are some of the main types of medications that can interact:
- Metformin: A common medication for diabetes.
- Painkillers: Aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).
- Beta blockers: Medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease (e.g. Bisoprolol).
- Diuretics: Medicines that remove water from the body.
- Other medications: Medications such as Cisplatin, Cyclosporine, Pamidronate, Zoledronic acid, and medications given for some infections.
This list is not complete, so it's best to be clear with your doctor about every medication you take.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Iohexol can cause some side effects. However, most people do not experience these. Even if they do, most of them are minor. The most important thing is to be aware of and act quickly if a serious side effect occurs.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to medical staff immediately | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain such as tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, and fainting. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Pain/swelling at the injection site | Painful swelling, warmth, redness, or blisters/wounds at the injection site. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | You may feel nauseous while taking the medicine or for a while after taking it. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Change in taste | You may feel a metallic taste in your mouth. This will go away after a while. |
| Blurry vision | Vision may be temporarily blurred. |
The medical staff will be watching you closely while you are being given this medicine. So there is nothing to worry about. Let them know as soon as you feel any discomfort.
Take-Home Message
- Iohexol is a special liquid that helps to clearly see the inside of the body during scans such as CT and MRI.
- Before the scan, be sure to tell the doctor about all your medical conditions (especially allergies, kidney disease, diabetes) and all medications you take.
- If you experience any serious allergic symptoms (difficulty breathing, swelling), chest pain, etc., notify the medical staff immediately.
- This medicine is given in a hospital, under medical supervision. So you are safe.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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