Iopamidol
Pronunciation: (eye-oh-PAM-ih-dole).
- Generic name
- Iopamidol
- Brand names
- Iopamiro, Scanlux, Isovue, Iopamiron, Optiray, Niopam
- Drug class
- Non-ionic iodinated contrast agent
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Iopamidol is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Iopamidol works
Iopamidol is a non-ionic, water-soluble, iodinated contrast agent. It works by increasing the attenuation of X-rays in the area where it is administered, thereby enhancing the contrast of blood vessels, organs, and tissues on radiographic images. The iodine atoms in iopamidol absorb X-rays, making the structures containing the agent appear more radiopaque (white) on imaging. (1)
What Iopamidol is used for
Computed tomography (CT) imaging
Angiography (e.g., coronary, cerebral, peripheral)
Urography (imaging of the urinary tract)
Myelography and related neuroradiology procedures (lumbar, thoracic, cervical, or total columnar myelography; CT cisternography; ventriculography) — but ONLY using the specific intrathecal-formulated product (brand ISOVUE-M), never the standard intravascular/oral iopamidol product used for the indications above.
This distinction is the reason for the boxed warning below: the standard iopamidol product (ISOVUE) is for intra-arterial, intravenous, or oral use only and must never be given intrathecally; a separate, specifically-labeled intrathecal product (ISOVUE-M) exists for myelography and must never be substituted with, or confused for, the standard product. (2) (3)
Before taking Iopamidol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Known hypersensitivity to iopamidol or other iodinated contrast agents, severe uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, and severe renal impairment (relative contraindication). (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Iopamidol
- General Instructions: Iopamidol is administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into a vein or artery before or during imaging procedures.. Adult Dosing: Dose varies based on the type of imaging, body weight, and procedure. Typical doses range from 30 to 250 mL of solution, depending on the examination.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing is based on body weight and the specific imaging study. Pediatric doses are carefully calculated by the healthcare provider.. Administration: Given as an intravenous or intra-arterial injection by trained medical staff in a clinical setting.. When To Stop: You do not need to stop the medication; it is given as a single dose for each imaging procedure. Notify your provider if you experience any adverse effects.. Storage: Not for home use. Stored at controlled room temperature in the healthcare facility. Protect from light and freezing.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (3)
Missed dose
Not applicable. Iopamidol is administered as a single dose by healthcare professionals during imaging procedures.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but may cause kidney problems, seizures, or cardiovascular effects. If overdose is suspected, supportive care and monitoring are provided in a medical facility. (2) (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Pain at the injection site
Incidence: Common (about 2.8% of administrations)
Hot flashes / feeling of warmth
Incidence: Common (about 1.1-1.5% of administrations)
Burning sensation
Incidence: Common (about 1.4% of administrations)
Nausea
Incidence: Common (about 1.2% of administrations)
Flushing, dizziness, headache, or vomiting
Incidence: Reported; exact frequency not established in the sources reviewed
Hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
Incidence: Uncommon to rare, but can be life-threatening — seek emergency care immediately
Reduced urination, swelling, or other signs of kidney injury after the procedure
Incidence: Rare, higher risk with pre-existing kidney disease, dehydration, diabetes, or heart failure
Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, or other signs of thyroid storm, especially in people with hyperthyroidism or thyroid nodules
Incidence: Rare
Pain, swelling, redness, or skin changes at the injection site suggesting extravasation (leakage outside the vein/artery)
Incidence: Rare
Serious warnings
BOXED WARNING — serious
Symptoms: BOXED WARNING: intrathecal administration of the standard iopamidol product (ISOVUE), even if inadvertent, can cause death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute kidney (renal) failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema. The standard iopamidol product is for intra-arterial, intravenous, or oral use ONLY, never intrathecal (spinal) injection. A separate, specifically labeled intrathecal-use product exists for myelography and must never be confused with, or substituted for, the standard product.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, can occur within 1-3 minutes of administration or be delayed by several hours — serious
Symptoms: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, can occur within 1-3 minutes of administration or be delayed by several hours; emergency resuscitation equipment and staff must be available. Premedication may reduce but does not prevent all severe reactions. This medicine is not for self-administration; it is given by trained healthcare staff prepared to manage such reactions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Acute kidney injury can occur, with higher risk in people who have pre-existing kidney impairment, dehydration, diabetes, heart failure, or who are taking other kidney-affecting (nephrotoxic) medicines — serious
Symptoms: Acute kidney injury can occur, with higher risk in people who have pre-existing kidney impairment, dehydration, diabetes, heart failure, or who are taking other kidney-affecting (nephrotoxic) medicines; the lowest necessary dose is used and adequate hydration is maintained around the procedure.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Cardiovascular effects, including hemodynamic disturbances, cardiac arrest, and shock, have been reported (rare — serious
Symptoms: Cardiovascular effects, including hemodynamic disturbances, cardiac arrest, and shock, have been reported (rare; reported deaths in a range of about 0.00066%-0.01% of administrations); people with heart failure are monitored closely.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Thyroid storm risk in people with hyperthyroidism or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules — serious
Symptoms: Thyroid storm risk in people with hyperthyroidism or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules; thyroid dysfunction risk is a particular concern in infants and young children (ages 0-3 years), who need individualized monitoring.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Extravasation (leakage of the injection outside the vein/artery) can cause local inflammation, skin necrosis (tissue death), or compartment syndrome if the injection catheter is not correctly placed — serious
Symptoms: Extravasation (leakage of the injection outside the vein/artery) can cause local inflammation, skin necrosis (tissue death), or compartment syndrome if the injection catheter is not correctly placed. Precautions recorded in the clinician database: use with caution in people with asthma, other allergies, diabetes, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, or dehydration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Metformin | In people with reduced kidney function (eGFR roughly 30-60 mL/min/1.73m2) or other specific risk factors, metformin is discontinued around the time of contrast administration and only resumed after kidney function is confirmed stable afterward, to reduce the risk of lactic acidosis. This is a clinician-managed decision, not something to adjust yourself. | (2) |
| Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycoside antibiotics, NSAIDs) | May increase the risk of kidney injury when combined with iopamidol, particularly in people with existing kidney impairment. | (1) |
| Radioactive iodine thyroid uptake testing | Iopamidol can interfere with thyroid radioactive-iodine uptake test results; such testing is typically avoided for about 6 weeks after iopamidol administration. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Available data have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage; iopamidol crosses the placenta in small amounts, and animal reproduction studies did not show teratogenic effects. Any imaging decision during pregnancy is made with the ordering clinician, weighing the clinical need for the procedure against any potential risk. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
It is not necessary to stop breastfeeding after receiving iopamidol. Some clinicians may advise a breastfeeding parent to pump and discard breast milk for about 10 hours after the injection as an extra precaution to minimize infant exposure; discuss individual preferences with the ordering clinician. (2) (3)
Children
Pediatric dosing is established for specific procedures and is calculated by the healthcare team based on body weight: for example, about 0.5-2 mL/kg per injection (370 mg iodine/mL) for angiocardiography, or about 1-3.6 mL/kg (250-300 mg iodine/mL, up to a 100-120 mL maximum) for excretory urography/CT. Thyroid dysfunction is a particular concern in infants and children under 3 years old, who need individualized monitoring. (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment increases the risk of adverse reactions and acute kidney injury; the lowest effective dose is used and hydration is maintained, with closer monitoring in people who already have reduced kidney function, dehydration, diabetes, heart failure, or who take other kidney-affecting medicines. Iopamidol is excreted by the kidneys, so older adults (65+, who more often have reduced kidney function) may need extra care in dose selection and monitoring. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment increases the risk of adverse reactions and acute kidney injury; the lowest effective dose is used and hydration is maintained, with closer monitoring in people who already have reduced kidney function, dehydration, diabetes, heart failure, or who take other kidney-affecting medicines. Iopamidol is excreted by the kidneys, so older adults (65+, who more often have reduced kidney function) may need extra care in dose selection and monitoring. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Store at 20-25 degC (68-77 degF); protect from light and from freezing. Not for home use — supplied in single-dose containers in a healthcare facility, and any unused portion is discarded after the procedure.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Computed tomography (CT) imaging, angiography, urography, and other intra-arterial/intravenous/oral procedures (standard iopamidol product only — never intrathecal; see boxed warning)
Dose summary: Adult dosing is individualized by procedure and available concentration (200, 250, 300, or 370 mg iodine/mL); typical injected volumes range from about 30-250 mL depending on the examination.
Renal context: No formal dose reduction table is published, but the lowest necessary dose and adequate hydration are used in people with reduced kidney function, and closer monitoring is applied given the increased risk of adverse reactions and acute kidney injury in this group. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is iopamidol used for?
Iopamidol is used as a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and tissues during X-ray–based imaging procedures such as CT scans, angiography, and urography.
Is iopamidol safe for people with kidney problems?
Iopamidol should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, as it can increase the risk of kidney injury. Your doctor may perform kidney function tests before and after the procedure.
Can iopamidol cause allergic reactions?
Yes, although rare, iopamidol can cause allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergies to contrast agents.
How long does iopamidol stay in the body?
Iopamidol is rapidly eliminated from the body, with most of the drug excreted in the urine within 24 hours in people with normal kidney function.
Can I breastfeed after receiving iopamidol?
Small amounts of iopamidol may pass into breast milk, but it is generally considered safe to continue breastfeeding after the procedure. Consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving iopamidol?
Inform your doctor about any allergies, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, thyroid disorders, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are there any dietary restrictions before the procedure?
You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your imaging procedure. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What happens if I take too much Iopamidol (contrast agent)?
Iopamidol is administered by healthcare professionals in controlled settings. Overdose is rare but could lead to severe adverse reactions, including renal failure, cardiovascular events, or neurological complications. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is crucial. Emergency services should be contacted without delay for appropriate management and supportive care.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Iopamidol (contrast agent)?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption around the time of Iopamidol administration. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects associated with contrast agents. Additionally, alcohol can mask or exacerbate certain adverse reactions. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol and your specific medical procedure.
Is Iopamidol (contrast agent) safe during pregnancy?
Available data have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage with iopamidol, and animal studies did not show harm to the fetus, though iopamidol does cross the placenta in small amounts. The decision to proceed with an iopamidol-enhanced imaging procedure during pregnancy is made case-by-case by weighing the clinical need for the scan against any potential risk. It is important to consult your doctor to discuss the necessity of the procedure and any alternative options if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Iopamidol?
Iopamidol is a non-ionic, water-soluble, iodinated contrast agent. It works by increasing the attenuation of X-rays in the area where it is administered, thereby enhancing the contrast of blood vessels, organs, and tissues on radiographic images. The iodine atoms in iopamidol absorb X-rays, making the structures containing the agent appear more radiopaque (white) on imaging. (1)
What is the generic name of Iopamidol?
The generic name is Iopamidol. It is sold under brand names including Iopamiro, Scanlux, Isovue, Iopamiron, Optiray, Niopam.
What class of drug is Iopamidol?
Iopamidol is classed as: Non-ionic iodinated contrast agent.
References
- Iopamidol (contrast agent) — MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ISOVUE (iopamidol) injection, full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- ISOVUE-M (iopamidol) injection, for intrathecal use, full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- IOPAMIDOL INJECTION, SOLUTION [SLATE RUN PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- iopamidol — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA215382)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Iopamidol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 5966)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Iopamidol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- ISOVUE 200612 mg/mL, 510 mg/mL, 755 mg/mL, 408 mg/mL · bracco diagnostics inc
- ISOVUE-M408 mg/mL, 612 mg/mL · bracco diagnostics inc
Canada
- ISOVUE
- ISOVUE MULTIPACK-300