Iopromide
Pronunciation: (eye-oh-PRO-mide).
- Generic name
- Iopromide
- Brand names
- Ultravist, Promide, Ioprom
- Drug class
- Non-ionic iodinated contrast agent (radiographic contrast medium)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Iopromide 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 Iopromide works
Iopromide is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It increases the radiopacity of blood vessels and tissues by absorbing X-rays due to its iodine content. This allows for enhanced visualization of anatomical structures during radiographic imaging. Iopromide does not undergo significant metabolism and is excreted unchanged in the urine. (1) (2)
What Iopromide is used for
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging (2)
Angiography (e.g., coronary, peripheral, cerebral)
Angiography (e.g., coronary, peripheral, cerebral) (2)
Urography (imaging of the urinary tract)
Urography (imaging of the urinary tract) (2)
Venography (imaging of veins)
Venography (imaging of veins) (2)
Arthrography (imaging of joints)
Arthrography (imaging of joints) (2)
Before taking Iopromide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known hypersensitivity to iopromide or other iodinated contrast agents, and severe uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. (Contraindication) (2)
- Pre-procedure hydration and post-procedure monitoring are recommended in high-risk patients. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Iopromide
- General Instructions: Iopromide is administered only by trained healthcare professionals as an intravenous or intra-arterial injection, depending on the imaging procedure.. Adult Dosing: Dose varies by procedure, body weight, and imaging requirements. Typical doses range from 50 mL to 150 mL for CT scans and angiography.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is based on body weight and the specific imaging study. Pediatric doses are carefully calculated by the healthcare team.. Administration: Administered as an injection into a vein or artery immediately before or during the imaging procedure. Patients are monitored during and after administration.. When To Stop: Iopromide is given as a single dose per imaging procedure. No ongoing dosing is required.. Storage: Stored at controlled room temperature (15–30°C/59–86°F). Protect from light and freezing. Only healthcare professionals handle storage.
- 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)
Missed dose
Not applicable. Iopromide is administered as a single dose by healthcare professionals during the imaging procedure.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but may cause kidney injury or fluid overload. If overdose is suspected, supportive care and monitoring of kidney function are required. Dialysis may be considered in severe cases. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hives
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Difficulty breathing
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney problems
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anaphylaxis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING (ADDED — absent from the earlier draft of this record) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING (ADDED — absent from the earlier draft of this record): inadvertent INTRATHECAL (spinal) administration of iopromide may cause death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema. Iopromide is contraindicated for intrathecal use; this is a route-of-administration risk managed by the healthcare team giving the injection.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Risk of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis — serious
Symptoms: Risk of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. May cause kidney injury, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or diabetes. Use with caution in patients with heart disease or severe dehydration. May interact with certain medications, such as metformin. Inform your doctor of any thyroid disorders — iopromide and other iodinated contrast agents can trigger thyroid storm in patients with hyperthyroidism or an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to iopromide or other iodinated contrast agents, severe uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, and intrathecal (spinal) use. Preparatory dehydration is contraindicated in pediatric patients because of the risk of renal failure. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, multiple myeloma, severe cardiac disease, or a history of contrast-induced reactions. Pre-procedure hydration and post-procedure monitoring are recommended in high-risk patients.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Iopromide may interact with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, NSAIDs), increasing the risk of kidney injury. CORRECTED — the metformin interaction is more specific than a general caution: the FDA label recommends pausing metformin at, or before, iopromide administration specifically in patients with an eGFR of 30-60 mL/min/1.73m², a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or heart failure, or those receiving intra-arterial iodinated contrast, with renal function re-evaluated about 48 hours later before restarting metformin. This is a decision for the prescribing team, not a self-directed change. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before receiving iopromide. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Animal reproduction studies at doses up to 0.35-0.7 times the maximum recommended human dose showed no adverse developmental effects; limited human case reports show iopromide crosses the placenta in small amounts. No specific pregnancy category is assigned by the FDA label — whether to use iopromide during pregnancy is a clinical judgment made with the ordering clinician, weighing the diagnostic benefit against any potential risk. (2)
Breastfeeding
Interrupting breastfeeding is not required after iopromide administration. As an optional precaution, some clinicians may suggest interrupting breastfeeding and pumping and discarding milk for 12-24 hours afterward to further reduce infant exposure — this is a choice to discuss with the clinician managing your or your baby's care, not a requirement. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. Preparatory dehydration is contraindicated in pediatric patients because of the risk of renal failure. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label explains that iopromide is cleared mainly by the kidneys, and the risk of side effects may be greater in people with reduced kidney function — the more severe the kidney impairment, the more slowly the contrast is cleared from the body (plasma levels were about 2 times higher with moderate kidney impairment and about 6 times higher with severe kidney impairment, compared with normal kidney function). Because of this, the imaging team uses the lowest dose needed to get a diagnostic result in anyone with reduced kidney function, and checks kidney function before and after the scan in higher-risk patients. Having both reduced kidney function and liver or heart disease together further raises the risk of fluid/circulatory strain from the contrast dye, especially with repeated or larger doses. See also the metformin guidance above. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label explains that iopromide is cleared mainly by the kidneys, and the risk of side effects may be greater in people with reduced kidney function — the more severe the kidney impairment, the more slowly the contrast is cleared from the body (plasma levels were about 2 times higher with moderate kidney impairment and about 6 times higher with severe kidney impairment, compared with normal kidney function). Because of this, the imaging team uses the lowest dose needed to get a diagnostic result in anyone with reduced kidney function, and checks kidney function before and after the scan in higher-risk patients. Having both reduced kidney function and liver or heart disease together further raises the risk of fluid/circulatory strain from the contrast dye, especially with repeated or larger doses. See also the metformin guidance above. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and freezing. Only healthcare professionals handle storage.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
Dose summary: The standard dose of Iopromide for adults varies based on the type of imaging procedure. For most procedures, a typical dose ranges from 300 to 400 mg iodine per mL. Not for intrathecal (spinal) use — see boxed warning.
Renal context: The FDA label states iopromide is substantially excreted by the kidney and the risk of adverse reactions may be greater with impaired renal function; clearance decreases as the degree of renal impairment increases, producing delayed opacification of the urinary system. In pharmacokinetic studies, total clearance decreased proportionately with baseline creatinine clearance, and plasma AUC increased about 2-fold in moderate renal impairment and about 6-fold in severe renal impairment versus normal renal function; terminal half-life rose from 2.2 hours (normal renal function) to 11.6 hours in severe renal impairment. The label advises using the lowest necessary dose of Ultravist in patients with renal dysfunction; no fixed reduced-dose table is given. Combined renal and hepatic (or renal and cardiac) disease increases the risk of hemodynamic disturbance from the contrast load, particularly with repeat or large doses. See also the metformin/eGFR-specific interaction guidance in the interactions section. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is iopromide used for?
Iopromide is used as a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and tissues during imaging procedures such as CT scans, angiography, and urography.
Is iopromide safe for people with kidney problems?
Iopromide can increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease or diabetes. Your doctor will assess your kidney function before and after the procedure and take precautions to minimize risk.
Can iopromide cause allergic reactions?
Yes, iopromide can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergies to contrast agents.
How is iopromide administered?
Iopromide is given as an injection into a vein or artery by a healthcare professional immediately before or during your imaging procedure.
Do I need to stop taking metformin before receiving iopromide?
Possibly — the FDA label recommends pausing metformin at or before contrast administration specifically for people with reduced kidney function (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73m²), a history of liver problems, heavy alcohol use, or heart failure, or those receiving contrast into an artery, with kidney function rechecked about 48 hours later before restarting. Your doctor or the imaging team will tell you if this applies to you.
What should I do if I feel unwell after receiving iopromide?
If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, chest pain, or decreased urination after the procedure, seek immediate medical attention.
Can iopromide be used in children?
Yes, iopromide can be used in children for appropriate imaging studies. The dose is carefully calculated based on the child's weight and clinical need.
What happens if I take too much Iopromide (contrast agent)?
Overdosing on Iopromide can lead to severe adverse reactions, including renal failure, cardiovascular complications, and neurological effects. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe allergic reactions. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Prompt intervention is crucial to manage potential life-threatening complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Iopromide (contrast agent)?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption around the time of Iopromide administration. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects associated with contrast agents. Furthermore, alcohol can mask or exacerbate certain adverse reactions. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol and Iopromide.
Is Iopromide (contrast agent) safe during pregnancy?
Iopromide's pregnancy category requires careful consideration. The decision to use Iopromide during pregnancy should be made after a thorough evaluation of the potential benefits versus risks to both the mother and the fetus. It is imperative to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and determine the safest course of action for diagnostic imaging.
What is the mechanism of action of Iopromide?
Iopromide is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It increases the radiopacity of blood vessels and tissues by absorbing X-rays due to its iodine content. This allows for enhanced visualization of anatomical structures during radiographic imaging. Iopromide does not undergo significant metabolism and is excreted unchanged in the urine. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Iopromide?
The generic name is Iopromide. It is sold under brand names including Ultravist, Promide, Ioprom.
What class of drug is Iopromide?
Iopromide is classed as: Non-ionic iodinated contrast agent (radiographic contrast medium).
References
- Iopromide (contrast agent) — MedGuideGlobal medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ULTRAVIST (iopromide) injection — FDA prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- ULTRAVIST (IOPROMIDE) INJECTION [BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMACEUTICALS INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Ultravist — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA020220)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Iopromide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 27781)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Iopromide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Ultravist370 mg/mL, 300 mg/mL · bayer healthcare pharmaceuticals inc.
Canada
- ULTRAVIST