Ioversol
Pronunciation: (eye-OH-ver-sol).
- Generic name
- Ioversol
- Brand names
- Ioversol Injection, Iovue, Iovision, Optiray
- Drug class
- Diagnostics, Procedures & Systems
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Ioversol 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 Ioversol works
Ioversol is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It works by increasing the attenuation of X-rays in blood vessels and tissues, making them more visible on radiographic images. The iodine atoms in Ioversol absorb X-rays, enhancing contrast between different structures. (1)
What Ioversol is used for
Angiography (e.g., cerebral, peripheral, coronary)
Angiography (e.g., cerebral, peripheral, coronary) (2)
Urography (e.g., intravenous pyelography)
Urography (e.g., intravenous pyelography) (2)
Computed Tomography (CT) enhancement
Computed Tomography (CT) enhancement (2)
Arthrography
Arthrography (2)
Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography (2)
Before taking Ioversol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known hypersensitivity to Ioversol or other iodinated contrast agents, and severe thyrotoxicosis. (Contraindication) (2)
- Pre-existing thyroid disorders and history of contrast-induced reactions require special consideration. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Ioversol
- General Instructions: Ioversol is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or imaging center. You do not take this medication at home.. Adult Dosing: The dose depends on the type of imaging study, the area being examined, and your body weight. Typical doses range from 30 mL to 250 mL, as determined by the radiologist.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing for children is based on body weight and the specific imaging procedure. Pediatric doses are carefully calculated by the healthcare team.. Administration: Ioversol is given as an injection into a vein (intravenous) or artery (intra-arterial) immediately before or during the imaging procedure.. When To Stop: The medication is given as a single dose for each imaging procedure. No ongoing dosing is required.. Storage: Ioversol should be stored by healthcare professionals at room temperature, protected from light and freezing. Patients do not store this medication at home.
- 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
Since Ioversol is administered by a healthcare professional during a scheduled procedure, missed doses are not applicable. If you miss your appointment, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but may occur if excessive amounts are administered. Symptoms may include kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular instability, or seizures. Emergency medical care and supportive treatment are required in such 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
Rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Difficulty breathing
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 — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING: Inadvertent intrathecal (spinal) administration of iodinated contrast agents such as ioversol may cause death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute kidney failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), severe fever, and brain swelling. This medication must only be given by the intended intravenous or intra-arterial route by a trained healthcare professional.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis — serious
Symptoms: Risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. May cause kidney injury, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease. Use with caution in patients with heart disease or severe dehydration. May affect thyroid function, particularly in infants and neonates. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 Ioversol or other iodinated contrast agents, and severe thyrotoxicosis. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, multiple myeloma, severe cardiac disease, dehydration, or those on nephrotoxic medications. Pre-existing thyroid disorders and history of contrast-induced reactions require special consideration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Ioversol may interact with certain medications, especially metformin, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis if kidney function is impaired. Caution is advised when used with other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides). Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Metformin | In patients with reduced kidney function, liver impairment, heavy alcohol use, or heart failure — or when contrast is given intra-arterially — the treating team may hold metformin at or before the procedure and check kidney function afterward before restarting it, because contrast-related kidney effects can raise the risk of lactic acidosis. Follow the specific instructions given by the healthcare team performing the scan. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Ioversol crosses the placenta only to a limited extent. There is not enough human data to confirm whether it affects a developing fetus, though animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus. Ioversol should be used during pregnancy only if the healthcare team judges the imaging is clearly needed, after discussing the potential risks and benefits. (2)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding patients may choose to pump and discard breast milk for about 8 hours after receiving ioversol to reduce the infant's exposure. Discuss timing with the healthcare team performing the procedure. (2)
Children
Pediatric use is established for certain ioversol strengths and procedures: angiocardiography (typical single dose about 1–1.5 mL/kg, up to a maximum of 5 mL/kg or 250 mL total) and CT imaging (about 1.5–2 mL/kg), under the direction of the imaging team. Infants under 12 months and children with asthma, allergy sensitivity, congestive heart failure, or reduced kidney function (serum creatinine above 1.5 mg/dL) are at higher risk of reactions and need closer monitoring. The exact strength, dose, and suitability for a given child must be set by the treating pediatric/radiology team. (2)
Renal_impairment
In patients with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or congestive heart failure, contrast-related kidney injury is more likely; the healthcare team will typically use the lowest dose needed for the study and ensure adequate hydration before and after the procedure. Hepatic impairment is also a factor the team weighs when deciding whether to hold metformin around the time of the scan. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
In patients with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or congestive heart failure, contrast-related kidney injury is more likely; the healthcare team will typically use the lowest dose needed for the study and ensure adequate hydration before and after the procedure. Hepatic impairment is also a factor the team weighs when deciding whether to hold metformin around the time of the scan. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Ioversol is stored by healthcare professionals/pharmacy staff at controlled room temperature (about 25°C/77°F, with brief excursions between 15–30°C permitted) and protected from direct sunlight. It must be discarded if it has been frozen or if crystals are visible in the solution. Patients do not store or handle this medication themselves.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Angiography (e.g., cerebral, peripheral, coronary)
Dose summary: The typical adult dose of Ioversol for imaging procedures is 300-370 mg I/mL, administered intravenously.
Renal context: No formal ioversol dose reduction is defined for renal impairment; instead, the prescribing team uses the lowest volume/concentration needed for adequate imaging and ensures adequate pre/post-procedure hydration in patients with pre-existing renal disease, diabetes, or heart failure. Metformin is typically held at or before administration in at-risk patients (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73m2, hepatic impairment, alcoholism, heart failure, or intra-arterial contrast) with renal function reassessed at 48 hours. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is Ioversol used for?
Ioversol is used as a contrast agent to improve the clarity of X-ray, CT, and angiography images, helping doctors diagnose and evaluate various medical conditions.
Is Ioversol safe for people with kidney problems?
Ioversol can pose a risk of kidney injury, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease. Your doctor will assess your kidney function before use and may recommend extra hydration or alternative imaging methods.
Can Ioversol cause allergic reactions?
Yes, although rare, Ioversol can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including severe anaphylaxis. Inform your healthcare provider of any previous reactions to contrast agents.
Do I need to stop taking metformin before my scan?
You may need to temporarily stop metformin before and after receiving Ioversol, especially if you have reduced kidney function. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
How long does Ioversol stay in the body?
Ioversol is rapidly eliminated, with most of the drug excreted in the urine within 24 hours in people with normal kidney function.
Can Ioversol be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Ioversol should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed and after discussing risks and benefits with your doctor.
What should I do if I feel unwell after my scan?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, rash, chest pain, or decreased urination after your scan.
What happens if I take too much Ioversol (contrast agent)?
Ioversol is administered by healthcare professionals in controlled settings. An overdose is unlikely in a clinical environment. However, excessive amounts could lead to severe adverse reactions such as acute kidney injury, cardiovascular events, or neurological complications. If you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms after administration, immediate medical attention is crucial. Seek emergency help without delay.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Ioversol (contrast agent)?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption around the time of receiving Ioversol. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may potentially exacerbate certain side effects, such as nausea or dizziness. Furthermore, both alcohol and contrast agents are processed by the body, and combining them could place additional stress on organs like the kidneys. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Ioversol (contrast agent) safe during pregnancy?
Ioversol's safety during pregnancy has not been definitively established, and it is categorized as a Pregnancy Category B or C depending on the specific formulation and regulatory guidelines. This means either animal studies have shown no risk but human studies are lacking, or animal studies show some risk but human data is insufficient. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits against any risks to the fetus before undergoing any procedure involving Ioversol while pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Ioversol?
Ioversol is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It works by increasing the attenuation of X-rays in blood vessels and tissues, making them more visible on radiographic images. The iodine atoms in Ioversol absorb X-rays, enhancing contrast between different structures. (1)
What is the generic name of Ioversol?
The generic name is Ioversol. It is sold under brand names including Ioversol Injection, Iovue, Iovision, Optiray.
What class of drug is Ioversol?
Ioversol is classed as: Diagnostics, Procedures & Systems.
References
- Ioversol (contrast agent) — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- OPTIRAY (ioversol) Injection — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- OPTIRAY 350 (IOVERSOL) INJECTION OPTIRAY 320 (IOVERSOL) INJECTION OPTIRAY 300 (IOVERSOL) INJECTION [LIEBEL-FLARSHEIM COMPANY LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Optiray 320 — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA019710)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Ioversol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 27792)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Ioversol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Optiray 300678 mg/mL, 741 mg/mL, 636 mg/mL · liebel-flarsheim company llc
Canada
- OPTIRAY