Iomeprol (Also Transcribed "Lomeprol")
Pronunciation: (eye-oh-MEH-prol).
- Generic name
- Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol")
- Brand names
- Iomeron, IOMERVU
- Drug class
- Iodinated Radiographic Contrast Agent (non-ionic, low-osmolar)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol") 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 Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol") works
Iomeprol is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It increases the radiopacity of blood vessels and tissues by absorbing X-rays more than surrounding tissues, thereby enhancing contrast on radiographic images. The iodine content is responsible for its radiographic properties. Regulatory note: iomeprol is marketed internationally as Iomeron and is FDA-approved in the United States as IOMERVU (approved November 2024); it was also granted temporary import authorization during a 2022 US contrast-media shortage.
What Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol") is used for
Diagnostic imaging of the central nervous system (CNS)
Diagnostic imaging of the central nervous system (CNS) (2)
Diagnostic imaging of the cardiovascular system
Diagnostic imaging of the cardiovascular system (2)
Diagnostic imaging of the urinary tract
Diagnostic imaging of the urinary tract (2)
Diagnostic imaging of other body cavities and tissues
Diagnostic imaging of other body cavities and tissues (2)
Before taking Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol")
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known hypersensitivity to iodinated contrast agents, severe hyperthyroidism, and previous severe reactions to contrast media. (Contraindication) (2)
- Pre-screening for risk factors and pre-procedure hydration are recommended. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol")
- General Instructions: Iomeprol is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or imaging center. You will be monitored before, during, and after the procedure.. Adult Dosing: The dose depends on the type of imaging study, contrast concentration used, and your body weight — for example, CT of the brain or body typically uses about 40-150 mL, urography about 50-150 mL, and arteriography smaller repeatable volumes (roughly 4-12 mL per injection), as determined by your radiologist; cumulative doses are usually kept to around 250 mL or less.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing for children is based on body weight and the specific imaging procedure; clinical experience in children is more limited than in adults, so your doctor will calculate the safest and most effective dose.. Administration: Iomeprol is given as an intravenous or intra-arterial injection, usually just before or during the imaging procedure. The injection site is monitored closely, as leakage outside the vein (extravasation) can rarely cause tissue damage.. If You Feel Unwell After The Procedure: This is a single-use medication given for a specific procedure, so there is no ongoing dose to stop yourself — notify your doctor promptly if you develop any symptoms after the procedure, and they will advise on next steps.. Storage: Handled and stored by healthcare professionals, below 30°C (86°F), protected from light.
- 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
Iomeprol is administered as a single dose for imaging procedures. If a dose is missed, your healthcare provider will reschedule your imaging study as needed.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but can cause kidney damage or severe allergic reactions. If overdose is suspected, supportive care and monitoring of kidney function are essential. Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms occur. (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
Flushing
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hives
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anaphylaxis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney failure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Anaphylactoid reactions — serious
Symptoms: Anaphylactoid reactions: severe, life-threatening reactions — sometimes fatal — have been reported, typically starting within 1-15 minutes of administration, with symptoms such as swelling (angioedema), wheezing/bronchospasm, low blood pressure, and circulatory collapse requiring immediate emergency treatment. Risk is higher with prior contrast allergies.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Thyroid storm — serious
Symptoms: Thyroid storm: this acute, life-threatening thyroid crisis has occurred after iodinated contrast administration in people with hyperthyroidism or an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule. Tell your doctor about any thyroid condition before the procedure so this risk can be assessed.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Extravasation — serious
Symptoms: Extravasation: if the contrast leaks outside the vein during injection, it can rarely cause tissue inflammation, skin damage, or (very rarely) compartment syndrome. The injection site is monitored closely by the healthcare team, and any pain or swelling at the site should be reported promptly.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Potential for kidney injury (contrast-induced nephropathy), particularly in those with pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes, or multiple myeloma — adequate hydration before and after the procedure and use of the lowest effective dose help reduce this risk — serious
Symptoms: Potential for kidney injury (contrast-induced nephropathy), particularly in those with pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes, or multiple myeloma — adequate hydration before and after the procedure and use of the lowest effective dose help reduce this risk. Use with caution in patients with heart disease or severe dehydration. Monitor for delayed hypersensitivity reactions up to several days after administration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients; concurrent intrathecal (spinal) corticosteroid administration. The clinician record additionally lists severe hyperthyroidism and previous severe contrast reactions as contraindications, with renal impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or multiple myeloma as precautions requiring pre-screening and pre-procedure hydration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Metformin | Metformin is generally stopped at or before the procedure in people with reduced kidney function (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73m2), liver problems, heavy alcohol use, heart failure, or when contrast is given into an artery — because of an increased risk of lactic acidosis. It is typically withheld for 48 hours after the procedure and restarted only once the treating clinician confirms kidney function is stable. Follow your care team's specific instructions about your metformin around the time of the scan. | (2) |
| Other nephrotoxic drugs | Combining iomeprol with other kidney-affecting medications may increase the risk of kidney injury. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking before receiving this contrast agent. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Animal studies have not indicated harmful effects, but safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Iomeprol is generally avoided in pregnancy unless no safer alternative exists for the needed diagnosis, weighing the diagnostic benefit against fetal radiation exposure — this decision is made by the treating clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
There is no human data on how much iomeprol passes into breast milk; animal studies suggest minimal absorption by a nursing infant from the gut. Stopping breastfeeding is not considered necessary, but discuss any concerns with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Dosing for children is based on body weight and the specific imaging procedure, determined by the treating physician.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Clinical experience in children is more limited than in adults (data available from a few hundred pediatric patients in trials), though the reported safety profile is similar to adults. (2)
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in renal impairment: ensure adequate hydration before and after the procedure, use the lowest effective dose, and monitor renal function, avoiding concurrent nephrotoxic drugs where possible. No separate fixed hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment table was found in the independent literature reviewed. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Use with caution in renal impairment: ensure adequate hydration before and after the procedure, use the lowest effective dose, and monitor renal function, avoiding concurrent nephrotoxic drugs where possible. No separate fixed hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment table was found in the independent literature reviewed. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Handled and stored by healthcare professionals, below 30°C (86°F), protected from light. For multi-dose containers, the stopper is pierced only once and any unused product is discarded 10 hours after first puncture — an institutional handling detail, not something patients need to manage.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General — international/import prescribing information (Iomeron)
Indication: CT (brain or body), urography
Dose summary: Typically about 40-150 mL depending on concentration and procedure, determined by the radiologist.
Renal context: Use the lowest effective dose in renal impairment; ensure adequate hydration before and after; monitor renal function. (2)
General — international/import prescribing information (Iomeron)
Indication: Arteriography (cerebral, coronary, aortography)
Dose summary: Smaller, repeatable volumes depending on the artery and study (roughly 4-12 mL per injection for cerebral/coronary arteriography, 50-80 mL for aortography); cumulative doses are typically kept to around 250 mL or less.
Renal context: Use the lowest effective dose in renal impairment; ensure adequate hydration before and after; monitor renal function. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is Lomeprol used for?
Lomeprol is used as a contrast agent to improve the clarity of images during CT scans, angiography, and other X-ray-based imaging procedures.
How is Lomeprol administered?
Lomeprol is given as an injection into a vein or artery by a healthcare professional, usually just before or during your imaging procedure.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving Lomeprol?
Inform your doctor if you have allergies to contrast agents, kidney problems, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or if you are taking metformin or other medications.
Can Lomeprol cause allergic reactions?
Yes, although rare, Lomeprol can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Is Lomeprol safe for people with kidney disease?
Lomeprol should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, as it may increase the risk of kidney injury. Your doctor will assess your kidney function before and after the procedure.
Can children receive Lomeprol?
Yes, Lomeprol can be used in children, but the dose is carefully calculated based on body weight and the type of imaging required.
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, severe rash, or decreased urination after your scan.
What happens if I take too much Lomeprol (contrast agent)?
An overdose of Lomeprol (contrast agent) is unlikely in a clinical setting as it is administered by healthcare professionals. However, excessive doses could lead to severe adverse reactions such as acute renal failure, cardiovascular events, or severe allergic reactions. If you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms after administration, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Lomeprol (contrast agent)?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption around the time of receiving Lomeprol (contrast agent). Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects associated with iodinated contrast agents. Additionally, alcohol can mask or exacerbate some of the common side effects of Lomeprol. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Lomeprol (contrast agent) safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Lomeprol (contrast agent) during pregnancy has not been definitively established. It falls under a 'Consult Doctor' pregnancy category, meaning potential risks to the fetus cannot be ruled out. Therefore, Lomeprol should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before receiving this contrast agent.
What is the mechanism of action of Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol")?
Iomeprol is a non-ionic, low-osmolar iodinated contrast agent. It increases the radiopacity of blood vessels and tissues by absorbing X-rays more than surrounding tissues, thereby enhancing contrast on radiographic images. The iodine content is responsible for its radiographic properties. Regulatory note: iomeprol is marketed internationally as Iomeron and is FDA-approved in the United States as IOMERVU (approved November 2024); it was also granted temporary import authorization during a 2022 US contrast-media shortage.
What is the generic name of Iomeprol (Also Transcribed "Lomeprol")?
The generic name is Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol"). It is sold under brand names including Iomeron, IOMERVU.
What class of drug is Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol")?
Iomeprol (Also Transcribed "Lomeprol") is classed as: Iodinated Radiographic Contrast Agent (non-ionic, low-osmolar).
References
- MedGuideGlobal Clinician-authored Medicine Record: Lomeprol Contrast AgentMedGuideGlobal · International · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- IOMERON (iomeprol) injection — prescribing information (FDA Import Discretion)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) / Temporary FDA Import Authorization · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- IOMERVU (IOMEPROL INJECTION) INJECTION, SOLUTION [BRACCO DIAGNOSTICS INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Iomeprol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2606484)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Iomeprol (also transcribed "Lomeprol") names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Iomeron612 mg/mL, 816 mg/mL, 714 mg/mL, 510 mg/mL · bipso gmbh
- IOMERVU816 mg/mL, 714 mg/mL · bracco diagnostics inc