Iothalamate Meglumine

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Conray; Cysto-Conray II

Brand Names: Canada

Conray 60; Cysto-Conray II

What is this drug used for?

• It is used before a CT scan or other test.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are dehydrated, have been eating poorly, or have used a laxative or water pill before this drug.
• If you have a health problem called homocystinuria.
• If you have had a skin reaction to this drug or another drug like it in the past.
• If you are taking metformin.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed after getting this drug for as long as your doctor has told you.

If used before an x-ray of a joint:

• If you have an infection in or near the joint being x-rayed.

If used before an x-ray of the liver or bile duct:

• If you have a blood clotting problem, talk with your doctor.

If used before an endoscopy:

• If you have pancreatitis, talk with your doctor.
• If you have a certain bile duct problem (cholangitis).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Health problems like blood clots have happened with this drug when used with some procedures. Sometimes, blood clots may cause heart attack and stroke, which may be deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• Seizures and death have happened when contrast has been given to people with bleeding in the brain. Talk with the doctor.
• Very bad kidney problems and sometimes death have happened when contrast has been given to people with multiple myeloma. Talk with the doctor.
• Your blood work may need to be checked. Talk with your doctor.
• This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of side effects may be higher in some children.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

Injection (if given in an artery or vein):

• Low thyroid function has happened in children younger than 3 years of age after the use of drugs like this one. Low thyroid function in early life can affect child development. If the patient is a child, your child may need to have thyroid function checked for some time after the injection. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• This drug may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all uses of this drug:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Rarely, some allergic reactions have been deadly.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of thyroid problems like change in weight; feeling nervous, excitable, restless, or weak; hair thinning; depression; eye or neck swelling; not able to focus; trouble with heat or cold; menstrual changes; shakiness; or sweating.
• Sneezing.
• Stuffy nose.
• Cough.
• Choking.
• Shortness of breath.
• Blue or gray skin color.
• Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Seizures.
• Severe skin reactions may happen from 1 hour to several weeks after getting this drug. These include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions. Sometimes, body organs may also be affected. These reactions can be deadly. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any areas of skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

For all uses of this drug:

• Flushing.
• Feeling of warmth.
• Sweating a lot.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.

For use in the bladder:

• Irritation where this drug was used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• This drug is given as a shot into a vein or artery only.
• Some products may be given into the bladder.
• Other drugs may be given before this drug to help avoid side effects.
• You will need to be sure that you are not dehydrated before getting this drug. Check with your doctor to see if you need to drink extra fluids before getting this drug.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids after using this drug unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This drug will be given in a health care setting.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This injection will be given to you in a health care setting. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-07-03

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