Ioversol

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

Optiray 240 [DSC]; Optiray 300 [DSC]; Optiray 320 [DSC]; Optiray 350 [DSC]

Brand Names: Canada

Optiray 240 Ultraject [DSC]; Optiray 240 [DSC]; Optiray 300 [DSC]; Optiray 320; Optiray 320 Ultraject; Optiray 350 Ultraject; Optiray 350 [DSC]

What is this drug used for?

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

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has an overactive thyroid, talk with the doctor.
• If your child is dehydrated, has been eating poorly, or has used a laxative or water pill before this drug.
• If your child has had a skin reaction to this drug or another drug like it in the past.
• If your child is taking metformin.

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

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

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s 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.
• Very bad kidney problems and sometimes death have happened when contrast has been given to people with multiple myeloma. Talk with the doctor.
• Heart problems have happened with this drug. Sometimes, these have been life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.
• Your child’s blood work may need to be checked. Talk with the doctor.
• 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. 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 affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
• If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of side effects may be higher in some children.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s 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 child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• 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.
• Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Shortness of breath.
• 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.
• This drug may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your child’s nurse if your child has any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your child’s body.
• 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 your child has signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the 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 child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Feeling of warmth.
• Upset stomach.

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

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

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

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

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

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

• The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• 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 child’s 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

2023-06-30

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