Iopromide

Iopromide is a low osmolar, non-ionic X-ray contrast agent for intravascular administration. It functions as a contrast agent by opacifying blood vessels in the flow path of the contrast agent, permitting radiographic visualization of the internal structures until significant hemodilution occurs. Although iopromide can cause several serious adverse effects, including cardiac events, thromboembolism, hypersensitivity reaction, and even death if administered intrathecally inadvertently, it is still deemed to have a favorable safety profile, with only 0.7% of patients in a 2 years study experiencing adverse events. Although the mechanism is unclear, women and outpatients tend to have a higher incidence of adverse events compared to other population groups.

Approved by the FDA in 1995 and Health Canada in 1994 under the brand name ULTRAVIST, iopromide is used in radiological diagnosis, including, but not limited to, intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA), cerebral and peripheral arteriography, peripheral venography, excretory urography, brain computer tomography (CT), coronary arteriography, left ventriculography, visceral angiography, and orthography.

Iopromide, as the product IOVIST, is approved by the FDA for use as an intra-arterial or intravenous X-ray contrast agent. For intra-arterial administration, iopromide is indicated for cerebral arteriography, peripheral arteriography, coronary arteriography, left ventriculography, visceral angiography, and aortography in adults and radiographic evaluation of cardiac chambers and related arteries in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. For intravenous administration, iopromide is indicated for excretory urography in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older, contrast Computed Tomography (CT) of the head and body (intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and retroperitoneal regions) for the evaluation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older, and contrast mammography to visualize known or suspected lesions of the breast in adults, as an adjunct following mammography and/or ultrasound.

Iopromide is also approved by Health Canada as an intravascular contrasting agent, although the indications differ depending on the dosage. At 300 mg I/mL, iopromide is indicated for computed tomography (CT), excretory urography, pediatric excretory urography, renal arteriography, peripheral arteriography (bifemoral pelvis/leg), cerebral arteriography, phlebography of the extremities, and arthrography.