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Visipaque

Generic name: iodixanolEYE-oh-DIX-an-ol ]
Drug class: Non-ionic iodinated contrast media

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Visipaque?

Visipaque is in a group of drugs called radiopaque (RAY dee oh payk) contrast agents. This medicine contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays. Radiopaque contrast agents are used to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Visipaque is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and other internal organs.

Visipaque may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Visipaque side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Visipaque may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Visipaque may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Visipaque should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly.

Before taking this medicine

Visipaque should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.

To make sure Visipaque is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether Visipaque will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether iodixanol passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. You should not breast-feed within 10 hours after receiving iodixanol. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

How is Visipaque used?

Visipaque is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection just before your radiologic test.

You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving Visipaque.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Visipaque is injected.

Drink extra fluids before and after your radiologic test. Visipaque can cause you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your test.

Older adults may need special care to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your kidney function may need to be checked after you have received Visipaque.

Visipaque can interfere with certain medical tests for up to 16 days after you are treated with this medicine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received this medicine.

Visipaque can make radioactive iodine less effective in people with thyroid cancer. This effect can last for up to 8 weeks after you receive this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled to be treated with radioactive iodine I-131 or I-123.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Visipaque is used only during your radiologic test, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Visipaque?

Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated during the first few days after receiving Visipaque. Call your doctor if you have any vomiting or diarrhea during this time. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink.

What other drugs will affect Visipaque?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with iodixanol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does Visipaque interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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