Iothalamate sodium (Injection)

Introduction:

Iothalamate Sodium (eye-oh-THAL-a-mate SOE-dee-um)

Used with CT scanning, angiography, or other imaging tests to help view blood vessels and other body structures.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins, or through a catheter in the area of your body to be tested.
• Your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your test. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about eating and drinking before this medicine is given.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nursing mothers should not breastfeed for 24 hours after receiving this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to dye used during an x-ray or imaging procedure. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies you have to food or medicines.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, liver disease, multiple myeloma, pheochromocytoma, thyroid disease, or sickle cell disease. Tell your doctor if you have a fever or a blood infection. Make sure your doctor knows if you have lung problems such as asthma or emphysema. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a recent kidney transplant.
• Tell your doctor if you have a brain disease or tumor, or a recent head injury. Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently been given medicine to increase your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure, circulation problems, or heart failure.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, pounding or uneven heartbeats, wheezing, or coughing.
• Dark or bloody urine, trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Lightheadedness, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
• Numbness, weakness, or severe pain anywhere in your body.
• Pain, burning, swelling, or skin changes in the area where the needle is placed.
• Sudden or severe headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or movement.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting.
• Skin rash or flushing, hot flashes, sweating, fever, or chills.
• Tremors or shaking.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: