OMNIPAQUE(tm) Iohexol 180, 240, 300 and 350 mg iodine per ml.
180 mg, bottles containing 388 mg iohexol per ml, equivalent to 180 mg iodine per ml. 240 mg, bottles containing 518 mg iohexol per ml, equivalent to 240 mg Iodine per ml. 300 mg, bottles containing 647 mg iohexol per ml, equivalent to 300 mg iodine per ml. 350 mg, bottles containing 755 mg iohexol per ml, equivalent to 350 mg iodine per ml. OMNIPAQUE solutions are colourless.
Intravascilar Use For most of the haemodynamic, clinical-chemical and coagulation parameters examined following intravenous injection of iohexol in healthy volunteers, no significant deviation from preinjection values has been found. The few changes observed in the laboratory parameters were minor and considered to be of no clinical importance. A study was performed in 129 patients with diabetes and impaired renal function (serum creatinine levels from 115-308 mmol per litre) to compare a low osmolar (LOCM) and an isosmolar contrast medium (IOCM). Iohexol, as a representative of LOCM was compared to an IOCM in this high-risk population. The results showed 26% of the patients experiencing a rise in serum creatinine of > 44.2 mmol per litre and 15% of patients with a rise of >88.4 mmol per litre, which is in line with expected incidence of CIN. Iohexol provides opacification of blood vessels and permits radiographic visualisation until sufficient haemodilution occurs or sufficient contrast medium has left the site of injection. Being a non-ionic compound, iohexol yields solutions of lower osmolality than the conventional ionic contrast media. Intravenous or intra-arterial injection of iohexol causes less pain and sensation of heat than conventional ionic media with similar iodine content. Iohexol solutions cause less cardiac and vascular disturbances on intravascular injection. The transit time of iohexol through the coronary vascular system is slightly increased compared with conventional ionic contrast media, probably due to the increased viscosity of iohexol at comparable iodine concentrations. The period of maximal opacification of the renal vessels may begin as early as 30 seconds after i.v. injection. Urograms become apparent in about 1 to 3 minutes with optimal contrast occurring between 5 to 15 minutes. In nephropathic conditions, particularly when excretory capacity has been altered, the rate of excretion may vary unpredictably, and opacification may be delayed after injection. Severe renal impairment may result in a lack of diagnostic opacification of the collecting system. Intrathecal Use The initial concentration and volume of the medium, in conjunction with appropriate patient manipulation and the volume of CSF into which the medium is placed, will determine the extent of diagnostic contrast that can be achieved. Following subarachnoid injection, OMNIPAQUE will continue to provide good diagnostic contrast by conventional radiography for at least 30 minutes. Slow diffusion of iohexol takes place throughout the CSF as well as transfer into the circulation. At approximately 1 hour, contrast of diagnostic quality will not usually be available for conventional myelography. However, sufficient contrast for CT myelography will be available for several hours. If CT myelography is to follow, it should be deferred for several hours to allow the degree of contrast to decrease. Following lumbar subarachnoid placement, irrespective of the position in which the patient is later maintained, slow upward diffusion of OMNIPAQUE takes place throughout the CSF. CSF contrast enhancement for CT scanning may be expected in the thoracic region in about 1 hour, in the cervical region in about 2 hours and in the basal cisterns in 3 to 4 hours after administration into the lumbar subarachnoid space.
Intravascular Use 87-99 per cent of the intravenously injected iohexol is excreted unchanged through the kidneys within 24 hours in patients with normal renal function. The maximum urinary concentration of iohexol appears within approximately 1 hour after injection. The elimination half-life is approximately 2 hours in patients with normal renal function. No metabolites have been detected. The protein binding of OMNIPAQUE is so low (less than 2 %), that it has no clinical relevance and can therefore be neglected. Intrathecal Use Following injection into the lumbar subarachnoid space, iohexol is absorbed from CSF into the bloodstream and is eliminated by renal excretion. After lumbar administration of 10-15 ml iohexol at a concentration of 180 mg I/ml to 6 patients, a mean maximum concentration of 0.024 mg I/ml was observed after a mean of 2.2 hours. The mean half-life of the initial rapid distribution phase from blood was 34 minutes and for the slower elimination phase was 3.4 hours. Oral/Body Cavity Use For most body cavities, the injected Iohexol is absorbed into the surrounding tissue and eliminated by the kidneys and bowel as described previously. Examinations of the uterus (hysterosalpingography) involve the most immediate drainage of contrast medium from the cavity upon conclusion of the radiographic procedure. Iohexol is well tolerated and readily absorbed if leakage into the peritoneal cavity occurs. Visualisation of the joint spaces, uterus, fallopian tubes, peritoneal herniations, pancreatic and bile ducts can be accomplished by direct injection of contrast medium into the region to be studied. The use of appropriate OMNIPAQUE concentrations assures diagnostic density. Orally administered OMNIPAQUE produces good visualisation of the gastrointestinal tract. OMNIPAQUE is particularly useful when barium sulphate is contraindicated as in patients with suspected bowel perforation or those where aspiration of contrast medium is a possibility.
This medicinal product is for diagnostic use only.
Intravscular
OMNIPAQUE is indicated in adults for angiography, excretory urographyand CT- enhancement. In children, OMNIPAQUE is indicated for angiography and urography.
Intrathecal
OMNIPAQUE is indicated for lumbar, thoracic, cervical and total columnar myelography and computed tomography of the CNS in adults and children.
Oral/Body cavities
OMNIPAQUE is indicated in adults in arthrography, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), herniography, hysterosalpingography, and in adults, children and prematurte babies for studies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Administration of contrast media should be performed by qualified personnel familiar with the procedure, and an appropriate technique should be utilised. The dosage varies depending on the type of examination, age, weight, cardiac output and general condition of the patient and the technique used. Adequate hydration should be assured before and after administration as for other contrast media. As in all diagnostic procedures, the lowest dose of OMNIPAQUE necessary to obtain adequate visualisation should be used. Most procedures do not require use of either the maximum volume or the highest concentration of OMNIPAQUE. The combination of volume and concentration of OMNIPAQUE to be used should be carefully individualised accounting for factors such as age, body weight, size of the vessel and the rate of blood flow within the vessel. Other factors such as anticipated pathology, degree and extent of opacification required, structure(s) or area to be examined, disease process affecting the patient, and equipment and technique to be employed should be considered. Patients will tolerate a contrast medium better if the contrast medium is warmed to body temperature, which lowers the viscosity. OMNIPAQUE should be inspected visually for particulate matter, discolouration and the integrity of the container prior to administration. OMNIPAQUE should only be used if clear and within the normal colourless to pale yellow range. Do not use if particulate matter or discolouration are present. The following dosages may serve as a guide.
| Indication | Volume | Concentration | Route of Administration |
| Urography Adults Children < 7 kg Children > 7 kg | Usual dose 200 mg I/kg Max dose 400 mg I/kg (40-80 mL, 80 mL may be exceeded in selected cases) Up to 3 mL/kg Up to 2mL/kg (Max. 40mL) | 300 mg I/mL or 350 mg I/mL 300 mg I/mL | Intravenous |
| Cerebral angiography | 5-10 mL/inj | 300 mg I/mL | Intra-arterial |
| Cardioangiography Adults Children Left ventricular and aortic root injections Selective coronary arteriography | 45-60 mL total 1-2 mL/kg inj (2-6 mL/kg total) 1.5-8 mL/inj | 350 mg I/mL 300 mg I/mL 350 mg I/mL | Intra-arterial |
| Peripheral arteriography | 30-80 mL total | 300 mg I/mL | Intra-arterial |
| Visceral angiography | 5-45 mL selective | 300 mg I/mL or 350 mg I/mL | Intra-arterial |
| Phlebography | 30-50 mL/leg/inj | 240 mg I/mL or 300 mg I/mL | Intravenous |
| Contrast-enhanced computer tomography Cerebral Abdominal | 1.5 mL/kg (up to 100 mL total) 80 mL 60 mL | 300 mg I/mL 350 mg I/mL 350 mg I/mL | Intravenous Intravenous |
| Digital subtraction angiography | 30-50 mL/inj Max. 250 mL total | 350 mg I/mL | Intravenous |
To minimise possible adverse reactions a total dose of 3 g iodine should not be exceeded. As in all diagnostic procedures, the minimum concentration and volume to produce adequate visualisation should be used. To avoid excessive mixing with CSF and consequent dilution of contrast, as well as premature dispersion upwards, injection must be made slowly. Depending on the estimated volume of OMNIPAQUE which may be required for the procedure, a small amount of CSF may be removed to minimise the distension of the subarachnoid spaces. The needle may be removed immediately following injection since it is not necessary to remove OMNIPAQUE after injection into the subarachnoid space. An interval of 48 hours should be allowed before repeat examination. Direct intracisternal or ventricular administration for standard radiography (without computerized tomographic enhancement) is not recommended.
The usual recommended total doses of OMNIPAQUE are:
| Procedure | Concentration (mg I/mL) | Volume (mL) |
| Lumbar myelography | 180 | 8-17 |
| Thoracic myelography | 240 | 7-10 |
| Cervical or total columnar myelography ( via lumbar puncture) | 300 | 6-10 |
| Cervical myelography (via lateral cervical injection) | 240 or 300 | 8-10 5-10 |
OMNIPAQUE 180 mg I/mL is recommended for the examination of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions in children by lumbar injection and is slightly hypertonic to CSF. The usual recommended total doses for myelography (by lumbar injection) are given below, depending largely on patient age.
| Age | Concentration (mg I/mL) | Volume (mL) |
| 3-36 months | 180 | 4-8 |
| 3-7 years | 180 | 5-10 |
| 7-13 years | 180 | 5-12 |
| 13-18 years | 180 | 6-15 |
Avoid rapid dispersion of the medium. (To avoid excessive mixing with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and consequent dilution of iohexol solution, injection should be made slowly over 1 to 2 minutes.) If repeat examinations are desired, a suitable interval of time between administrations is needed to allow for normal clearance of the drug from the body. An interval of at least 48 hours should be allowed before repeat examination; however, 5 to 7 days is recommended whenever possible.
| Indication | Volume | Concentration | Route of Administration |
| Arthrography Adults: | 5-20 mL 5-15 mL 5-10 mL (See Administration Instructions #1) | 240 mg I/mL or 300 mg I/mL 350 mg I/mL | Intra-articular Intrasynovial |
| ERP/ERCP Adults | 20-50 mL * | 240 mg I/mL | Intracavitary |
| Herniography Adults | 50 mL * | 240 mg I/mL | Intraperitoneal |
| Hysterosalpingo- graphy Adults | 15-20 mL * 15-20 mL * | 240 mg I/mL 300 mg I/mL | Intraperitoneal Intrauterine |
| Gastrointestinal Studies Oral Use: Adults -oral pass- through Children: -oesophagus -oral pass- through Prematures Rectal Use: Children | Individual Individual (See Administration Instructions #2) Undiluted: 50-100 mL 2-4 mL/ kg b.w. 2-4 mL/kg b.w. (Max. dose 50 mL) Undiluted: Based on nature of examination and patient size. (See Administration Instructions #3) 2-4 mL/kg b.w. 5-10 mL/kg b.w. | 180 mg I/mL or 300 mg I/mL 350 mg I/mL 300 mg I/mL or 350 mg I/mL 180 mg I/mL (children of all ages including < 3 months of age) 240 mg I/mL (> 3 months of age) 300 mg I/mL (>3 months of age) 180 mg I/mL Eg. Dilute 240, 300 or 350 mg I/mL with tap water to 100-150 mg I/mL | Oral Rectal |
| CT-enhancement Oral Use: Adults Children Rectal Use: Children | 800 - 1000mL of the diluted solution over a period of time. 15-20 mL/kg b.w. of the diluted solution to a maximum volume of 750mL Individual | E.g. Dilute Omnipaque 300 or 350 mg I/mL with tap water 1:50, to ~ 6 mg I/mL. 180 mg I/mL; 240 mg I/mL 300 mg I/mL Dilute to ~ 6 mg I/mL with tap water. | Oral Rectal |
*Dosage may vary depending on individual anatomy and/or disease state.
1) Arthrography The amount of Omnipaque injected is dependent on the size of the joint to be examined and the technique employed. Lower volumes of contrast medium are usually injected for knee and shoulder arthrography when double-contrast examinations using 15 mL to 100 mL of air are performed. The following concentrations and volumes are recommended for normal adult knee, shoulder and temporomandibular joints but should serve as guidelines since joints may require more or less contrast medium for optimal visualisation.
Knee
Omnipaque 240 5 mL to 15 mL Omnipaque 300 5 mL to 15 mL Omnipaque 350 5 mL to 10 mL
Shoulder
Omnipaque 300 10 mL Omnipaque 240 3 mL
Temporomandibular
Omnipaque 300 0.5 mL to 1.0 mL Lower volumes recommended for double-contrast examinations; higher volumes recommended for single contrast examinations. Passive or active manipulation is used to disperse the medium throughout the joint space.
2) Oral Use
Adults:
The recommended dosage of undiluted Omnipaque 350 at a concentration of 350 mg I/mL for oral pass-through examination of the gastrointestinal tract in adults is 50 mL to 100 mL depending on the nature of the examination and the size of the patient. OMNIPAQUE diluted to concentrations from 6 mg I/mL to 9 mg I/mL and administered orally in conjunction with OMNIPAQUE 300 at a concentration of 300 mg I/mL administered intravenously is indicated in adults for use in contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen. Dilute oral plus intravenous OMNIPAQUE may be useful when unenhanced imaging does not provide sufficient delineation between normal loops of the bowel and adjacent organs or areas of suspected pathology. The recommended oral dosage of OMNIPAQUE dilute to concentrations of 6 mg I/mL to 9 mg I/mL for contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen in adults is 500 mL to 1000 mL. Smaller administered volumes are needed as the concentration of the final solution is increased. In conjunction with dilute oral administration, the recommended dosage of OMNIPAQUE 300 administered intravenously is 100 mL to 150 mL. The oral dose is administered about 20 to 40 minutes prior to the intravenous dose and image acquisition.
Children:
The dosage of undiluted OMNIPAQUE 300 at a concentration of 300 mg I/mL, OMNIPAQUE 240 at a concentration of 240 mg I/mL or OMNIPAQUE 180 at a concentration of 180 mg I/mL for oral pass-through examination of the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on the nature of the examination and the size of the patient. Based on clinical experience, it is recommended that OMNIPAQUE 180 be used in children less than 3 months of age. OMNIPAQUE 180, OMNIPAQUE 240 or OMNIPAQUE 300 may be used in children 3 months of age and older. The recommended does for oral use in children is 2-4mL/kg. The estimated total volumes based on this dosage are:
| Age | Volume of OMNIPAQUE |
| Less than 3 months | 5-30 mL |
| Three months to 3 years | Up to 60 mL |
| Four years to 10 years | Up to 80 mL |
| Greater than 10 years | Up to 100 mL |
When given rectally, larger volumes may be used. OMNIPAQUE diluted to concentrations from 9-21 mg I/mL administered orally in conjunction with OMNIPAQUE 240 at a concentration of 240 mg I/mL or OMNIPAQUE 300 at a concentration of or 300 mg I/mL administered intravenously is indicated in children for use in contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen. The recommended dose is 15-20 mL/kg up to a maximum volume of 750 mL. Smaller administered volumes are needed as the concentration of the final solution is increased. The total oral dose in grams of iodine should generally not exceed 5 g for children less than 3 years of age and 10 g for children from 3 to 18 years of age. The oral dosage may be given all at once or over a period of 30 to 45 minutes if there is difficulty consuming the required volume. In conjunction with dilute oral administration the recommended dosage of OMNIPAQUE 240 and OMNIPAQUE 300 is 2.0 mL/kg when administered intravenously with a range of 1.0 mL/kg to 2.0 mL/kg. Dosage for infants and children should be administered in proportion to age and body weight. The total intravenously administered dose should not exceed 3 mL/kg. The oral dose is administered about 30 to 60 minutes prior to the intravenous dose and image acquisition.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. History of serious reaction to OMNIPAQUE. Iodine-containing radiographic contrast media, whether ionic or non-ionic, should not be administered to patients with thyrotoxicosis, anuria or decompensated cardiac insufficiency. These agents are also contraindicated in certain specific procedures and situations such as carotid angiography during the progressive period of stroke; coronary arteriography in the first 4 weeks after myocardial infarction; and the presence of infection or open injury in or near the region to be examined. Hysterosalpingography The procedure should not be performed during the menstrual flow or when menstrual flow is imminent, nor should it be performed if infection is present in any portion of the genital tract, including the external genitalia. The procedure is contraindicated in pregnant women or for those in whom pregnancy is suspected. Its use is not advised for 6 months after termination of pregnancy or 30 days after conization or curettage. Administration technique Do not administer with intrathecal corticosteroids. Immediate repeat myelography, in the event of technical failure, is contraindicated because of overdosage considerations. (see interval recommendation under Dosage and Aministration)
Hydration: Adequate hydration should be assured before and after contrast media administration. This applies especially to patients with multiple myeloma, diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, as well as to infants, small children and elderly patients. Young infants (age < 1 year) and especially neonates are susceptible to electrolyte disturbance and haemodynamic alterations. Preventive measures include:
Identification of high risk patients
Ensuring adequate hydration. If necessary by maintaining an i.v. infusion from before the procedure until the contrast medium has been cleared by the kidneys.
Avoiding additional strain on the kidneys in the form of nephrotoxic drugs, oral cholecystographic agents, arterial clamping, renal arterial angioplasty, or major surgery, until the contrast medium has been cleared.
Postponing a repeat contrast medium examination until renal function returns to pre- examination levels.
Hypersensitivty to iohexol: A positive history of allergy, asthma, or untoward reactions to iodinated contrast media indicates a need for special caution. Premedication with corticosteroids or histamine H1 and H2 antagonists might be considered in these cases. The risk of serious reactions in connection with use of OMNIPAQUE is regarded as minor. However, iodinated contrast media may provoke anaphylactoid reactions or other manifestations of hypersensitivity. A course of action should therefore be planned in advance, with necessary drugs and equipment available for immediate treatment, should a serious reaction occur. It is advisable always to use an indwelling cannula or catheter for quick intravenous access throughout the entire X-ray procedure. Contrast-medium induced nephrotoxicity: Contrast medium induced nephrotoxicity is a condition in which impaired renal function (an increase in serum creatinine by more than 25% or 44 umol/l) occurs within three days following the intravascular administration of a contrast medium in the absence of an alternative aetiology. Dialysis has been used in the prevention of contrast medium induced nephropathy. Prevention of nephropathy - haemodialysis: Patients on haemodialysis may receive contrast media for radiological procedures. If clinically indicated, haemodialysis is an effective method for eliminating iodinated contrast medium from the body. Correlation of the time of contrast media injection with the haemodialysis session is unnecessary, because there is no evidence that haemodialysis protects patients with impaired renal function from contrast medium induced nephropathy. The patient should not be re-exposed to contrast media before the kidney function has returned to its previous function. If contrast medium is to be given again, the patient must be adequately hydrated. Pre-existing renal impairment and diabetes mellitus: To prevent acute renal failure following contrast media administration, special care should be exercised in patients with pre-existing renal impairment and diabetes mellitus as they are at risk. To prevent lactic acidosis, serum creatinine level should be measured in diabetic patients treated with metformin prior to intravascular administration of iodinated contrast medium. Normal serum creatinine / renal function: Administration of metformin should be stopped at the time of administration of contrast medium and not resumed for 48 hours or until renal function / serum creatinine is normal. Abnormal serum creatinine / renal function: Metformin should be stopped and the contrast medium examination delayed for 48 hours. Metformin should only be restarted if renal function / serum creatinine is unchanged. In emergency cases where renal function is abnormal or unknown, the physician should evaluate the risk / benefit of the contrast medium examination, and precautions should be implemented: Metformin should be stopped, patient hydrated, renal function monitored and patient observed for symptoms of lactic acidosis. Severe renal or hepatic impairment: A potential risk of transient hepatic dysfunction exists. Particular care is required in patients with severe disturbance of both renal and hepatic function, as they may have significantly delayed contrast medium clearance. Severe cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure: Care should also be taken in patients with serious cardiac disease and pulmonary hypertension as they may develop haemodynamic changes or arrhythmias. History of seizures Patients with acute cerebral pathology, tumours or a history of epilepsy are predisposed for seizures and merit particular care. Also alcoholics and drug addicts have an increased risk for seizures and neurological reactions. A few patients have experienced a temporary hearing loss or even deafness after myelography, which is believed to be due to a drop in spinal fluid pressure by the lumbar puncture per se. This also applies to elderly patients who are at increased risk of cerebral pathology. Discontinue medications that may lower the seizure threshold at least 48 hours before iohexol administration and do not resume for at least 24 hours post-procedure. Patients on anticonvulsant medication should be maintained on that therapy. Severe thyrotoxicosis: Iodinated contrast media should not be administered to patients with thyrotoxicosis (see Contraindications). Special care should be exercised in patients with hyperthyroidism. Patients with multinodular goitre may be at risk of developing hyperthyroidism following injection of iodinated contrast media. One should also be aware of the possibility of inducing transient hypothyroidism in premature infants receiving contrast media. Multiple myeloma: Patients with paraproteinemias (myelomatosis and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia) are also at risk. Known or suspected pheochromocytoma: The administration of iodinated contrast media may aggravate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. In patients with phaeochromocytoma undergoing interventional procedures, alpha blockers should be given as prophylaxis to avoid a hypertensive crisis.
Risk of procedure-related thrombosis and embolism: Non-ionic contrast media have less effect on the coagulation system in vitro, compared to ionic contrast media. When performing vascular catheterisation procedures one should pay meticulous attention to the angiographic technique and flush the catheter frequently (e.g. : with heparinised saline) so as to minimise the risk of procedure-related thrombosis and embolism. Extravasation: Extravasation of contrast media may on rare occasions give rise to local pain, and oedema, which usually recedes without sequelae. However, inflammation and even tissue necrosis have been seen. Elevating and cooling the affected site is recommended as routine measures. Surgical decompression may be necessary in cases of compartment syndrome. Observation-time: After contrast medium administration the patient should be observed for at least 30 minutes, since the majority of serious side effects occurs within this time. However, delayed reactions may occur. Following myelography the patient should rest with the head and thorax elevated by 20o for one hour. Thereafter he/she may ambulate carefully but bending down must be avoided. The head and thorax should be kept elevated for the first 6 hours if remaining in bed. Patients suspected of having a low seizure threshold should be observed during this period. Outpatients should not be completely alone for the first 24 hours. Care is required in patient management to prevent inadvertent intracranial entry of a large bolus dose of the contrast medium. Prophylactic anti-convulsant treatment should be considered in patients with evidence of inadvertent intracranial entry of a large bolus of the medium, since there is an increased risk of seizure in such cases. Other Other precautions which apply to the various radiographic contrast medium procedures are the same for OMNIPAQUE as they are for all other non-ionic contrast media. The risk of the procedure itself should be carefully evaluated in each patient. Such precautions include: Cerebral angiography Use with caution in patients with extreme senility, advanced atherosclerosis, or severe hypotension. The procedure may be hazardous in subarachnoid haemorrhage and in migraine (because of ischaemic complications). Peripheral angiography Pulsation should be present in the artery to be injected. In thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) or ischaemia associated with ascending infection, angiography should be performed with extreme caution, if at all. Cardioangiography Caution is advised in the administration of large volumes to patients with incipient heart failure because of the possibility of aggravating the pre-existing condition. Hypotension should be corrected promptly since it may induce serious arrhythmias. Caution is advised with dosage in patients with right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension, or stenotic pulmonary vascular beds because of the haemodynamic changes which may occur after injection into the right heart outflow tract. Urography It is advisable to allow an interval of at least 48 hours before repeating excretory urography. Dehydration should be avoided in the elderly, particularly those with polyuria, oliguria, advanced vascular disease or pre-existing dehydration. Myelomatosis (see Warnings). Arthrography Strict aseptic technique is required to prevent infection. Fluoroscopic control should be used to ensure proper needle placement, prevent extracapsular injection and prevent dilution of contrast medium. Undue pressure should not be exerted during injection. Hysterosalpingography In patients with carcinoma or in those in whom the condition is suspected, use caution to avoid possible spreading of the lesion by the procedure.
The safety of OMNIPAQUE for use in human pregnancy has not been established. Teratogenicity studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 4 g I/kg and 2.5 g I/kg, respectively. No evidence of harm to the embryo or foetus or of impaired fertility has been demonstrated due to OMNIPAQUE. Since whenever possible, radiation exposure should be avoided during pregnancy, the benefits of an X-ray examination, with or without contrast media, should be carefully weighed against the possible risk. OMNIPAQUE should not be used in pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk and it is considered essential by the physician.
Approximately 0.5% of the weight adjusted maternal dose is excreted in breast milk during 24 hours after injection of iohexol. Nursing may be continued normally when iodinated contrast media are given to the mother.
It is not advisable to drive a car or use machines during the first 24 hours following intrathecal examination.
General (applies to all uses of iodinated contrast media):
Below are listed possible general side effects in relation with radiographic procedures, which include the use of non-ionic monomeric contrast media. For side effects specific to mode of administration, please refer to these specific sections. Serious reactions as well as fatalities are only seen on very rare occasions. Hypersensitivity reactions usually present as respiratory or cutaneous symptoms like dyspnoe, rash, erythema, urticaria, pruritus, skin disorder, angioneurotic oedema, laryngeal oedema, bronchospasm or pulmonary oedema. They may appear either immediately after the injection or up to a few days later. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur irrespectively of the dose and mode of administration and mild symptoms may represent the first signs of a serious anaphylactoid reaction/shock. Administration of the contrast medium must be discontinued immediately and, if necessary, specific therapy instituted via the vascular access. Patients using beta-blockers may present with atypical symptoms of anaphylaxis, which may be misinterpreted as a vagal reaction. An undesirable effect is said to be:
very frequent if its frequency is >= 10%
common if its frequency is between >= 1% and < 10%
uncommon if its frequency is between >= 0.1% and < 1%
rare if its frequency is between >= 0.01% and < 0.1%
very rare if its frequency is < 0.01%
Reactions, for which no frequency rate can be provided due to lack of clinical data, have been entered with 'Not known'. The listed frequencies are based on internal clinical documentation and published large- scale studies, comprising more than 90,000 patients.
| MedDRA System Organ Class | Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) | Frequency |
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity Anaphylactoid reaction/shock | Rare Not known |
| Nervous system disorders | Headache Dysgeusia | Rare Very rare |
| Cardiac disorders | Bradycardia | Rare |
| Vascular disorders | Hypertension Hypotension | Very rare Very rare |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Abdominal pain/discomfort Salivary gland enlargement | Uncommon Rare Very rare Very rare Not known |
| General disorders | Feeling hot Pyrexia Chills | Common Rare Very rare |
| Injury, poisoning and procedural complications | Iodism | Not known |
Intravascular Use (Intra-arterial and Intravenous Use)
Please first read the section labelled "General". Below, only undesirable events with frequency during intravascular use of OMNIPAQUE are described. The nature of the undesirable effects specifically seen during intraarterial use depends on the site of injection and dose given. Selective arteriographies and other procedures in which the contrast medium reaches a particular organ in high concentrations may be accompanied by complications in that particular organ. A transient increase in S-creatinine is common after iodinated contrast media, but usually is of no clinical relevance.
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| Endocrine disorders | Thyrotoxicosis | Not known |
| Psychiatric disorders | Confusional state | Not known |
| Nervous system disorders | Convulsion Motor dysfunction Sensory disturbance | Very rare Not known Not known |
| Eye disorders | Blindness transient | Not known |
| Cardiac disorders | Arrhythmia Cardiac arrest Myocardial ischaemia Ventricular hypokinesia | Rare Not known Not known Not known |
| Vascular disorders | Flushing Arterial spasm Ischaemia Thrombophlebitis Thrombosis | Very rare Not known Not known Not known Not known |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Cough Dyspnoea Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema Bronchospasm Laryngospasm | Very rare Very rare Very rare Not known Not known |
| Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders | Arthralgia | Not known |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Renal failure | Rare |
| General disorders | Feeling hot Pain Injection site reaction | Common Uncommon Not known |
Intrathecal use
Please first read the section labelled "General". Below, only undesirable events with frequency during intrathecal use of non-ionic monomer contrast media are described. Undesirable effects following intrathecal use may be delayed and present some hours or even days after the procedure. The frequency is similar to lumbar puncture alone.
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADR | Frequency |
| Psychiatric disorders | Confusional state | Not known |
| Nervous system disorders | Headache Meningitis chemical Convulsion Dizziness Electroencephalogram abnormal Meningism Motor dysfunction Paraesthesia Sensory disturbance | Very frequent Uncommon Rare Rare Not known Not known Not known Not known Not known |
| Eye disorders | Blindness transient Photophobia | Not known Not known |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea | Common Common Rare |
| Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders | Pain in extremity Neck pain Muscle spasms | Rare Rare Not known |
| General disorders | Injection site reaction | Not known |
Headache, nausea, vomiting or dizziness may largely be attributed to pressure loss in the subarachnoid space resulting from leakage at the puncture site. Excessive removal of cerebrospinal fluid should be avoided in order to minimise pressure loss. Use in Body Cavities Please first read the section labelled "General". Below, only undesirable events with frequency during use of non-ionic monomeric contrast media in body cavities are described.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Pancreatitis Blood amylase increased | Common Common |
Oral use:
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Diarrhoea Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain | Very frequent Common Common Uncommon |
Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Abdominal pain | Very frequent |
Arthrography:
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders | Arthritis | Not known |
| General disorders | Pain | Very frequent |
Herniography:
| MedDRA System Organ Class | ADRs | Frequency |
| General disorders | Pain | Not known |
Use of contrast media may result in a transient impairment of renal function and this may precipitate lactic acidosis in diabetics who are taking metformin (see Warnings and Precautions). Patients treated with interleukin-2 less than two weeks previously have been associated with an increased risk for delayed reactions (flu-like symptoms or skin reactions). Patients using beta blockers may present with atypical symptoms of anaphylaxis which may be misinterpreted as a vagal reaction. All iodinated contrast media may interfere with tests on thyroid function, thus the iodine binding capacity of the thyroid may be reduced for up to several weeks. High concentrations of contrast media in serum and urine can interfere with laboratory tests for bilirubin, proteins or inorganic substances (e.g. iron, copper, calcium and phosphate). These substances should therefore not be assayed on the day of examination.
Preclinical data indicate a high safety margin for OMNIPAQUE and no fixed upper dose level has been established for routine intravascular use. Symptomatic overdosing is unlikely in patients with normal renal function unless the patient has received an excess of 2000 mg I/kg body-weight over a limited period of time. The duration of the procedure is important for the renal tolerability of high doses of contrast media (t1/2 ~ 2 hours). Accidental overdosing is most likely following complex angiographic procedures in children, particularly when multiple injections of contrast medium with high-concentration are given. Clinical consequences of overdosage with OMNIPAQUE have not been reported. However, based on experience with other non-ionic myelographic media, physicians should be alert to a potential increase in the frequency and severity of CNS-mediated reactions. Even use of the recommended dose can produce effects tantamount to overdosage if incorrect management of the patient during or immediately following the procedure permits inadvertent early intracranial entry of a large portion of the medium. The maximum recommended dose of OMNIPAQUE by intrathecal administration is 3 g of iodine. In cases of overdose, any resulting water or electrolyte imbalance must be corrected. Renal function should be monitored for the next 3 days. If needed, haemodialysis may be used for clearance of excessive contrast medium. There is no specific antidote.
OMNIPAQUE should be stored at 2-30oC protected from light and secondary X-rays. The product in glass vials and bottles may be stored at 37oC for up to 3 months prior to use. The product in 50 ml polypropylene bottles may be stored at 37oC for up to 1 month prior to use. The product in 10 ml and 20 ml polypropylene bottles may be stored at 37oC for up to 1 week prior to use.
General Sale Medicine.
| 180 mg I/ml | 10 ml | Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles |
| 240 mg I/ml | 20 ml 50 ml 500 ml | Packs of 6 or 25 glass bottles and 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 6 bottles |
| 300 mg I/ml | 10 ml 20 ml 50 ml 75 ml 100 ml 150 ml 200 ml 500 ml | Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 6 or 25 glass bottles and 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 6 glass or polypropylene bottles |
Packs of 6 or 25 glass bottles and 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 glass or polypropylene bottles Packs of 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 6 glass or 6 and 10 polypropylene bottles Packs of 6 glass or 6 and 10 polypropylene bottles Not all presentations are marketed
Each millilitre of iohexol solution also contains 1.2 mg of tromethamine USP and 0.l mg of edetate calcium disodium USP with the pH adjusted between 6.8 and 7.6 with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. Solutions are sterilised by autoclaving and contain no preservatives. Unused portions must be discarded. The osmolality and viscosity values are follows:
| Concentration (mg I/ml) | Osmolality * (mol/kg) | Viscosity (mPa s) 20oC | Viscosity (mPa s) 37oC |
| 180 240 300 350 | 0.36 0.51 0.64 0.78 | 3.2 5.6 11.6 23.3 | 2.0 3.3 6.1 10.6 |
*
at 37oC, in aqueous solutions of iohexol.
OMNIPAQUE is isotonic to blood (300 mOsm/kg) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at a concentration of 140 mg I/ml. The density of OMNIPAQUE at the available concentrations is hyperbaric to CSF.
Like all parenteral products, OMNIPAQUE should be inspected visually for particulate matter, discoloration and the integrity of the container prior to use. The product should be drawn into the syringe immediately before use. Vials are intended for single use only, any unused portions must be discarded. The 500 ml contrast medium bottles should only be used in connection with auto injectors/pumps approved for this volume. A single piercing procedure should be used. The line running from the auto injector/pump to the patient must be exchanged after each patient. Any unused portions of the contrast medium remaining in the bottle and all connecting tubes must be discarded at the end of the day. When convenient, smaller bottles can also be used. Instructions from the manufacturer of the auto injector/pump must be followed.
Although no incompatibility has been found, OMNIPAQUE should not be directly mixed with other drugs. A separate syringe should be used.
Iohexol has a very low acute intravenous toxicity in mice and rats. Animal studies have shown that iohexol has a very low protein binding, and is well tolerated by the kidneys. The cardiovascular and neurotoxicity are low. The histamine release ability and the anticoagulant activity have been shown to be less than for ionic contrast media.
Body Cavities and Oral Use: A number of clinical trials have been carried out administering OMNIPAQUE into various body cavities including the oral route. There have been six studies using diluted OMNIPAQUE orally through a feeding tube or rectally in infants and children as a contrast agent in the gastrointestinal tract with good results. This procedure is advantageous when barium sulphate is contraindicated. Excellent images are obtained. In double-contrast arthrography, a randomised-double blind study (n=132) in patients with shoulder pain showed that image quality was good or excellent on CT examination in 96.1% of the group. Five studies have been carried out showing success in hysterosalpingography. There are four clinical studies using OMNIPAQUE in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It was found that LOWS (low osmolality water soluble) media (OMNIPAQUE) reduce the frequency and severity of post- procedural pancreatitis compared with higher osmolality ionic contrast agents. Efficacy for contrast agents is usually judged pragmatically by the adequacy of diagnostic information obtained. The primary outcome is the overall quality of visualisation and the secondary outcome includes good contrast opacity and satisfactory mucosal coating.
OMNIPAQUE is a trademark of GE Healthcare. GE and the GE monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company.
GE Healthcare 300 Great South Road PO Box 17122 Greenlane Auckland 1130. Ph (09) 523-5896 Fax (09) 522-7342
14 May 2009