The Basics
What is Diatrizoate?
contrast agent used during X-rays
Brand names for Diatrizoate
Hypaque, Gastrografin, Iothalmate, Urografin
How Diatrizoate is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Diatrizoate During Pregnancy
Diatrizoate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Diatrizoate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Diatrizoate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Diatrizoate?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of diatrizoate up to 38 g (containing 18.5 grams of iodine) produce low levels in milk. In addition, because diatrizoate is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Guidelines developed by several professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a iodine-containing contrast medium.[1][2][3][4]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of diatrizoate up to 38 g (containing 18.5 grams of iodine) produce low levels in milk. In addition, because diatrizoate is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Guidelines developed by several professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a iodine-containing contrast medium.[1][2][3][4]
Possible effects of Diatrizoate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Diatrizoate
Iohexol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2017;Version 10.3:102-3. https://www.acr.org/~/media/37D84428BF1D4E1B9A3A2918DA9E27A3.pdf
2. Webb JA, Thomsen HS, Morcos SK, Members of Contrast Media Safety Committee of European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR). The use of iodinated and gadolinium contrast media during pregnancy and lactation. Eur Radiol. 2005;15:1234-40. PMID: 15609057
3. Chen MM, Coakley FV, Kaimal A, Laros RK Jr. Guidelines for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging use during pregnancy and lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:333-40. PMID: 18669732
4. Committee Opinion No. 723: Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and Lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130:e210-e216. PMID: 28937575
5. Weyrauch U, Volkhardt V, Speck U. [Transfer of amidotrizoate in maternal milk following phlebography in a patient 10 days post partum]. Rofo. 1977;127:275-6. PMID: 143435
6. FitzJohn TP, Williams DG, Laker MF, Owen JP. Intravenous urography during lactation. Br J Radiol. 1982;55:603-5. PMID: 7116094
7. Texier F, Roque D’Orbcastel O, Etling N. [Stable iodine level in human milk after pulmonary angiography]. Presse Med (Paris). 1983;19:769. Letter. PMID: 6220321
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
