The Basics
What is Iohexol?
Iodinated contrast agent used to help diagnose or find problems in the brain, back, heart, head, blood vessels, and other parts of the body.
Brand names for Iohexol
Omnipaque
How Iohexol is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Iohexol During Pregnancy
Iohexol pregnancy category
Category BNote 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 Iohexol while pregnant
N/A
Taking Iohexol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Iohexol?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of iohexol up to 45.3 grams (containing 21 grams of iodine) produce low levels in milk. In addition, because iohexol is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. The manufacturer states that withholding breastfeeding for 10 hours after administration to minimize the exposure of the infant; however, 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 iohexol up to 45.3 grams (containing 21 grams of iodine) produce low levels in milk. In addition, because iohexol is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. The manufacturer states that withholding breastfeeding for 10 hours after administration to minimize the exposure of the infant; however, 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 Iohexol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Iohexol
Diatrizoate.
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 et al. 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. Nielsen ST, Matheson I, Rasmussen JN et al. Excretion of iohexol and metrizoate in human breast milk. Acta Radiol. 1987;28:523-6. PMID: 2960342
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.
