The Basics
What is Ioxaglate?
A contrast agent used during a CT scan or x-ray to diagnose many different medical conditions.
Brand names for Ioxaglate
Hexabrix
How Ioxaglate is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Ioxaglate During Pregnancy
Ioxaglate 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 Ioxaglate while pregnant
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, and rabbits at doses up to two times the maximum adult human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to HEXABRIX. There are however no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Ioxaglate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ioxaglate?
Intravenous iodinated contrast media are poorly excreted into breastmilk and poorly absorbed orally so they are 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] However, because there is no published experience with ioxaglate during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Intravenous iodinated contrast media are poorly excreted into breastmilk and poorly absorbed orally so they are 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] However, because there is no published experience with ioxaglate during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Ioxaglate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ioxaglate
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 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
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.
