The Basics
What is Iodixanol?
An agent used in diagnostic imaging.
Brand names for Iodixanol
Visipaque
How Iodixanol is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Iodixanol During Pregnancy
Iodixanol 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 Iodixanol while pregnant
Reproduction studies performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 2.0 gI/kg [1.3 times the maximum recommended dose for a 50 kg human, or approximately 0.2 (rat) and 0.4 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended dose for a 50 kg human following normalization of the data to body surface estimates] have not revealed evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to iodixanol. Adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Iodixanol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Iodixanol?
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. One report of very small amounts of iodine from iodixanol in breastmilk supports this generalization. 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
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. One report of very small amounts of iodine from iodixanol in breastmilk supports this generalization. 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 Iodixanol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Iodixanol
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-e216.5 PMID: 2893757
5. Chruscicki A, Morton AR, Akbari A et al. Composition of human breast milk in acute kidney injury. Obstetric Med. 2017;10:79-82. PMID: 28680467
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.
