Iodixanol - A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and diagnostic use as an x-ray contrast medium

Iodixanol is an iso-osmolal nonionic dimeric hydrophilic contrast agent. It has similar diagnostic efficacy to that of other iodinated contrast media. Because of its physical properties, iodixanol would be expected to produce a lower incidence of adverse events than other nondimeric contrast media. Indeed, pharmacodynamic studies indicate that iodixanol has fewer cardiovascular effects, causes less renal damage and is associated with similar or smaller changes to the blood-brain barrier and neurological function when compared with nondimeric nonionic contrast media. In clinical trials, iodixanol had a similar tolerability profile to other nonionic contrast media but induced fewer adverse events than ioxaglate. Iodixanol appears to have an advantage over other contrast media in that it generally causes less frequent and less intense discomfort on injection. However, in common with other newer, and usually nonionic, contrast media, iodixanol is expensive. Studies investigating other nonionic contrast media (but not iodixanol) have shown that it is not cost-effective in all patients to replace older, usually ionic, contrast media with more costly newer alternatives. Nonetheless, in selected patients who are considered at increased risk of contrast medium-associated adverse events, nonionic agents should be used. Iodixanol, with its lower intensity (and possible frequency) of discomfort, may be a preferred option in these patients.