Radiopaque Agent- Diagnostic (Oral Route, Rectal Route, Intravenous Route, Intra-Arterial Route, Intraspinal Route)

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Radiopaque Agent- Diagnostic (Oral Route, Rectal Route, Intravenous Route, Intra-Arterial Route, Intraspinal Route)

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Description

Radiopaque agents are drugs used to help diagnose certain medical problems. They contain iodine, which absorbs x-rays. Depending on how they are given, radiopaque agents build up in a particular area of the body. The resulting high level of iodine allows the x-rays to make a "picture" of the area.

The radiopaque agents are used in the diagnosis of:

• Biliary tract problems—Diatrizoates, Iodipamide, Iohexol, Iothalamate
• Blood vessel diseases—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide
• Blood vessel diseases of the brain—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate
• Blood vessel diseases of the heart—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide
• Brain diseases and tumors—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide
• Breast lesions—Diatrizoates
• Heart disease—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide
• Impaired flow of cerebrospinal fluid in brain—Iohexol, Iopamidol, Metrizamide
• Kidney diseases—Diatrizoates, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate
• Joint diseases—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iothalamate, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide
• Liver diseases—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate
• Pancreas disease—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate
• Spinal disk diseases—Diatrizoates
• Spleen diseases—Diatrizoates, Iothalamate
• Stomach and intestinal problems—Diatrizoates, Iohexol
• Urinary tract problems—Diatrizoates, Iohexol, Iopamidol, Iothalamate, Ioversol, Ioxaglate, Metrizamide

Radiopaque agents are taken by mouth or given by enema or injection. X-rays are then used to check if there are any problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, or other parts of the body.

Some radiopaque agents, such as iohexol, iopamidol, and metrizamide are given by injection into the spinal canal. X-rays are then used to help diagnose problems or diseases in the head, spinal canal, and nervous system.

The doses of radiopaque agents will be different for different patients and depend on the type of test. The strength of the solution is determined by how much iodine it contains. Different tests will require a different strength and amount of solution depending on the age of the patient, the contrast needed, and the x-ray equipment used.

A catheter or syringe is used to put the solution of the radiopaque agent into the bladder or ureters to help diagnose problems or diseases of the kidneys or other areas of the urinary tract. It may also be placed into the uterus and fallopian tubes to help diagnose problems or disease of those organs. After the test is done, the patient expels most of the solution by urinating (after bladder or ureter studies) or from the vagina (after uterine or fallopian tube studies).

Radiopaque agents are to be used only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

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