Patient Details

Vizinect®

Generic Name: Iodixanol
Iodine Content: 320 mg/mL
Dosage Forms: 20 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL vials

1. What is Vizinect® and its Uses?

Vizinect® is an isotonic aqueous solution containing iodixanol, a non-ionic, dimeric contrast agent.

Indications in Adults:

Cardiac angiography
Cerebral angiography
Peripheral arteriography
Abdominal angiography (e.g., DSA)
Urography and venography
CT enhancement
Upper gastrointestinal tract studies
Arthrography and hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Spinal, chest, and cervical imaging

Indications in Children:

Cardiac angiography
Urography
CT enhancement
Upper gastrointestinal tract studies

2. Before Using Vizinect®

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to iodixanol or any component of the formulation
Thyrotoxicosis
Intrathecal administration (not approved)

Warnings & Precautions:

Allergy or asthma history: Use caution; premedication with corticosteroids or H1/H2 antagonists may be considered.
Risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis; emergency medications and equipment should be available. Monitor patients closely for at least 30 minutes post-injection.
Thromboembolic events: Rarely, serious events such as myocardial infarction or stroke may occur. Proper catheter technique and hydration are essential.
Dehydration: Can lead to kidney injury, particularly in elderly, diabetic, or patients with multiple myeloma or renal impairment. Ensure adequate hydration before and after injection.
Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease: Use caution in patients with acute stroke, intracranial bleeding, altered blood-brain barrier, cerebral edema, or demyelinating disease.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Clearance of iodixanol may be significantly reduced; close monitoring required.
Metformin use: Suspend metformin at the time of contrast administration and for 48 hours afterward. Restart only after renal function is re-evaluated.
Special populations: Patients with hyperthyroidism, sickle cell disease, severe heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, seizure disorders, myasthenia gravis, or pheochromocytoma require special precautions.

Drug Interactions:

Loop diuretics: May increase nephrotoxicity risk
Metformin: Risk of lactic acidosis due to contrast-induced renal impairment
Radioactive iodine (I-123, I-131): Contrast may interfere with thyroid uptake for 6–8 weeks
Beta-blockers: May increase risk of hypersensitivity reactions

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

Safety not established in pregnancy; use only if benefits outweigh risks
Iodixanol is minimally excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding can usually continue
Neonatal thyroid function should be monitored after maternal contrast exposure

Pediatrics:

Safe in children >1 year for arterial and IV studies
Safety data for <1 year limited; close monitoring required in high-risk infants
Increased risk in children with kidney impairment, dehydration, asthma, or cyanotic/non-cyanotic heart disease

Elderly:

No major differences in safety compared to younger adults, but use caution due to possible comorbidities and organ dysfunction

Driving & Operating Machinery:

Avoid for 1 hour post-injection

3. Administration & Dosage

General Instructions:

Hydrate well before and after the procedure to minimize kidney risk
Not for intrathecal use; IV only
Dose, concentration, and injection rate adjusted for patient age, weight, vessel size, flow rate, and imaging technique
Warm to room or body temperature before injection
Avoid extravasation, especially in severe vascular disease
Injection rate should approximate normal blood flow
Do not mix with other drugs or nutrition lines
Dose tailored for optimal imaging of target vessels

Dosage:

Adults and children: Depends on procedure, age, weight, cardiac output, patient condition, and imaging technique

Overdose:

Rare; treat symptomatically
Maintain hydration and electrolytes
Monitor renal function for at least 3 days
Hemodialysis may be required to remove iodixanol

4. Side Effects

Common:

Discomfort, warmth, or pain at injection site

Less common:

Angina, chest pain, headache, migraine, dizziness, altered smell, paresthesia, rash, itching, taste changes, nausea

Severe hypersensitivity (rare):

Respiratory or skin reactions, angioedema, hypotension, fever, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, pulmonary edema
Autoimmune patients: rare vasculitis or Stevens–Johnson-like syndrome

Procedure-specific common reactions:

HSG: abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, headache, nausea, fever
Arthrography: injection site pain
GI: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea

5. Storage

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture, in the original box
Single-use only; discard any remaining solution
Keep out of reach of children
Do not use expired product

Vizinect^®