Nonionic Contrast Media (Low Osmolar Contrast Media - LOCM)

Here are some characteristics of nonionic contrast agents:

A. Do not dissociate into anions and cations

B. Water soluble

C. Six iodine atoms per molecule

D. Increased solubility in plasma

 

Advantages of Nonionic:

1. Lower osmolality

2. No ionic breakdown and less toxic at cellular level

3. More water soluble in blood plasma

4. Warmed to increase viscosity

5. Less likely to cause patient reaction

6. More tolerable by patients

7. High contrast effect resulting from number of iodine atoms per molecule

8. Reduced injection volumes

9. Nonionic, low-osmolality contrast agents have reduced patient reactions, but reactions are still a reality of imaging

 

Examples:

1. Iopamidol-370

2. Isovue-300

3. Isovue-370

4. Optiray 160

5. Optiray 240

6. Optiray 300

7. Optiray 320

8. Optiray 350

9. Oxilan

10. Visipaque