1 safety notice
Safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Developmental toxicity studies were carried out in rats (gestation day 7 to 17) and rabbits (gestation day 6 to 18) given ioversol at the following intravenous doses: 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day.
Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were not detected in either species, while maternal toxicity was detected in rabbits at 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day.[L41780]
Serious adverse reactions have been reported due to the inadvertent intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast media that are not indicated for intrathecal use such as ioversol.
Serious adverse reactions have been reported due to the inadvertent intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast media that are not indicated for intrathecal use such as ioversol.
Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Source: DrugBank (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring
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Official medicine documents
Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0
Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)Safety monitoring data
Yellow Card reports
MHRA
The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Ioversol
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Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
EMA
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Ioversol
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Clinical guidelines and formulary information
British National Formulary
Ioversol
BNF
Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.ukSource: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Supply & product information
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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NHS UK identifiers
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
1.5 hr
Mechanism
Ioversol is a highly soluble non-ionic ionidated contrast agent.
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
None mapped
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
150 mL
Healthy volunteers that received 50 and 150 mL of ioversol, had a corresponding Cmax of 1.45…
Half-life
1.5 hr
The elimination half-life was 1.5 hr in healthy volunteers (n=12) receiving 50 and 150 mL of ioversol 68%.
[L41780]…
[L41780]…
Protein binding
Ioversol does not bind to serum or plasma proteins.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Volume of distribution
0.26 L/kg
In adults, the volume of distribution of ioversol was 0.26 L/kg body weight, consistent with its extracellular space distribution.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Metabolism
Ioversol does not undergo significant metabolism, deiodination or biotransformation.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Elimination
24 hours
Following intravascular administration, ioversol is excreted mainly through the kidneys.
[L41785]…
[L41785]…
Clearance
50 mL
In healthy volunteers that received 50 mL of ioversol, clearance was 156 mL/min, and in those receiving 150 mL of ioversol, clearance was 185 mL/min.
[A248450]…
[A248450]…
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Status:
Approved
Small molecule
About this compound
Ioversol is a non-ionic compound with a tri-iodinated benzene ring used as a contrast dye in diagnostic procedures to visualize different types of organs and tissues.[L41780] Iodine has a high atomic density, which gives it the ability to attenuate X-rays.[L41790] The intravascular administration of iodine compounds, such as ioversol, enhances the contrast between vessels in the path of the flow of the contrast medium and normal tissue, allowing the visualization of internal structures.[L41780] Ioversol is a highly hydrophilic agent considered to be generally safe[L41790]; however, serious adverse reactions have been reported due to the inadvertent intrathecal administration of ioversol, which is only indicated for intra-arterial and intravenous use.[L41780]
Ioversol was approved by the FDA in 1989 and is currently indicated for computed tomographic (CT) imaging and contrast enhancement in peripheral arteriography, coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography.[L41780][L41790]
Ioversol was approved by the FDA in 1989 and is currently indicated for computed tomographic (CT) imaging and contrast enhancement in peripheral arteriography, coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography.[L41780][L41790]
Properties:
solid
Avg. mass: 807.12 Da
DrugBank indication
As the product Optiray 300, the intra-arterial use of ioversol is indicated for cerebral arteriography and peripheral arteriography in adults, while its intravenous use is indicated for CT imaging of the head and body, venography, and intravenous excretory urography in adults.
[L41780]
As the product Optiray 320, the intra-arterial use of ioversol is indicated for cerebral arteriography, peripheral arteriography, visceral and renal arteriography, aortography, coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography in adults, and angiocardiography in pediatic patients.
[L41780]
The intravenous use of this product is indicated for CT imaging of the head and body, venography, and intravenous excretory urography in adults and CT imaging of the head and body, and intravenous excretory urography in pediatric patients.
[L41780]
As the product Optiray 350, the intra-arterial use of ioversol is indicated for peripheral arteriography coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography in adults, and angiocardiography in pediatic patients.
[L41780]
The intravenous use of this product is indicated for CT imaging of the head and body, venography, intravenous excretory urography, and intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) in adults and CT imaging of the head and body, and intravenous excretory urography in pediatric patients.
[L41780]
[L41780]
As the product Optiray 320, the intra-arterial use of ioversol is indicated for cerebral arteriography, peripheral arteriography, visceral and renal arteriography, aortography, coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography in adults, and angiocardiography in pediatic patients.
[L41780]
The intravenous use of this product is indicated for CT imaging of the head and body, venography, and intravenous excretory urography in adults and CT imaging of the head and body, and intravenous excretory urography in pediatric patients.
[L41780]
As the product Optiray 350, the intra-arterial use of ioversol is indicated for peripheral arteriography coronary arteriography, and left ventriculography in adults, and angiocardiography in pediatic patients.
[L41780]
The intravenous use of this product is indicated for CT imaging of the head and body, venography, intravenous excretory urography, and intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) in adults and CT imaging of the head and body, and intravenous excretory urography in pediatric patients.
[L41780]
Also known as(3)
Ioversol
N,N'-Bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl) -glycolamido] -2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide
Optiray
Dosage forms(37)
Injection, solution (Intra-arterial; Intravenous) — 160 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Intra-arterial; Intravenous) — 240 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Intra-arterial; Intravenous) — 300 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Intra-arterial; Intravenous) — 320 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Intra-arterial; Intravenous) — 350 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Parenteral) — 300 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Parenteral) — 320 MG/ML
Injection, solution (Parenteral) — 350 MG/ML
Molecular properties(19)
Drug interactions(734)
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Aldesleukin
Moderate
The risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to Ioversol is increased when it is combined with Aldesleukin.
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Ioversol is combined with Metformin.
Cyclosporine
Moderate
Cyclosporine may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Icosapent may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefotiam may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Mesalazine
Moderate
Mesalazine may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefmenoxime
Moderate
Cefmenoxime may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefmetazole
Moderate
Cefmetazole may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Pamidronic acid
Moderate
Pamidronic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Tenofovir disoproxil
Moderate
Tenofovir disoproxil may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Indomethacin
Moderate
Indomethacin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cidofovir may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefpiramide
Moderate
Cefpiramide may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Ceftazidime
Moderate
Ceftazidime may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Loracarbef
Moderate
Loracarbef may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefalotin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Nabumetone
Moderate
Nabumetone may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Ketorolac may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Tenoxicam may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Celecoxib may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefotaxime
Moderate
Cefotaxime may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Tolmetin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Foscarnet may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Rofecoxib may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Piroxicam may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Methotrexate
Moderate
Methotrexate may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cephalexin
Moderate
Cephalexin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Fenoprofen
Moderate
Fenoprofen may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Valaciclovir
Moderate
Valaciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Valdecoxib
Moderate
Valdecoxib may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Diclofenac
Moderate
Diclofenac may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Sulindac may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Bacitracin
Moderate
Bacitracin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Amphotericin B
Moderate
Amphotericin B may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cephaloglycin
Moderate
Cephaloglycin may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Flurbiprofen
Moderate
Flurbiprofen may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Adefovir dipivoxil
Moderate
Adefovir dipivoxil may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Pentamidine
Moderate
Pentamidine may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Etodolac may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Mefenamic acid
Moderate
Mefenamic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Acyclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Naproxen may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Sulfasalazine
Moderate
Sulfasalazine may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Phenylbutazone
Moderate
Phenylbutazone may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Meloxicam may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Carprofen may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Cefaclor may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Diflunisal
Moderate
Diflunisal may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Tacrolimus
Moderate
Tacrolimus may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Ceforanide
Moderate
Ceforanide may decrease the excretion rate of Ioversol which could result in a higher serum level.
Showing 50 of 734 interactions
Toxicity & overdose
Ioversol overdosage causes life-threatening adverse effects, mainly in the pulmonary and cardiovascular system.
[L41780]
In case of an overdose, treatment must focus on the support of vital functions and the prompt institution of symptomatic therapy.
[L41785]
The carcinogenic potential of ioversol has not been evaluated, and non-clinical studies suggest that ioversol is not mutagenic and does not affect fertility.
[L41780]
The LD50 values in mice and rats are 17 g/kg and 15 g/kg respectively. Developmental toxicity studies were carried out in rats (gestation day 7 to 17) and rabbits (gestation day 6 to 18) given ioversol at the following intravenous doses: 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day. Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were not detected in either species, while maternal toxicity was detected in rabbits at 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day.
[L41780]
Serious adverse reactions have been reported due to the inadvertent intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast media that are not indicated for intrathecal use such as ioversol.
These serious adverse reactions include death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema.
[L41780]
Caution must be exercised in patients with severely impaired renal function, combined renal and hepatic disease, severe thyrotoxicosis, myelomatosis, or anuria, particularly when large doses are administered.
[L41785]
[L41780]
In case of an overdose, treatment must focus on the support of vital functions and the prompt institution of symptomatic therapy.
[L41785]
The carcinogenic potential of ioversol has not been evaluated, and non-clinical studies suggest that ioversol is not mutagenic and does not affect fertility.
[L41780]
The LD50 values in mice and rats are 17 g/kg and 15 g/kg respectively. Developmental toxicity studies were carried out in rats (gestation day 7 to 17) and rabbits (gestation day 6 to 18) given ioversol at the following intravenous doses: 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day. Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were not detected in either species, while maternal toxicity was detected in rabbits at 0.8, and 3.2 g iodine/kg/day.
[L41780]
Serious adverse reactions have been reported due to the inadvertent intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast media that are not indicated for intrathecal use such as ioversol.
These serious adverse reactions include death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema.
[L41780]
Caution must be exercised in patients with severely impaired renal function, combined renal and hepatic disease, severe thyrotoxicosis, myelomatosis, or anuria, particularly when large doses are administered.
[L41785]
How it works
Mechanism of action
Ioversol is a highly soluble non-ionic ionidated contrast agent. Intravascular injection of ioversol opacifies those vessels in the path of the flow of the contrast medium, allowing the radiographic visualization of the internal structures until significant hemodilution occurs.[L41780] In imaging procedures, ioversol diffuses from the vascular to the extravascular space. In brains with an intact blood-brain barrier, this agent does not diffuse to the extravascular space. However, in patients with a disrupted blood-brain barrier, ioversol accumulates in the interstitial space of the disrupted region.[L41780] As the product Optiray, ioversol enhances computed tomographic imaging through augmentation of radiographic efficiency with the degree of density enhancement directly related to the iodine content in an administered dose.[L41785]
Pharmacodynamics
The contrast enhancement obtained with ioversol is related to iodine content. Immediately after ioversol is injected, a peak in iodine plasma levels can be detected. However, depending on the organ being imaged, the time to maximum contrast will vary.[L41780] The time to maximum contrast enhancement will range from the time iodine plasma levels reach their highest concentration to one hour after intravenous bolus administration. The delay between a peak in iodine plasma levels and maximum contrast enhancement is partly due to the accumulation of iodine-containing medium within a lesion and outside the blood pool.[L41780]
For angiographies, the maximum contrast enhancement of ioversol occurs almost immediately (15-120 seconds). Following rapid intravenous injection, ioversol can be visualized in the renal parenchyma within 30 to 60 seconds. In patients with normal renal function, opacification of the calyces and pelves takes place within 1-3 minutes, with an optimum contrast within 5-15 minutes.[L41780]
For angiographies, the maximum contrast enhancement of ioversol occurs almost immediately (15-120 seconds). Following rapid intravenous injection, ioversol can be visualized in the renal parenchyma within 30 to 60 seconds. In patients with normal renal function, opacification of the calyces and pelves takes place within 1-3 minutes, with an optimum contrast within 5-15 minutes.[L41780]
Pharmacokinetics
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Absorption
Healthy volunteers that received 50 and 150 mL of ioversol, had a corresponding Cmax of 1.45 mg/mL and 2.36 mg/mL and a corresponding tmax of 2.0 min and 4.3 min.
[A248450]
AUC was 1.74 mg⋅hr/mL in healthy volunteers that received 50 mL of ioversol, and 4.43 mg⋅hr/mL in those that received 150 mL.
[A248450]
The pharmacokinetics of ioversol follow an open two compartment model with first-order elimination.
[L41785]
Since ioversol is almost completely excreted by the kidney as a parent drug, patients with renal impairment are expected to have a lower elimination rate.
[L41780]
[A248450]
AUC was 1.74 mg⋅hr/mL in healthy volunteers that received 50 mL of ioversol, and 4.43 mg⋅hr/mL in those that received 150 mL.
[A248450]
The pharmacokinetics of ioversol follow an open two compartment model with first-order elimination.
[L41785]
Since ioversol is almost completely excreted by the kidney as a parent drug, patients with renal impairment are expected to have a lower elimination rate.
[L41780]
Half-life
The elimination half-life was 1.5 hr in healthy volunteers (n=12) receiving 50 and 150 mL of ioversol 68%.
[L41780]
In patients with renal dysfunction, the elimination half-life of ioversol is prolonged.
[L41785]
[L41780]
In patients with renal dysfunction, the elimination half-life of ioversol is prolonged.
[L41785]
Protein binding
Ioversol does not bind to serum or plasma proteins.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Volume of distribution
In adults, the volume of distribution of ioversol was 0.26 L/kg body weight, consistent with its extracellular space distribution.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Metabolism
Ioversol does not undergo significant metabolism, deiodination or biotransformation.
[L41780]
[L41780]
Route of elimination
Following intravascular administration, ioversol is excreted mainly through the kidneys.
[L41785]
Within the first 24 hours, more than 95% of the administered dose is excreted. Urine concentration peaks in the first 2 hours after ioversol is administered.
[L41780]
Fecal elimination is negligible.
[L41785]
[L41785]
Within the first 24 hours, more than 95% of the administered dose is excreted. Urine concentration peaks in the first 2 hours after ioversol is administered.
[L41780]
Fecal elimination is negligible.
[L41785]
Clearance
In healthy volunteers that received 50 mL of ioversol, clearance was 156 mL/min, and in those receiving 150 mL of ioversol, clearance was 185 mL/min.
[A248450]
[A248450]
Scientific references(1)
Wilkins R.A., Whittington J.R., Brigden G.S., Lahiri A., Heber M.E., Hughes L.O.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of ioversol in healthy volunteers.
Invest Radiology
1989 Oct24(10):781-8. doi: 10.1097/00004424-198910000-00011
ATC classification(1 code)
ATC V08AB07
Affected organisms(1)
Humans and other mammals
International brands(3)
Experimental properties(3)
Commercial products(16)
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Show
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Ioversol
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al
DrugBank 6.
0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024
Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank 5.
0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018
Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
Show earlier publications
Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al
DrugBank 4.
0: shedding new light on drug metabolism
Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al
DrugBank 3.
0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.
Nucleic Acids Research
2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.
Nucleic Acids Research
2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72
Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0
Updated about 1 month ago(4 Mar 2026)