iodixanol

Iodixanol (brand name VISIPAQUE) is an iodine-containing nonionic dimeric hydrophilic contrast agent for intravascular (intravenous and intra-arterial) use during coronary angiography. Pharmacodynamics studies indicated that iodixanol had fewer cardiovascular effects, caused less renal damage and were associated with similar or smaller changes to the blood-brain barrier and neurological function when compared with nonionic contrast media. It is known, that the organic iodine compounds attenuate x-rays as they pass through the body, thereby allowing the body structures containing iodine to be delineated in contrast to those structures that do not contain iodine. The degree of opacity produced by these compounds is directly proportional to the total amount (concentration and volume) of the iodinated contrast agent in the path of the x-rays. Thus, after intravascular administration, iodixanol makes opaque those internal structures in its path of flow, allowing their visualization until significant hemodilution and elimination occur. — NCATS