Iomeprol

Iomeprol is a low osmolality, non-ionic organic molecule with radio-opacity conferred by an iodine content of 49% of the molecular weight. It is formulated for use as an intravascular/intracavitary/intrathecal contrast medium in concentrations of up to 400mg iodine per ml. Even at this concentration the low viscosity allows delivery of high doses through thin catheters.

The pharmacokinetics of intravascularly administered iomeprol are similar to those of other iodinated contrast media and conform to a two-compartment model with a rapid distribution and a slower elimination phase. In healthy subjects, the mean distribution and elimination half-lives of iomeprol were 0.5 hours and 1.9 hours respectively.

Distribution volume is similar to that of extra cellular fluid. There is no significant serum protein binding and iomeprol is not metabolized.

Elimination is almost exclusively through the kidneys (90% of the dose recovered in the urine within 96 hours of its administration) and is rapid (50% of an intravascularly administered dose within 2 hours).

Following intrathecal administration to animals, iomeprol is completely cleared from the CSF and passes into the plasma compartment.

Pre-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, toxicity to reproduction.

Results from studies in rats, mice and dogs demonstrate that iomeprol has an acute intravenous or intra-arterial toxicity similar to that of the other non-ionic contrast media, as well as a good systemic tolerability after repeated intravenous administrations in rats and dogs.