A Comparison Between the Contraindications of Omanipaque and Visipaque

A Comparison Between the Contraindications of Omanipaque and Visipaque

            Drugs have a way of relieving the pain and discomfort that patients experience. Some have been specifically made in order to trace the reasons for such discomfort. One of these drugs is known as the contrast agent. However, the contraindications that these drugs may have on people should be taken into great consideration, so as to avoid more discomfort to patients. Two of the most famous contrast agents include Ioxol (Omanipaque) and  Iodixanol (Vispaque).

              The contradindications of Ioxol (Omanipaque) are similar to those of other drugs. However, thyrotoxicosis becomes more visible with every use. People who had previous reactions to the said drug are also contraindicated (GE Healthcare, April 23, 2006). In addition to this, the drug should not be given to patients who are allergic to Iohexol so that allergic reactions may be prevented. When bacteria is present in the body, Myelography is not advised for this may cause the bacteria to spread rather than treated (GE Healthcare Inc., February 2008).

            When the drug is administered orally, the drug may have its effects on the intestines of the patient causing hypovolemia. Younger patients, such as children, would also experience Diarrhea that would eventually lead to hypovolemia. Elderly patients, on the other hand, may experience loss of the plasma fluid that could lead to shock. If not treated accordingly, this would lead to more serious contraindications to patients (Drugs, 2009)

            Similar to Ioxol (Omanipaque), patients who have bacteria in their body should not be given Iodixanol (Vispaque). This may be attributed to the fact that the bacteria would inhibit the effect of the drug on the patient of the body. In addition to this, the drug should not be administered to pregnant and lactating patients for the drug may also have negative effects on the baby (Peace Health, July 25, 2006). Sometimes, it is better to become more careful than to regret the negative effects in the future.

Iodixanol (Visipaque) on the other hand, is more sensitive to patients than Ioxol (Omanipaque). Intake of the said drug would eventually lead to dehydration, and in so doing, patients should be flushed with water while undergoing treatment. This would also help the kidneys to function properly and avoid any damage whatsoever. The elderly patients should also be given special care, especially when handling these drugs. More care should also be given to the renal function of an elderly, so that further complications may be avoided (Med Help, February 11, 2008).

            Furthermore, other diseases may also be attributed to the administration of Iodixanol (Vispaque). Sickle Cell disease becomes visible to patients who have been intraarterially or intravenously injected with the drug. Patients who have a history of Multiple Myeloma and other similar diseases should not be administered with Iodixanol (Vispaque). This would become harmful to their body that may eventually lead to more complications (GE Healthcare Canada Inc., May 25, 2006, p. 7). As such, the patients should always make sure that each procedure conducted in their body should be approved and checked by their attending physicians.

            Evidently, both drugs have similar effects on the body of the patients. One factor that may be considered is their dosage and method of administration to the patients. As contrast agents, both have the same use on the patients. However, their contraindications would become the very basis as to what the physicians would opt to use on the patients.

            Sometimes, it is not bad to be careful when trying to medicate someone. Numerous tests and medical histories may be required before a certain drug may become cleared for administration, but these become the very core for a patient to be alleviated of the pain endured. Drugs are there for their numerous reasons, and regardless of how effective they may all seem, it is always important to put the safety of humans above anything else.

References

(2009). Omnipaque. Drugs.com. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://www.drugs.com/pro/omnipaque.html#S3Precautions.

(2009). Omnipaque UK prescribing information. GE Healthcare. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://www.omnipaque.com/uk-prescribing-information.shtml.

Peace Health. (July 25, 2006). Iodixanol. Retrived February 23, 2009 from http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/multum/d04016a1.htm

Med Help. (February 11, 2008). Visipaque. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://www.medhelp.org/drugs/Visipaque/show/3022

GE Healthcare Canada Inc. (2006). Visipaque (Iodixanol). Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://www.gehealthcare.com/caen/md/docs/visipaquepieng.pdf