Ipodate sodium will probably interfere with subsequent radioisotope uptake studies of thyroid function for a period of time. In the event of inadequate visualization of the gallbladder and ducts, the examination may be repeated once on the same day or on the following day. Nonvisualization on the second occasion indicates inadequate absorption or excretion of the oral medium, or a nonfunctioning gallbladder. The patient should be rescheduled for confirmatory i.v. cholecystocholangiography after 4 or 5 days. Dosage should never exceed 6 g in any one day.
Caution is required in patients with liver disease or cardiovascular disease, including hypotension.
Increasing the dosage above that recommended increases the possibility of hypotension. Anuria may result when this preparation is administered to patients with combined renal and hepatic disease or severe renal impairment. Ipodate sodium is usually well tolerated. Unwanted effects such as mild and transient nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea sometimes occur but the incidence can be reduced by restricting the dosage to 3 g. Headache, dysuria, or abdominal pains may occur infrequently as transient disturbances. They are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria, and in those who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to iodine compounds.