iohexol

Iohexol is a non-ionic, water-soluble, low-osmolar iodinated contrast medium (LOCM) widely used in diagnostic radiology. Developed by Nycomed (now part of GE Healthcare) and marketed under the brand name Omnipaque, it is utilized for a broad spectrum of procedures including angiography, urography, CT enhancement, and myelography. Chemically, it contains three iodine atoms per molecule, which provide high X-ray attenuation. Beyond its role as an imaging agent, iohexol is considered a "gold standard" exogenous marker for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Its pharmacokinetic profile is ideal for this purpose: it is freely filtered by the glomerulus, undergoes negligible tubular secretion or reabsorption, and is not metabolized, allowing for precise assessment of renal function in clinical research and complex patient populations, such as those with obesity or advanced chronic kidney disease.

Brand names

OmnipaqueAccupaque

Other names

1-N,3-N-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-[acetyl(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]-2,4,6-triiodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxamide