← Search & browse all drugs
VARIOUS › CONTRAST MEDIA › X-RAY CONTRAST MEDIA, IODINATED › Watersoluble, nephrotropic, low osmolar X-ray contrast media
metrizamide
V08AB01
Forms & Strengths
- Intrathecal powder for reconstitution: 67.3g metrizamide (providing 30g iodine per vial)
- Intrathecal solution: various concentrations (e.g., 190 mg I/mL to 300 mg I/mL)
Adult Dosing
- Myelography (lumbar approach): 2 to 20 mL of 190 mg I/mL to 300 mg I/mL solution, depending on the region examined
- Myelography (cisternal approach): 6 to 10 mL of 190 mg I/mL solution
- Ventriculography: 1 to 3 mL of 190 mg I/mL solution
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been firmly established; use is generally avoided or restricted based on institutional protocols and clinical necessity.
Indications
- Radiographic contrast agent used primarily for myelography (lumbar, thoracic, cervical, and total columnar)
- Ventriculography
- Cisternography
Mechanism of Action
- Non-ionic, water-soluble radiopaque contrast medium containing iodine
- Absorbs X-rays, thereby outlining internal structures and neural tissues in the cerebrospinal fluid pathways during fluoroscopy and computed tomography
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metrizamide or other iodinated contrast media
- Intrathecal administration in the presence of significant local infection or active meningeal hemorrhage
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment when combined
- Recent intrathecal administration of corticosteroids
Adverse Reactions
- Headache (often severe)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Aseptic meningitis
- Seizures and encephalopathy (especially with inadvertent intracranial migration of high concentrations)
- Transient EEG abnormalities
Drug Interactions
- Neuroleptic drugs (phenothiazines, butyrophenones): lower the seizure threshold and are contraindicated or must be discontinued at least 48 hours before and 24 hours after myelography
- MAO inhibitors: discontinue at least 14 days prior to procedure
- Tricyclic antidepressants: lower seizure threshold, should be withheld before myelography
- Other intrathecal drugs: concurrent use strictly avoided
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use