Omnipaque Query

[cupotee2]

Hi, my husband had a CT Scan on his upper bowel,middle of last week.

He was prescribed Omnipaque to take 3 times the previous day and another dose 90 mins before the scan plus an injection immediately prior to the scan.

The last dose upset his tummy..however scan went ok but not had results yet.

Every day since, he has had diarrhea 4-5 times a day. Does anyone know if this prolonged problem is part of the side effects of the medication.

He is quite worried by it.

I'd be most grateful if anyone has experience to share please.

[Peter Pedant]

package insert says that diarrhoea occurs but is of short duration

http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/diagnostic-agents/radiographic-and-bowel-preparations/iohexol/omnipaque-intravascular-oral-and-body-cavities-300-solution-for-injection

[Sqad]

No I haven't had any personal experience, but diarrhea of the frequency that you describe is certainly unusual following CT examination of the bowel.

I would find it difficult to lay the blame on Omnipaque.

For what symptoms was the CT scan advised?

[cupotee2]

Thank you Pete and Squad. I'd done a bit of research on the net but nothing described the long bout of diarrhea after a scan.

Squad he scan was done because he had some bleeding when passing a motion. His lower bowel was examined at the fast track appointment. There seemed to be no problem there other than a small pile or two. The consultant decided to examine the upper bowel by CT Scan.

He has also been using the loo several times a day with occasional bouts of diarrhea.

The results were to take 7-10 days so something before the weekend I hope.

Many thanks

[Sqad]

So the diarrhea was AFTER the scan.

Difficult to explain and as long as he is well hydrated, then monitor the siuation

[cupotee2]

Sorry Sqad I missed a few words out there!

**He has also been using the loo several times a day with occasional bouts of diarrhea.**

Should have said been using the loo several times a day "for some months"..

[Sqad]

LOL.......right.

It looks as though the diarrhea is an exacerbation (flare up) of the disease, hitherto unidentified for which he is being investigated.

IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns Disease, all being contenders.

[cupotee2]

Thanks Sqad...i'll update when the results are in.

[cupotee2]

An update so far..no result just a phone call from the hospital this morning asking my husband to attend the hospital next week to be examined via a camera.

I'm not familiar with the correct terminology but I thought a CT scan that was recently performed would show what the problem is. At the first consultation my husband's lower bowel was examined by air inserted and a light or maybe it a camera?

From there it was decided to do the CT scan..

Now we're both confused about the latest test.

I take the phone calls as my husband doesn't hear too well. I was rather taken back by the call I didn't ask why this was necessary.

It's now the middle of the night when problems grow huge. Roll on daylight perhaps I can stop worrying.

Sorry for rambling.

[1ozzy]

https://www.sharecare.com/health/diagnostic-agent/side-effects-omnipaque

It appears the side effects can last a few days, although not usually.
Guess it affects different people different ways.
Hope he is feeling better soon.

[cupotee2]

Thanks 1ozzy.

Got a letter this morning from the Consultant....the CT Scan shows an "abnormality" in the bowel so hopefully the camera will give a clearer picture.

[Sqad]

.
Thanks for the update cuppo.....much appreciated.

[ukbod2015]

The most common side effects of Omnipaque injection include: headaches, mild to moderate pain, backache, neck ache, stiffness, nausea and vomiting. These reactions usually occur one to 10 hours after injection and are usually mild to moderate. They may last for a few hours, and they usually disappear within 24 hours. Side effects of taking Omnipaque by mouth include: nausea, vomiting, moderate diarrhea and gas.

Occasionally, headaches may be severe or last for days and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Temporary dizziness has occurred in some people. Rarer side effects include: a feeling of heaviness, low blood pressure, muscle tightness, sensation of heat, sweating, dizziness, loss of appetite, drowsiness, high blood pressure, sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears, nerve pain and trouble urinating. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Children may have fewer side effects, but they could have fever, hives, stomach ache, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there). These side effects are usually mild.
When Omnipaque is used in cardiovascular tests, life-threatening and fatal reactions have occurred in rare cases. The injection is often associated with the sensation of warmth and pain, but these symptoms are less frequent and less severe with Omnipaque than with some other contrast agents. Other less common side effects include anxiety, fever, problems speaking and moving, convulsion, tingling, sleepiness, stiff neck, weakness on one side of your body, fainting, shivering, stroke, and involuntary eye movements.