Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Omnipaque 180 (IOHEXOL)

Omnipaque 180 works by being injected into the bloodstream, where it accumulates in body tissues and enhances the contrast of X-rays.

Omnipaque 180 (iohexol) is a radiographic contrast agent, a small molecule drug developed by GE Healthcare. It is used to enhance the visibility of internal structures during medical imaging procedures. As an off-patent, generic product, Omnipaque 180 is widely available. The drug is primarily used to treat conditions requiring imaging of the brain, spine, and other body parts. Key safety considerations include potential allergic reactions and kidney damage.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

The iodine atoms in iohexol provide attenuation of X-rays in direct proportion to the concentration of iohexol. Since concentration changes over time, iohexol provides time-dependent image contrast which may assist in visualizing body structures.

Approved indications

No approved indications tracked.

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTRATHECAL ADMINISTRATION OF OMNIPAQUE INJECTION 140 mg IODINE/mL and 350 mg IODINE/mL Use only the OMNIPAQUE iodine concentrations and presentations recommended for intrathecal procedure [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.8) ]. Intrathecal administration of OMNIPAQUE of a wrong iodine concentration, even if inadvertent, may cause death, convulsions, seizures, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTRATHECAL ADMINISTRATION OF OMNIPAQUE INJECTION 140 and 350 mg IODINE/mL Use only the iodine concentrations and presentations recommended for intrathecal procedures. Intrathecal administration of a wrong iodine concentration, even if inadvertent, may cause death, convulsions, seizures, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema. ( 2.2 , 2.8 , 5.1 )

Common side effects

• Headaches
• Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Backache
• Fever
• Hypotension
• Urticaria
• Rash

Key clinical trials

• Evaluation of Dosing Procedures of Chemotherapy Treatment (Carboplatin) With the Contrast Agent Iohexol (PHASE1)
• Optimization of Beta-lactam Dosing in Critically Ill Patients With Cystatin C (OPTIMIZE-GNI) (PHASE4)
• Evolution of Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain With a Capsular Pattern With Physiotherapy Alone Versus Coupled With Mild Arthrographic Distension With Cortisone (PHASE4)
• Mechanisms Underlying Hypotensive Response to ARB/NEP Inhibition - Aim 3 (PHASE4)
• Contrast and Anesthetic Level With Lumbar Erector Spinae Plan (ESP) Block (NA)
• Morphine Clearance and Glomerular Filtration in Sickle Cell Patients in Crisis in Intensive Care (NA)
• Oral Iohexol in the Management of Chylous Ascites After After Retroperitoneal or Extended Lymphadenectomy (PHASE2)
• The Practicality and Utility of Measured vs Estimated GFR in adCKD

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Omnipaque 180 CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Omnipaque 180 updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• GE HealthCare portfolio CI