Efficacy and Safety of Iodixanol in Computed Coronary Tomographic Angiography and Cardiac Catheterization

Abstract

Iodixanol is an iso-osmolar nonionic dimeric hydrophilic contrast agent
 with a higher viscosity than the monomeric agents. It is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)approved isoosmolar agent in the United States, and it is the only contrast agent with an FDA-approved indication for use in cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), to assist in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. In clinical studies, it has been noted to have fewer side effects and similar image quality when compared to low osmolar contrast media.
 This can be attributed to the pharmacological properties of iodixanol. In the field of
 cardiology, iodixanol among other intravenous contrast media is used for coronary
 computed tomography angiography and cardiac catheterization. In this article, the use,
 tolerability and efficacy of iodixanol in the field of cardiology are reviewed, specifically evaluating the use for CCTA and coronary angiography, including outcome studies, randomized trials and comparisons to other contrast agents.