GI visualization with minimal GI side effects

OMNIPAQUE is the only nonionic, low osmolar contrast medium with oral indications¹ that offers gastrointestinal (GI) visualization with minimal GI side effects. Studies have demonstrated that orally administered OMNIPAQUE:

• Is well tolerated in babies and infants^2-4
• Is particularly useful when barium sulfate is contraindicated²
• Was shown to have a neutral taste when compared with bitter-tasting ionic diatrizoate⁵
• Has demonstrated a significant reduction in complications when compared with barium sulfate and hyperosmolar contrast media⁶

OMNIPAQUE for oral use also has additional advantages, including:

• Excellent images without the bitter taste
• Innovative +PLUSPAK (polymer bottle) packaging designed to meet important workplace safety and compliance standards

Orally administered hypertonic contrast media draw fluid into the intestines which, if severe enough, could result in hypovolemia. In infants and children the occurrence of diarrhea may result in hypovolemia. Plasma fluid loss may be sufficient to cause a shock-like state which, if untreated, could be dangerous. Oral administration of OMNIPAQUE is most often associated with mild, transient diarrhea especially when high concentrations and large volumes are given. Nausea, vomiting, and moderate diarrhea have also been reported. Consult the OMNIPAQUE package insert for the proper dosage and administration when given orally. It should be noted that serious or anaphylactoid reactions that may occur with intravascular iodinated media are possible following administration by other routes.

References: 1. Data on file, GE Healthcare. 2. OMNIPAQUE package insert. Princeton, NJ; Amersham Health Inc; 2003. 3. Smevik B, Stake G. Omnipaque as a contrast medium for bowel opacification in abdominal CT in infants and children. In: Kaufmann HJ, ed. Contrast Media in Child Radiology. Basel, Switzerland: Karger; 1986:79-80. 4. Stake G, Smevik B. Iohexol as contrast medium for the gastrointestinal tract in childhood. In: Kaufmann HJ, ed. Contrast Media in Child Radiology. Basel, Switzerland: Karger; 1986:107-109. 5. Stordahl A, Laerum F, Gjolberg T, Enge I. Water-soluble contrast media in radiography of small bowel obstruction: comparison of ionic and non-ionic contrast media. Acta Radiol. 1988;29:53-56. 6. Langer R, Kaufmann HJ. Nonionic contrast media in gastrointestinal studies in newborns and small infants. Fortschr Geb Rontgenstrahlen Nuklearmed Erganzungsbd. 1989;128:200-203.

• Neutral Taste
• Innovative Packaging