Iodixanol in cardioangiography. A double-blind parallel comparison between iodixanol 320 mg I/ml and ioxaglate 320 mg I/ml.

Iodixanol (Visipaque) 320 mg I/ml, a non-ionic, dimeric, isotonic contrast medium, was compared to ioxaglate (Hexabrix) 320 mg I/ml in cardioangiography. One hundred and two patients with normal renal function were included in the study. The objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, radiographic efficacy and effects on renal function. Adverse events, discomfort, vital signs, clinical chemistry parameters, diagnostic information and radiographic density were recorded. Both contrast media had minor effects on the renal function parameters monitored. The patients who received iodixanol experienced fewer adverse events, significantly less discomfort and had a lower increase in heart rate than did the patients in the ioxaglate group. The radiographic efficacy was good in both groups. Iodixanol 320 mg I/ml is safe and effective for use in cardioangiography.