Safety and pharmacokinetics of iotrolan in hysterosalpingography. Retention and irritability compared with Lipiodol.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors compared the safety and pharmacokinetics of Iotrolan (water-soluble) in hysterosalpingography (HSG) with those of Lipiodol (oil-soluble).

METHODS

Iotrolan and Lipiodol were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 100 mg iodine/kg to female rabbits. Retention in the body was investigated by x-ray imaging, plasma kinetics, and urinary and fecal excretion. Irritability in the abdomen was investigated by histologic examination.

RESULTS

Iotrolan was entirely excreted into the urine within 2 days after administration. Conversely, Lipiodol was excreted into the urine, had a half-life of 50 days, and was retained for more than 21 days in the abdomen. Iotrolan induced no inflammatory reaction in the abdomen, whereas Lipiodol induced a marked abdominal inflammatory reaction, including granuloma formation. Iotrolan had no effect on iodine concentration in the thyroid; Lipiodol increased iodine concentration significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Iotrolan, which is a water-soluble and nonionic dimeric contrast medium, has potential greater safety for use in HSG than Lipiodol.