Pharmacokinetics and excretion of iohexol after lumbar myelography in man

Pharmacokinetics and excretion of iohexol, a new nonionic water-soluble contrast medium, were determined after lumbar myelography. Peak plasma concentrations were obtained 2 to 6 hours after injection and ranged from 29 to 177 microgram/ml. Terminal elimination half-life was 4.0 hours, and over 90% of the dose was recovered in the urine within 24 hours. In one patient with a large lumbar cauda equina tumor, absorption and excretion were delayed; but eventually 99% was recovered indicating a large capacity for reabsorption via the lumbar subarachnoid space. One mild headache of 5 minutes' duration was reported in a 73-year-old woman. No significant changes in vital signs, neurologic examinations, or serum chemistries were observed.