Experimental investigations with iohexol and their clinical relevance

A review is made of in vitro and animal investigations in which the properties of the non-ionic, ratio 3.0 contrast medium iohexol have been compared with those of other contrast media. The clinical importance of such investigations is discussed. In most investigations iohexol had less toxic effects than ionic ratio 1.5 media with which it was compared. In no single investigation were the toxic effects of iohexol higher than those of a ratio 1.5 medium used for comparison. It is predicted from this review that in clinical use iohexol should produce lower frequencies of adverse reactions than ratio 1.5 media.