Ionic and non-ionic contrast media interaction with anticoagulant drugs

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Hematology

Background:

• Radiographic contrast media are widely used in medical imaging.
• Potential interactions between contrast media and the hemostatic system are not fully understood.
• Heparin and Dextran-40 are commonly used as anticoagulants or plasma expanders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anticoagulant properties of various radiographic contrast media.
• To evaluate the combined effects of contrast media and heparin on clotting times.
• To assess the duration of anticoagulant effects in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Incubation of normal and pathologic human plasmas with contrast media, heparin, Dextran-40, and saline.
• Measurement of clotting times and thrombin times.
• In vivo studies in dogs involving injections of contrast media and heparin.

Main Results:

• Renografin-60 demonstrated significant anticoagulant effects, prolonging clotting times.
• Co-administration of contrast media and heparin resulted in markedly elevated thrombin times.
• Dextran-40 did not show significant anticoagulant properties.
• Ioxaglic and ioxithalamic acids also exhibited anticoagulant properties.
• In dogs, the combined anticoagulant effect of contrast media and heparin persisted for over 6 hours.

Conclusions:

• Certain radiographic contrast media possess inherent anticoagulant properties.
• Interactions between contrast media and heparin can lead to prolonged and significant anticoagulant effects.
• The findings highlight the clinical significance of contrast media interactions with anticoagulant drugs.