Diatrizoate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 19, 2024.

Applies to diatrizoate: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of diatrizoate

Along with its needed effects, diatrizoate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diatrizoate:

Incidence not known

• blood in the urine
• convulsions
• cough
• decrease in the amount of urine
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, or rash
• not able to pass urine
• pain or burning while urinating
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diatrizoate: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, oral powder for reconstitution, oral and rectal solution.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, erythema, a sensation of pain, and a general feelings of warmth on intravascular administration.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombophlebitis, venous thrombosis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Thromboembolic events, myocardial infarction
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Severe hypotension and collapse; circulatory failure; ventricular fibrillation
• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, shock, hypotension, hypertension, reflex tachycardia, cyanosis^[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%) Transient disturbance in heart rate, blood pressure, disturbance in cardiac rhythm or function, cardiac arrest

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomit, diarrhea
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea (ceases as soon as the intestine has been emptied); existing enteritis or colitis may be temporarily exacerbated; in case of obstruction, the prolonged contact with bowel mucosa can lead to erosions and to bowel necrosis; intestinal perforation; abdominal pain; oral mucosal blistering^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Anaphylactoid reactions (mild angioedema, conjunctivitis, coughing pruritus, rhinitis, sneezing, urticarial)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Transient disturbances in respiratory rate, dyspnea, respiratory distress, cough
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Respiratory arrest, pulmonary edema
• Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, medication aspiration, pulmonary edema following aspiration, aspiration pneumonia, sneezing, laryngeal spasm^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thyroid function tests indicative of hypothyroidism or transient thyroid suppression in adults and pediatric patients (including infants)
• Frequency not reported: Hyperthyroidism^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria, rash, pruritus, erythema, face edema, mucocutaneous syndrome (e.g. Stevens-Johnson's or Lyell syndrome)
• Frequency not reported: Sweating, mild angioedema^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Convulsions, cerebral symptoms
• Frequency not reported: Disturbances in consciousness, dizziness, headache, tremor, somnolence, transient paresis (vision or facial muscle paresis and epileptic fits), amnesia, photophobia, temporary states of agitation or confusion^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Perforation of the urethra, genitourinary tract infections, oliguria, hematuria, anuria^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Local pain, edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Fluid and electrolyte imbalance^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Lacrimation, temporary blindness^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Pyrexia, sweating, chills, blanching, weakness, gagging and feeling suffocated, gasping, edema, cramp, malaise^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Temporary renal failure^[Ref]

Further information

Diatrizoate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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