Diagnostic procedures which involve the use of radiopaque contrast agents should be carried out under the direction of personnel with the prerequisite training and with a thorough knowledge of the particular procedure to be performed. Appropriate facilities should be available for coping with any complication of administration, as well as for treatment of reaction to the contrast medium (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, and PRECAUTIONS, Information for the Patient).
Rectal administration of undiluted MD-Gastroview in any patient, particularly with large doses and/or in those with overdistention, has been reported to be associated with mucosal irritation.
Cases of hyperthyroidism have been reported with the use of oral contrast media. Some of these patients reportedly had multinodular goiters which may have been responsible for the increased hormone synthesis in response to excess iodine. Administration of an intravascular iodinated radiopaque diagnostic agent to a hyperthyroid patient precipitated thyroid storm; a similar situation could follow administration of oral preparations of iodides. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering enteral gastrointestinal radiopaque agents to hyperthyroid and euthyroid goiterous patients.
Consideration should be given to the potential for precipitation of water-soluble contrast agents under conditions that may promote hyperacidity (i.e., fasting, emotional upset, or stress). Harmful effects directly attributable to precipitate formation have not been reported. However, the possibility of interpreting the precipitate radiologically as an anatomical abnormality (i.e., ulceration of the stomach or small intestine) or injury, should be kept in mind.
This medium is not to be used for the preparation of solutions for parenteral administration. Oral or rectal use only.
The routine preparatory measures employed for barium studies are also appropriate for this agent.
For pediatric and severely cachectic patients, the maintenance of an intravenous fluid line may be advisable.