Contrapaque

Indications

• Electrolyte replacement
• Volume expansion in hypovolemic patients
• Management of hyponatremia
• Support in intravenous fluid therapy

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing in paediatric patients, as dosages may vary based on the formulation and clinical condition.

Adults: Refer to specific product information or clinical guidelines for dosage recommendations, as disodium is often part of combination products.

Mechanism of action

Disodium compounds often function by providing sodium ions that are essential for various physiological processes. Sodium ions play a critical role in maintaining osmotic balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. In the context of intravenous solutions, disodium helps to restore electrolyte balance in patients.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of disodium is primarily related to its role in electrolyte balance and fluid homeostasis. Sodium ions are vital for the function of excitable tissues, including neurons and muscle cells. Changes in sodium levels can affect blood pressure, hydration status, and overall cellular function.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of disodium compounds depend on their specific formulation and route of administration. When administered intravenously, disodium is rapidly distributed in the extracellular fluid, where it helps to maintain osmotic pressure. Sodium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and its levels can be influenced by fluid intake, dietary sodium, and renal function.

Pregnancy

Use with caution. Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Breast-feeding

Use with caution. Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Indications

• Lead poisoning
• Mercury poisoning
• Calcium overload
• Certain diagnostic procedures involving heavy metals

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing information tailored for paediatric patients.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the condition being treated, considering factors such as the severity of metal poisoning and renal function.

Mechanism of action

Edetate functions by forming stable complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions, including lead and calcium, through its multiple carboxylate and amine groups. This chelation renders the metals more soluble and promotes their renal excretion, thereby reducing their toxic effects in the body.

Pharmacodynamics

The chelation of metals by edetate decreases the free metal concentration in the bloodstream, which mitigates the toxic effects associated with heavy metal accumulation. The efficacy of edetate in removing metals such as lead has been well documented, and its ability to bind calcium can influence calcium homeostasis in certain clinical scenarios.

Pharmacokinetics

Edetate is administered intravenously, with rapid distribution throughout the extracellular fluid. It is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The onset of action occurs quickly after administration, and the duration depends on the dose and the patient's renal function. The elimination half-life is approximately 1 hour but may vary based on renal clearance.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to edetate or any component of the formulation
• Severe renal impairment
• Active bleeding disorders

Adverse effects

• Hypocalcemia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Fever

Interactions

• May enhance the effects of anticoagulants
• Concurrent use with calcium supplements may reduce effectiveness
• May interfere with the absorption of certain medications due to changes in gastrointestinal motility

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Monitor electrolyte levels, particularly calcium, during treatment
• Assess the patient's hydration status before administration

Pregnancy

Limited data on the use of edetate in pregnancy. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Caution is advised as it is not known whether edetate is excreted in human milk. Weigh the risks and benefits before use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Edetate disodium injection
• Edetate calcium disodium injection

Indications

• Adjustment of pH in pharmaceutical formulations
• Facilitation of drug absorption
• Used in sterile preparations

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing information, as hydrochloric acid is typically used in a controlled setting based on formulation requirements.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing information, as hydrochloric acid is typically used in a controlled setting based on formulation requirements.

Mechanism of action

Hydrochloric acid dissociates in aqueous solution to release hydrogen ions (H+), leading to a decrease in pH. This acidic environment promotes the activation of pepsinogen to pepsin, an enzyme essential for protein digestion. Additionally, the acidity aids in the absorption of certain minerals and drugs that require an acidic environment for optimal bioavailability.

Pharmacodynamics

The primary pharmacodynamic action of hydrochloric acid is the maintenance of gastric acidity, which is essential for normal digestive processes. The acidic environment helps in denaturing proteins, activating digestive enzymes, and providing a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. Its effects can influence the absorption and efficacy of various medications, particularly those that are pH-dependent.

Pharmacokinetics

Hydrochloric acid does not undergo significant systemic absorption when used in its normal contexts, as it acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach varies with food intake and physiological needs. It is secreted by parietal cells in the gastric mucosa, and its secretion is regulated by neural, hormonal, and local factors. The half-life of hydrochloric acid is not applicable as it is continuously produced and neutralized within the gastrointestinal tract.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to hydrochloric acid or any of its components
• Severe renal impairment
• Active gastrointestinal bleeding

Adverse effects

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Esophageal irritation
• Gastric mucosal irritation
• Electrolyte imbalances

Interactions

• May interact with alkaline substances, potentially neutralizing hydrochloric acid
• Caution with antacids as they may affect the efficacy of hydrochloric acid

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of gastritis or gastric ulcers
• Monitor electrolytes in prolonged use
• Use cautiously in patients with respiratory conditions due to potential aspiration risks

Pregnancy

Hydrochloric acid is classified as a category C drug. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits justify the risks to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

There is limited data on the excretion of hydrochloric acid in human milk. Use with caution during breastfeeding.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Ensure the container is tightly closed.

Formulations

• Oral solutions
• Injectable forms
• Tablets

Indications

• Myelography
• Arthrography
• Nephroangiography
• Arteriography
• Computed tomography (CT) scans with contrast

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations based on age, weight, and the type of procedure.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the type of procedure and patient condition.

Mechanism of action

Organic iodine compounds block x-rays as they pass through the body, thereby allowing body structures containing iodine to be delineated in contrast to those structures that do not contain iodine. The degree of opacity produced by these compounds is directly proportional to the total amount of the iodinated contrast agent in the path of the x-rays. After intrathecal administration, diffusion of iohexol in the CSF allows visualization of the subarachnoid spaces of the head and spinal canal. After intravascular administration, iohexol makes opaque those vessels in its path of flow, allowing visualization of the internal structures until significant hemodilution occurs.

Pharmacodynamics

Iohexol is an effective non-ionic, water-soluble contrast agent used in various radiographic procedures such as myelography, arthrography, nephroangiography, and arteriography. Its low systemic toxicity is due to both low chemotoxicity and low osmolality, making it safer for patients compared to older contrast agents.

Pharmacokinetics

Iohexol is administered intravascularly or intrathecally, where it diffuses into the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. It is excreted primarily through the kidneys; thus, renal function can affect its clearance. The half-life and distribution can vary based on the route of administration and the individual's physiological characteristics.

Contra-indications

• Known hypersensitivity to iohexol or any of its components
• Severe dehydration
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min)

Adverse effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Urticaria
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Renal impairment
• Extravasation

Interactions

• Other nephrotoxic agents may increase the risk of renal impairment when used with iohexol
• Metformin: there is a risk of lactic acidosis in patients with renal impairment after administration of iodinated contrast agents

Precautions

• Assess renal function prior to administration, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
• Use caution in patients with a history of asthma or allergic reactions
• Ensure adequate hydration before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity
• Monitor for signs of anaphylaxis during and after administration

Pregnancy

Iohexol should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is classified as a Category B drug.

Breast-feeding

It is generally considered safe to use iohexol during breastfeeding, but it is advised to monitor the infant for any potential adverse effects.

Storage

Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Iohexol injection (various concentrations available)

Indications

• Metabolic acidosis
• Acute kidney injury
• Cardiac arrest
• Severe lactic acidosis

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate dosing in paediatric patients.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on clinical condition and severity of acidosis.

Mechanism of action

Tromethamine functions as a proton acceptor, interacting with hydrogen ions and their associated acid anions. It combines with lactic, pyruvic, and other metabolic acids, as well as carbonic acid, facilitating their excretion in urine. At physiological pH, tromethamine exists in both ionized and un-ionized forms, with the latter capable of penetrating cell membranes to neutralize intracellular acids. By reducing hydrogen ion concentration, tromethamine alters the bicarbonate:carbonic acid buffer system, increasing bicarbonate levels while decreasing carbon dioxide tension, which may lead to hypoventilation.

Pharmacodynamics

As an alkalinizing agent, tromethamine increases bicarbonate concentrations in the blood, thereby helping to correct metabolic acidosis. Its ability to act as a weak osmotic diuretic contributes to increased urine output and the excretion of electrolytes. This dual action is beneficial in managing conditions characterized by acid-base imbalances.

Pharmacokinetics

After intravenous administration, tromethamine is rapidly distributed in the body. It is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with its alkalinizing effects lasting until the body's regulatory mechanisms restore acid-base balance. The pharmacokinetics are influenced by the ionization state of the drug, which varies with pH levels.

Adverse effects

• Hypoventilation
• Hypoxia
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with respiratory depression
• Monitor patients for signs of fluid overload
• Assess electrolyte levels regularly during treatment

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Tromethamine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether tromethamine is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering tromethamine to a nursing mother.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Injection solution

Mechanism of action

Organic iodine compounds block x-rays as they pass through the body, thereby allowing body structures containing iodine to be delineated in contrast to those structures that do not contain iodine. The degree of opacity produced by these compounds is directly proportional to the total amount (concentration and volume) of the iodinated contrast agent in the path of the x-rays. After intrathecal administration into the subarachnoid space, diffusion of iohexol in the CSF allows the visualization of the subarachnoid spaces of the head and spinal canal. After intravascular administration, iohexol makes opaque those vessels in its path of flow, allowing visualization of the internal structures until significant hemodilution occurs.

Pharmacodynamics

Iohexol is an effective non-ionic, water-soluble contrast agent which is used in myelography, arthrography, nephroangiography, arteriography, and other radiographic procedures. Its low systemic toxicity is the combined result of low chemotoxicity and low osmolality.

Mechanism of action

Tromethamine is an alkalinizing agent which acts as a proton (hydrogen ion) acceptor. Tromethamine is a weak base; following IV injection, it attracts and combines with hydrogen ions and their associated acid anions and the resulting salts are excreted in urine. Tromethamine can combine with lactic, pyruvic, and other metabolic acids and with carbonic acid. ... At pH 7.4, approximately 70% of the tromethamine present in plasma is in the ionized (protonated) form; if pH is decreased from pH 7.4, the ionized fraction of the drug is increased. In contrast to the ionized fraction of tromethamine, which upon administration reacts only with acid in the extracellular fluids, the fraction of the dose which remains un-ionized at physiologic pH is thought to be capable of penetrating the cell membrane to combine with intracellular acid. Since administration of tromethamine reduces hydrogen ion concentration, there is a decrease in proton donor and an increase in proton acceptor concentrations in body buffers. In the bicarbonate:carbonic acid buffer, the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide is decreased (at least until regulatory mechanisms compensate) and the concentration of bicarbonate is increased. The reduction of carbon dioxide tension removes a potent stimulus to breathing and may result in hypoventilation and hypoxia. Tromethamine ... acts as a weak, osmotic diuretic, increasing the flow of alkaline urine containing increased amounts of electrolytes. By removing protons from hydronium ions, ionization of carbonic acid is shifted so as to decrease pCO2 and to increase bicarbonate. Excess bicarbonate is then gradually excreted in kidney. /Tromethamine is an/ especially useful way to manage excessively high pCO2 in respiratory acidosis...