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Diatrizoate Meglumine

Generic name: Diatrizoate Meglumine [ dye-a-tri-ZOE-ate-MEG-loo-meen ]
Brand names: Cystografin, Cystografin-Dilute
Drug class: Ionic iodinated contrast media

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2023.

Uses of Diatrizoate Meglumine:

  • It is used before an x-ray or an alike test.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Diatrizoate Meglumine?

  • If you have an allergy to diatrizoate meglumine or any other part of diatrizoate meglumine.
  • If you are allergic to diatrizoate meglumine; any part of diatrizoate meglumine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take diatrizoate meglumine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Diatrizoate Meglumine?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take diatrizoate meglumine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Thyroid problems have happened after use of diatrizoate meglumine. Some people had to be treated for these thyroid problems. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take diatrizoate meglumine.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using diatrizoate meglumine while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Diatrizoate Meglumine) best taken?

Use diatrizoate meglumine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given through a catheter into the bladder.
  • This medicine will be given to you by a doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Bladder irritation.
  • Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
  • Seizures.

What are some other side effects of Diatrizoate Meglumine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Diatrizoate Meglumine?

  • If you need to store diatrizoate meglumine at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about diatrizoate meglumine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.