Gastrografin Side Effects

Generic name: diatrizoate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gastrografin.

Applies to diatrizoate: intravenous solution Side Effects associated with diatrizoate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gastrografin.

Applies to diatrizoate: intravenous solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

Severe reactions may occur while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have seizures, trouble breathing, or tightness in the chest after receiving this medicine.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are receiving this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Serious side effects of Gastrografin

Along with its needed effects, diatrizoate (the active ingredient contained in Gastrografin) 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:

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]

See also:

Further information

Gastrografin 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer