Gastrografin Side Effects
Generic name: diatrizoate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about diatrizoate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Gastrografin.
Applies to diatrizoate: intravenous solution.
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:
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
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
Common (1% to 10%) Transient disturbance in heart rate, blood pressure, disturbance in cardiac rhythm or function, cardiac arrest
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]
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]
More about Gastrografin (diatrizoate)
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References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
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.