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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]

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.

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