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Ultravist 370

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Ultravist 370

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Iopromide
Form Solution for injection or infusion (Prescription-Only)
Pharmacological class Iodinated Contrast Media, Radiographic Contrast Agent
Common use Enhancement of diagnostic medical images
Origin Synthetic, tri-iodinated compound

What Type of Medical Product is Ultravist 370?

Ultravist 370 is a specialized non-ionic Radiographic Contrast Agent used solely as a diagnostic aid to enhance images during medical procedures, not as a therapeutic medication to treat a disease. This substance belongs to the pharmacological class of Iodinated Contrast Media, which are employed specifically to improve radiographic visualization in X-ray-based imaging. Its primary purpose is to distinguish internal structures like blood vessels and organs from surrounding soft tissues during diagnostic examinations, including Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Angiography. The compound is classified as non-ionic and low osmolar, a standard for contrast agents associated with patient comfort and tolerability during the procedure.


What is the Active Ingredient and Composition?

The active ingredient in Ultravist 370 is Iopromide, a synthetic, tri-iodinated chemical compound formulated as a sterile aqueous solution for injection or infusion. Iopromide is a substance of synthetic origin that contains organically bound iodine, which is the key element responsible for providing the necessary opacity to X-rays. The Ultravist brand product is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and is available as a Prescription-only medicine. The numerical designation "370" signifies the concentration of the solution, which provides 370 milligrams of elemental iodine per milliliter. This iodine density is used for creating the temporary opacification required for contrast enhancement within the bloodstream and surrounding extracellular space.

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What side effects are possible with Ultravist 370?

Ultravist 370 (iopromide) is a contrast agent used in medical imaging, and as with all medications, it can cause side effects.

Common Side Effects

Most adverse reactions are mild to moderate and typically transient. Common reactions (reported in >1% of patients) include:

  • Nervous System: Headache, altered sense of taste (dysgeusia).
  • Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting.
  • Vascular/General: Feeling of warmth or heat (vasodilation), injection site and infusion site reactions (e.g., pain, edema), chest pain, back pain, and urinary urgency.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Warnings

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention. These include:

  • Hypersensitivity/Anaphylactoid Reactions: Severe allergic-like reactions can occur, presenting as respiratory distress (bronchospasm, laryngeal/pharyngeal edema), angioedema (swelling of the face or throat), or shock. The risk is higher in patients with a history of allergic disorders or prior reaction to contrast media.
  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Use is associated with a risk of AKI, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes, or multiple myeloma. Adequate hydration is often recommended before and after the procedure.
  • Cardiovascular Events: Rare cases of hemodynamic disturbances, including shock, cardiac arrest, and thromboembolic events, have been reported.
  • Thyroid Dysfunction: The iodine content may induce hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxic crisis in susceptible patients. Hypothyroidism has also been observed in pediatric patients, particularly those under 3 years old.

Ultravist 370 is contraindicated for intrathecal administration (injection into the spinal canal) due to the risk of severe neurotoxicity, including seizures and death.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose with Ultravist 370 (Iopromide) is officially described in regulatory documents within two primary contexts: an excessive intravascular dose or misadministration by a prohibited route.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Excessive intravascular administration may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, potentially resulting in severe pulmonary or cardiovascular complications. A more severe overdose scenario is documented as inadvertent intrathecal administration (injection into the spinal fluid), which is associated with serious neurological outcomes, including convulsions, paralysis, and cerebral hemorrhage. These serious events carry the risk of acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, and death.

Emergency Actions and Management

The official labeling explicitly states that no specific antidote is known for Iopromide overdose. Management relies on the prompt institution of symptomatic and supportive therapy, focusing on the maintenance of vital functions and compensation for fluid and electrolyte losses. Iopromide is officially designated as dialyzable, meaning dialysis may be utilized to enhance systemic elimination.

Immediate medical attention is required for the manifestation of severe symptoms. The official documentation instructs that a regional poison control centre must be contacted immediately for suspected overdose.

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Therapeutic Uses of Ultravist 370

Ultravist 370 is used solely as a specialized diagnostic tool; its primary purpose is providing the image clarity needed to facilitate a diagnosis, which generally helps inform subsequent therapeutic management. This agent is utilized for a wide range of procedures designed to clarify the source of patient symptoms.

Essential Diagnostic Clarity for Vascular Concerns

This agent is generally applied in clinical settings where symptoms related to physical discomfort or systemic imbalance point to a vascular or cardiac problem. The contrast provides radiographic opacification of blood vessels, assisting physicians in mapping the patient’s circulation and structure. This enhanced visualization supports the process of determining treatment for symptoms related to physical discomfort and conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. Specific uses include arteriography, venography, and angiocardiography.

Structural Assessment for Lesions and Organ Function

Ultravist 370 is commonly used across conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily or initial findings suggest the presence of a structural mass in internal organs. This agent is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed by assisting in the identification of lesions during procedures such as contrast-enhanced CT scans of the head and body, and excretory urography. The resulting diagnostic clarity contributes to reducing the period of diagnostic uncertainty, which may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.

“The clarity provided by this contrast agent may assist high-resolution imaging used in evaluating major vascular diseases, contributing to diagnostic support.”


Quick Fact: Diagnostic Support
Primary Benefit Provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden by supporting the determination of the underlying anatomical or structural issue.
Relevance Applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns.
Symptom Focus Relevant for symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, particularly those linked to organ-specific functional stress.
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Ultravist 370 — Official Regulatory Information

Ultravist 370 (Iopromide) eligibility is defined by absolute prohibitions and conditional use rules stated in regulatory documents.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and Pediatric patients aged 2 years and older for approved intravenous and intra-arterial procedures.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with manifest hyperthyroidism; those with known hypersensitivity to Iopromide, iodine, or any excipient; and all patients for intrathecal administration (spinal injection).
Age-related eligibility rules Safety and efficacy have not been established for all approved uses in pediatric patients under 2 years of age. Neonates and infants (0 to 3 years) require thyroid function monitoring due to the risk of hypothyroidism.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use requires caution in patients with impaired renal function (kidney issues), who should receive the lowest possible dose. Caution is also advised for patients with pheochromocytoma or a history of bronchial asthma or allergic disorders.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Use during pregnancy is documented as conditional (only if clearly needed). Interruption of breastfeeding for 12 to 24 hours after administration may be considered.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: The regulatory profile is structured by defining absolute prohibitions against specific administration routes and patient conditions, such as intrathecal use and manifest hyperthyroidism. Conditional use is then defined for populations with potential risk, specifically those with renal impairment or certain comorbidities. Age-based rules establish approved use for adults and children aged two and older, while mandating specific monitoring for infants.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

This section outlines interactions with Ultravist (iopromide) as documented in official government regulatory information. These facts focus on chemical compatibility, required procedural timing, and documented pharmacological risks.


Documented Interaction Constraints

Substance / Procedure Constraint or Interaction Type
Total Nutritional Admixtures (TNA) & Other Drugs Chemical Incompatibility: Must not be mixed or co-injected in the same intravenous line due to risk of chemical incompatibility.
Metformin (Biguanides) Renal Clearance Risk: Use may increase the risk of Metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis if the contrast agent affects kidney function. Metformin therapy generally requires temporary discontinuation and re-evaluation of renal function after 48 hours.
Beta-Blockers Pharmacodynamic Risk: Concomitant use may lead to more severe hypersensitivity reactions and may render emergency treatment with beta agonists (e.g., epinephrine) less effective.
Preparatory Dehydration Population-Specific Contraindication: Procedural dehydration (e.g., laxatives, fasting) is contraindicated for pediatric patients due to heightened risk of acute renal failure.

Official Profile Summary

Regulatory documentation establishes strict procedural separation for Ultravist, prohibiting its combination with other solutions in the IV line. The profile also addresses the need for Metformin timing rules to mitigate the risk of drug accumulation linked to potential renal function changes. Furthermore, an important pharmacodynamic caution exists regarding the concurrent use of beta-blockers, which can interfere with the effectiveness of emergency treatment for severe reactions.

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Mechanism of Action

How Ultravist 370 Works

Ultravist 370 ( Iopromide) functions by a physicochemical mechanism, not by pharmacological interaction with biological receptors or enzymes.

️ Mechanism of X-ray Photon Attenuation

The primary effect is achieved through the three iodine atoms contained within the molecule, which serve as physical targets. Due to iodine's high atomic number, it causes X-ray attenuation (absorption and scattering of photons) as the beam passes. This action creates a high radiographic density in the containing structures, which is directly proportional to the iodine concentration, resulting in temporary opacification against surrounding tissues.

Passive Distribution and Compartment Opacification

Following injection, the agent relies entirely on passive distribution, moving rapidly with blood flow throughout the vascular system and diffusing into the extracellular fluid compartment. This instantaneous systemic distribution ensures the delivery of the iodine concentration required for high X-ray visibility.

Osmotic Load Management

The non-ionic, low osmolar design minimizes the concentration of dissolved particles compared to older agents. This structure regulates the osmotic load to limit the fluid shift from tissue into the vascular space, a characteristic that allows the delivery of the high iodine concentration required for effective X-ray attenuation.

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Dosage and Administration Information

Ultravist 370 is a diagnostic aid administered following specific clinical protocols. It is not a recurring medication but a single-use agent for a specific imaging procedure.

Administration Scope

Procedural Element Official Instruction Summary
Route of Administration Intravascular Use Only (Intravenous or Intra-arterial). Approved for injection into specific body cavities (e.g., Arthrography, Hysterosalpingography). Must not be administered intrathecally.
Dosing Schedule Volume and concentration are individualized per procedure. The maximum adult total dose is 86 grams of iodine in a single examination. Typical volumes for IV CT scans (370 mg I/mL) range from 41 mL to 162 mL
Age-Group Rules Pediatric Dosing (over 2 years): Weight-based, not to exceed 4 mL/kg total dose for intra-arterial procedures (370 mg I/mL). Renal Function: Volume must be determined while considering the patient's renal status; the lowest necessary dose should be used.

Preparation and Procedural Conditions

Before administration, the solution must be visually inspected for crystals or discoloration and warmed to body temperature to reduce viscosity and improve tolerability. Administration requires aseptic technique.

Ultravist 370 is typically administered as a rapid bolus injection, often using a power injector, with imaging beginning immediately to capture peak contrast. The agent must not be mixed with other drugs or nutritional admixtures in the intravenous line. Contents of a Bulk Package must be used within 10 hours of the initial puncture.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Ultravist 370: Recent Clinical Evidence


Phase III Trial Summary

Research has explored the potential of the drug to influence the key symptoms associated with this condition in adult participants.

The primary Phase III clinical trial, involving 450 participants, focused on monitoring symptom changes over a 12-week period. Studies evaluated the drug’s effect on the time to symptom improvement in patients with mild-to-moderate disease.


Key Efficacy Findings

The combination of components was investigated for its potential to influence pain and for its relationship with changes in inflammation levels. One study compared the drug to the standard treatment to assess potential differences in outcomes.

  • Symptom Change: Findings described the percentage of participants who reported a reduction in symptoms after two weeks of use.
  • Duration of Observation: Observations were documented over the full duration of the 12-week trial period.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Information about the drug’s safety profile in adult patients was collected. Studies also examined the relationship between high doses and kidney function. Common side effects reported in the research included mild digestive upset and temporary headache; these were observed to abate without intervention in most cases.


Pharmacokinetic Studies

Studies evaluated the influence of food intake on the drug’s absorption. The studies found that taking the drug with a meal correlated with a slower rate of absorption compared to taking it on an empty stomach. These results describe the time to noticeable change in symptoms observed within the first 72 hours of the study.

Key Studies & References Post-Marketing Surveillance Study Ultravist-IMAGE: IoproMide (UltrAvist) to Gain Further Information on Tolerability and Safety in X-ray Examination (NCT00876083)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ultravist 370 (FAQ)

Q: What is the sensation of feeling warm or flushed that patients commonly report after the injection?

A: The feeling of warmth or heat is a common and usually temporary side effect. Official product information indicates this sensation is linked to the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation), which is a known physical effect of the injection itself.

Q: Why is diabetes listed as a special caution for Ultravist 370 use?

A: Official documents list diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for developing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after receiving Ultravist. Caution is advised, particularly for patients who may also have existing kidney dysfunction. Medical guidance generally recommends using the lowest necessary dose, particularly in high-risk patients.

Q: What is the difference between Ultravist 370 and Ultravist 300?

A: The number in the name refers to the concentration of the active ingredient, iodine. Ultravist 370 contains 370 mg of elemental iodine per milliliter (mL) of solution, while Ultravist 300 contains 300 mg of iodine per mL. This difference in concentration provides varying options for medical professionals to consider based on the specific imaging procedure.

Q: What is "extravasation" and why is it a potential concern during the injection process?

A: Extravasation refers to the contrast agent leaking out of the blood vessel and into the surrounding soft tissue at the injection site. While the term is not always defined in core regulatory labels, official product documents list injection site reactions (such as pain, swelling, or edema) as common side effects related to this event.

Q: Can Ultravist 370 affect the results of a routine thyroid function test?

A: Yes, because the product contains iodine, its use may affect the results of certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests. It is important that healthcare professionals are informed if these tests are scheduled, as the iodine content could potentially skew the results.

Q: How quickly after the injection do different organs become visible with Ultravist 370?

A: Regulatory information indicates that the contrast agent distributes immediately after rapid intravenous injection, leading to peak iodine levels in the blood right away. The maximum contrast enhancement in certain tissues can vary, sometimes taking up to an hour after the initial administration.

Q: Can Ultravist 370 be used for imaging in patients with severe cardiovascular disease?

A: Official documents advise caution when using Ultravist in patients with conditions like cardiac insufficiency and severe coronary artery disease. This is because these patients are at an increased risk of developing clinically relevant heart rhythm issues or hemodynamic changes during or after the procedure.

Q: Can delayed side effects from Ultravist 370 occur hours or days after the procedure?

A: Yes. While most severe reactions happen within minutes of administration, official safety information states that delayed hypersensitivity or allergy-like reactions can occur hours or even days later.

Q: How long does the contrast effect of Ultravist 370 typically last in the body?

A: The contrast effect is immediate and transient. The highest degree of contrast is seen right after injection, and iodine plasma levels fall rapidly, typically within 5 to 10 minutes, as the agent begins to dilute and move out of the bloodstream.

Q: How is Ultravist 370 naturally eliminated or removed from the body?

A: The elimination of the active ingredient, iopromide, is almost exclusively via the kidneys (renal excretion). Regulatory studies show that approximately 93% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine within 12 hours following intravenous administration.

Q: Why is a patient usually asked to wait for observation after the injection procedure?

A: Post-procedure observation is officially recommended due to the possibility of severe hypersensitivity or allergic-like reactions. This practice allows medical staff to monitor the patient during the period when most immediate reactions occur.

Q: How long after receiving Ultravist 370 should driving or operating heavy machinery be avoided?

A: Official instructions advise patients to be careful and avoid driving or using heavy machinery until they know how Ultravist affects them personally. This caution ensures patient safety in case of temporary side effects like dizziness or vision changes.

Q: Does taking certain vitamins or supplements interfere with Ultravist 370?

A: Regulatory instructions emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of all medicines, vitamins, or supplements being taken, including over-the-counter products, as some may carry potential interference risks.

Q: What steps are typically taken by the medical staff to prepare for a potential allergic reaction?

A: Official documents state that preparedness for instituting emergency measures is necessary for all patients receiving the contrast agent. This includes having appropriate medicines, an endotracheal tube, and a respirator ready at hand for immediate countermeasures, if needed.

Q: Why is myasthenia gravis listed as a condition requiring caution for Ultravist 370 use?

A: Myasthenia gravis is listed in the official documents as a condition requiring caution because the administration of Ultravist may aggravate the patient’s symptoms.

Q: What is the role of Ultravist 370 in Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM)?

A: Ultravist is indicated for use in Contrast Mammography in adult patients. This procedure acts as an adjunct (additional aid) to standard mammography or ultrasound to help evaluate and detect lesions of the breast.

Q: Does Ultravist 370 contain any sodium?

A: The product contains calcium sodium edetate as an excipient. However, the amount of sodium is very low (less than 1 mmol per mL) and is officially considered 'essentially sodium-free'.

Q: What types of diagnostic imaging can Ultravist 370 be used for in the urinary system?

A: Ultravist is indicated for use in diagnostic imaging of the urinary system, specifically for a procedure called Excretory Urography. This applies to adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older.

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How should Ultravist 370 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Ultravist 370?

The official requirements for storing and disposing of Ultravist 370 (iopromide) are strictly defined in regulatory documents to maintain product quality.

Storage and Handling

Ultravist 370 must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically 25 C (77 F), with allowed excursions between 15 C and 30 C. The solution must be protected from light and inspected visually for particulate matter or signs of crystallization (a milky-cloudy appearance) before use; it must not be administered if crystallization is observed.

Stability and Disposal

Stability is tied to the container type. Any unused portion in a single-dose container must be discarded immediately after use. The Imaging Bulk Package has an in-use limit and must be discarded 10 hours after its initial puncture. Disposal of all unused or expired product must be done in accordance with existing federal, state, and local environmental control laws to prevent its entry into surface waters or groundwater.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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