Rationale and objectives: Iobitridol, a new nonionic, low-osmolality urographic and angiographic contrast medium, is a marker of extracellular fluid. Excretion of iobitridol in goat's milk and transplacental passage in the gestating rabbit were evaluated compared with iohexol.
Methods: Both products were determined in biologic samples by two analytic methods: ultraviolet spectrometry (milk) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid).
Results: Excretion in the milk represents 0.7% of the administered dose for iobitridol and 1.6% for iohexol. Transplacental passage is nonexistent. Iobitridol and iohexol behave in a similar manner.
Conclusions: These preclinical results allow more effective prediction of the safety of iobitridol in pregnant or lactating women. However, precautions for use must be respected in the absence of specific studies in this population group.