METRIZOATE

Fetal Risk Summary

Metrizoate has been used for phlebography during pregnancy for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (1). Seventeen pregnant women were given either metrizoate or iothalamate at various stages of gestation. Two patients, one exposed in the 1st trimester and one in the 2nd trimester, were diagnosed as having a thrombosis and were treated with heparin. Although the baby of the mother exposed in the 2nd trimester was normal, the other newborn had hyperbilirubinemia and undescended testis. The relationship between the diagnostic agents and the defect is unknown.

Use of organically bound iodine preparations near term has resulted in hypothyroidism in some newborns (see Diatrizoate). Appropriate measures should be taken to treat neonatal hypothyroidism if diagnostic tests with metrizoate are required close to delivery.

Breast Feeding Summary

See Potassium Iodide.

Reference