Safety profile of new non-ionic contrast media: renal tolerance.

The possible nephrotoxic potential of X-ray contrast media is one of the main concerns when testing new compounds. Iomeprol is a new nonionic monomeric contrast medium which has been tested during preclinical studies and clinical trials. Preclinical studies showed that the product has a renal tolerance comparable to that of other nonionic contrast media (iopamidol and iohexol) and less effects on renal histology than dimers like iodixanol and iotrolan. The clinical safety of the product has been evaluated during diagnostic procedures in more than 8000 patients and in particular renal function was studied in 988 patients. Results showed that iomeprol did not cause any alterations of clinical laboratory indices for renal function nor any cases of acute renal insufficiency.