Ethiodized Oil
/api/v1/drug/ethiodized-oilBoxed warning
FOR INTRALYMPHATIC, INTRAUTERINE AND SELECTIVE HEPATIC INTRA-ARTERIAL USE ONLY Pulmonary and cerebral embolism can result from inadvertent intravascular injection or intravasation of Lipiodol. Inject Lipiodol slowly with radiologic monitoring; do not exceed recommended dose ( 5.1 ). WARNING: FOR INTRALYMPHATIC, INTRAUTERINE AND SELECTIVE HEPATIC INTRA-ARTERIAL USE ONLY See Full Prescribing Information for complete Boxed Warning Pulmonary and cerebral embolism can result from inadvertent intravascular injection or intravasation of Lipiodol. Inject Lipiodol slowly with radiologic monitoring; do not exceed recommended dose ( 5.1 ).
Mechanism of action
Sourced from openFDALipiodol opacifies vessels and body structures in the path of the flow of the contrast medium, permitting visualization of the internal structures.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Lipiodol is an oil-based radio-opaque contrast agent indicated for: hysterosalpingography in adults lymphography in adult and pediatric patients selective hepatic intra-arterial use for imaging tumors in adults with known hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Lipiodol is an oil-based radiopaque contrast agent indicated for: hysterosalpingography in adults lymphography in adult and pediatric patients selective hepatic intra-arterial use for imaging tumors in adults with known hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Lipiodol is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Lipiodol, hyperthyroidism, traumatic injuries, recent hemorrhage or bleeding. Hysterosalpingography Lipiodol hysterosalpingography is contraindicated in pregnancy, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, marked cervical erosion, endocervicitis and intrauterine bleeding, in the immediate pre-or postmenstrual phase, and within 30 days of curettage or conization or patients with known or suspected reproductive tract neoplasia due to the risk of peritoneal spread of neoplasm.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAUse a disposable syringe to draw and inject Lipiodol. Hysterosalpingography Inject increments of 2 mL of Lipiodol into the endometrial cavity until tubal patency is determined; stop the injection if the patient develops excessive discomfort. Inject with radiologic monitoring. Lymphography Inject Lipiodol into a lymphatic vessel with radiologic monitoring. Adults: unilateral lymphography of the upper extremities: 2 to 4 mL unilateral lymphography of the lower extremities: 6 to 8 mL penile lymphography: 2 to 3 mL cervical lymphography: 1 to 2 mL Pediatric patients: Inject a minimum of 1 mL to a maximum of 6 mL according to the anatomical area to be visualized. Do not exceed 0.25 mL/kg. Selective Hepatic Intra-arterial Use Inject 1.5 to 15 mL of Lipiodol slowly under continuous radiologic monitoring. Do not exceed 20 mL total dosage. 2.1 Dosing Guidelines Draw Lipiodol into a disposable syringe. Use the smallest possible amount of Lipiodol according to the anatomical area to be visualized. Hysterosalpingography Using aseptic technique inject Lipiodol into the endometrial cavity with fluoroscopic control. Inject increments of 2 mL of Lipiodol until tubal patency is determined; stop the injection if patient develops excessive discomfort. The total volume to be injected depends on the volume of the uterine cavity, usually not exceeding 15 mL. A 24-hour image can be obtained if, after slow peritoneal spillage, the evaluation of adhesions is needed. Perform the procedure during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAPulmonary and cerebral embolism: avoid use in patients with severely impaired lung function, cardiorespiratory failure or right-sided cardiac overload ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions: avoid use in patients with a history of sensitivity to other iodinated contrast agents, bronchial asthma or allergic disorders because of an increased risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to Lipiodol ( 5.2 ) Exacerbation of chronic liver disease ( 5.3 ) Thyroid dysfunction ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Pulmonary and Cerebral Embolism Pulmonary embolism may occur immediately or after a few hours to days from inadvertent systemic vascular injection or intravasation of Lipiodol and cause decreased pulmonary diffusing capacity and pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary infarction, acute respiratory distress syndrome and fatalities. Embolization of Lipiodol to brain and other major organs may occur. Avoid use of Lipiodol in patients with severely impaired lung function, cardiorespiratory failure, or right–sided cardiac overload. Perform radiological monitoring during the Lipiodol injection. Do not exceed the recommended maximum dose and rate of injection of Lipiodol. During lymphography to minimize the risk of pulmonary embolism obtain radiographic confirmation of intralymphatic (rather than venous) injection, and terminate the procedure when Lipiodol becomes visible in the thoracic duct or lymphatic obstruction is observed.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAAdverse reactions caused by Lipiodol include hypersensitivity reactions, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary dysfunction, exacerbation of liver disease, procedural complications, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and thyroid dysfunction. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GUERBET LLC at 1-877-729-6679 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions (Table 1) have been identified during post approval use of Lipiodol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Pulmonary and cerebral embolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Exacerbation of chronic liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Thyroid dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ].
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDAPregnancy: Consider thyroid function testing in pregnant women and their infants if exposed to Lipiodol either before or during pregnancy, if clinically indicated ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Consider thyroid function testing in a breastfed infant whose mother was exposed to Lipiodol or, if clinically indicated ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Hysterosalpingography is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the potential risk to the fetus from an intrauterine procedure [see Contraindications ( 4 ) ]. The use of Lipiodol before or during pregnancy may interfere with thyroid function in both the pregnant woman and her fetus and may affect fetal development. There are maternal, fetal, and neonatal clinical considerations for women who are exposed to Lipiodol either before or during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Rare pregnancy outcomes reported in the post marketing setting with Lipiodol use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage (see Data). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted using the indicated routes of administration of Lipiodol, it was not embryotoxic or teratogenic in animal studies with oral administration. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Sourced from openFDA- Metabolism
- Following intra-arterial administration of Lipiodol, ethiodized oil retained in normal hepatic parenchyma is phagocytized by the Kupffer cells of the liver and washed out via the hepatic lymphatic system in about 2 to 4 weeks. In HCC, retention in the liver tumor is prolonged, allowing re-imaging of the tumor for four weeks or longer.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAOverdose may lead to respiratory, cardiac or cerebral complications, which can potentially be fatal. Microembolisms to multiple organs may occur more frequently after overdose. Promptly initiate symptomatic treatment and support of vital functions.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Mar 31, 1954NDANDA009190Guerbet
FAERS reports
- 1Product Use In Unapproved Indication28423%
- 2Off Label Use16513%
- 3Liver Abscess735.8%
- 4Pyrexia584.6%
- 5Pulmonary Embolism483.8%
- 6Product Use Issue403.2%
- 7Aspartate Aminotransferase Increased372.9%
- 8Pancytopenia362.9%
- 9Alanine Aminotransferase Increased332.6%
- 10Disease Progression322.5%
- 11Hepatic Artery Stenosis302.4%
- 12Overdose302.4%
- 13Cerebral Artery Embolism282.2%
- 14Maternal Exposure Before Pregnancy272.1%
- 15Hypothyroidism252.0%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Ethiodized Oil as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Superselective Lipiodol CT-guided Microwave Ablation for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Novel Imaging Guidance Strategy.Current medical imaging · 2026 · Wang YL, Guo YP, Li L, et al.PMID 41935364DOI 10.2174/0115734056467384260327043315
- Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Sclerotherapy Foam: Stability, Cost, and Clinical Relevance of Filters versus Ethiodized Oil.Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR · 2026 · Alomari AIPMID 41850524DOI 10.1016/j.jvir.2026.108740
- pH-regulating Lipiodol Pickering emulsions enhance transarterial embolization therapy via inducing ferroptosis and activating antitumor immunity.Cell reports. Medicine · 2026 · Yang W, Wang C, Yu C, et al.PMID 41850231DOI 10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.102662
- Transbronchial photodynamic therapy for peripheral lung cancer - A pilot study.Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy · 2026 · Chiu YC, Chao HS, Lee SW, et al.PMID 41698627DOI 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105398
- Lipiodol-Mediated Dose Enhancement in Radiation Therapy: A Phantom and In Vitro Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.Cardiovascular and interventional radiology · 2026 · Yamada K, Michimoto K, Anoushiravani A, et al.PMID 41692835DOI 10.1007/s00270-026-04351-4
- Step-by-step lung nodule localization in the hybrid operating room using a double marking technique with Lipiodol and indocyanine green.Multimedia manual of cardiothoracic surgery : MMCTS · 2026 · Mammana M, Zambello G, Busetto A, et al.PMID 41498277DOI 10.1510/mmcts.2025.133
- Transarterial infusion chemotherapy combined with iodinated oil chemoembolization for the treatment of primary colorectal cancer.Journal of cancer research and therapeutics · 2025 · Zhang J, Li X, Yin M, et al.PMID 41474244DOI 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_2515_24
- Combination, Single-Session Transarterial Embolization with Ethiodized Oil Staining and Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Central Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR · 2026 · Farhan A, Madoff DCPMID 41419124DOI 10.1016/j.jvir.2025.107966
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 214 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Ethiodized Oil as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Lipiodol Deposition Using Endhole vs. Pressure-Modulated DeliveryActive not recruiting · Interventional · 12 enrolled · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn MedicineNCT06204159updated 2026-06-11
- MANDARIN (S6371)Active not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 92 enrolled · Boston Scientific CorporationNCT05016245updated 2026-06-08
- Kinectics of Distribution of Doxorubicin-Lipiodol Emulsion in c-TACECompleted · Phase 4 · Interventional · 10 enrolled · University Hospital, Strasbourg, FranceNCT03706157updated 2026-06-05
- HAIC vs. TACE Combined With Sintilimab and Bevacizumab for Intermediate HCC (Beyond Up-To-Seven)Recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 300 enrolled · Binkui LiNCT07594340updated 2026-05-22
- Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma With Liver MetastasesActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 28 enrolled · Thomas Jefferson UniversityNCT04728633updated 2026-05-06
- Evaluation of the Safety of LipiodolⓇ Embolization in Symptomatic Digital Osteoarthritis Refractory to Conventional TreatmentRecruiting · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 15 enrolled · University Hospital, GrenobleNCT06611007updated 2026-05-05
- DEB-TACE vs cTACE in HCC After TIPSRecruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 206 enrolled · First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityNCT07322848updated 2026-05-01
- A Phase II, Single-Arm, Prospective Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of QL1706 Combination Regimen as Second-Line Therapy for Targeted-Immunotherapy-Resistant Hepatocellular CarcinomaActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 62 enrolled · Sun Yat-sen UniversityNCT07138885updated 2026-04-29
- Achilles Tendinopathy EmbolizationRecruiting · Phase 1 · Interventional · 10 enrolled · Joint & Vascular InstituteNCT07477860updated 2026-04-23
- Dose-defining Study of Tirapazamine Combined With Embolization in Liver CancerRecruiting · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 25 enrolled · Teclison Ltd.NCT02174549updated 2026-04-20
Frequently asked questions
- How does Ethiodized Oil work?
- Lipiodol opacifies vessels and body structures in the path of the flow of the contrast medium, permitting visualization of the internal structures.
- What is Ethiodized Oil used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Ethiodized Oil carries indications including: Lipiodol is an oil-based radio-opaque contrast agent indicated for: hysterosalpingography in adults lymphography in adult and pediatric patients selective hepatic intra-arterial use for imaging tumors in adults with known hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Lipiodol is an oil-based radiopaque contrast agent indicated for: hysterosalpingography in adults lymphography in adult and pediatric patients selective hepatic intra-arterial use for imaging tumors in adults with known hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Ethiodized Oil?
- Ethiodized Oil is classified as Radiographic Contrast Agent, Imaging Contrast Activity, X-Ray Contrast Activity.
- What are the contraindications for Ethiodized Oil?
- Ethiodized Oil labeling lists contraindications including: Lipiodol is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Lipiodol, hyperthyroidism, traumatic injuries, recent hemorrhage or bleeding. Hysterosalpingography Lipiodol hysterosalpingography is contraindicated in pregnancy, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, marked cervical erosion, endocervicitis and intrauterine bleeding, in the immediate pre-or postmenstrual phase, and within 30 days of curettage or conization or patients with known or suspected reproductive tract neoplasia due to the risk of peritoneal spread of neoplasm.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
ethiodized-oil is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.