Contrast-induced nephropathy is a serious complication of intravascular x-ray contrast agents. The osmolality of the contrast medium is an important fact in contrast-induced nephropathy and should ideally be iso-osmolar to blood. Today, nonionic contrast agents are state of the art for vascular use, the ionic contrast agents caused more adverse reactions.
Signs of contrast-induced nephropathy after the application of vascular contrast agents are a serum creatinine increase of 0.5 mg/dL (In the United States, creatinine is typically reported in mg/dL, while in Canada and Europe µmol/L may be used. 1 mg/dL of creatinine is 88.4 µmol/L) or an increase of serum creatinine greater than 25%.

A higher risk of contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with:
The use of a nonionic contrast agent, iso-osmolar to blood and a low dose reduces the risk for contrast-induced nephropathy.

Hexabrix is an ionic dimer contrast medium. Intravascular injection of Hexabrix enhances those vessels in the path of the flow, permitting radiographic visualization of the internal structures of the human body until significant hemodilution occurs. The contrast agent is transported through the circulatory system to the kidneys and is excreted unchanged in the urine. Hexabrix is used primarily for peripheral arteriography

Hypaque 76 is a radiopaque contrast agent supplied as a 76 percent sterile aqueous solution providing 66 percent (w/v) diatrizoate meglumine and 10 percent (w/v) diatrizoate sodium.

GE Healthcare has discontinued Hypaque 76 for unknown reasons.

Hypaque Meglumine is an ionic contrast agent. Hypaque Meglumine 60 percent (w/v) is an aqueous solution containing 60 g of the meglumine salt of diatrizoic acid per 100 mL of solution.
The degree of contrast enhancement at computed tomography is directly related to the amount of iodine administered. In adults the amount of iodine usually required for contrast enhancement ranges from 28 to 42 g.
Hypaque Meglumine is also available in concentrations of 18% and 30%.

Hypaque Sodium is a high-osmolar, water-soluble contrast agent. In pure form, it contains 59.87 percent organically bound iodine.
The dosage of contrast media is depended on the type of radiological procedure and should be tailored individually according to age, body size, and indication for examination.