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Discharge Instructions for Contrast Reaction: 

Contrast makes it easier to see parts of the body with CT or MRI scans. Rarely, this contrast may cause you to have a reaction. 
 
Today you were given an IV contrast material, and your body had a reaction. 
 
Contrast given: ___________________________
 
Your reaction: ______________________________
 
You were given a medication(s) to help minimize your reaction. 
 
Medication(s) given: _________________________ 

 

 Symptoms of a contrast reaction include: 

  • Itching skin/hives

  • Redness

  • Itchy/scratchy throat

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sneezing

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Flushing/chills

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Low blood pressure

  • High blood pressure

  • Loss of Consciousness

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Throat tightness/hoarseness

  • Wheezing

  • Chest Pain

  • Seizures

 Activity

For your safety, for the next 4-6 hours you should avoid activities that require motor coordination (such as driving and operating heavy machinery) if you have received any medicines for your contrast reaction, including: 

  • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 

  • epinephrine (Auvi-Q, EpiPen) 

Follow-up care

  • Please notify all your healthcare providers that you have had this reaction.

  • Talk with your healthcare providers about the need for medication before future CT or MRI tests with contrast. Medication may be necessary to help prevent contrast reactions in the future.

  • If you need to have contrast material in the future, please notify the staff both when scheduling the procedure and before receiving any contrast material.

When to call your healthcare provider or go to an Emergency Room

Call the KU Radiology department (913-588-3403) or your healthcare provider if any of the following occur:

  • More hives or rash

  • Itching

  • Swelling

  • Dizziness

  • Vomiting that does not stop

  • Redness, swelling, red streaking, or pain at IV site

 

Call 911 or go to the closest Emergency Room if any of the following occur: 

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pains

  • Loss of consciousness (if you passed out/fainted)

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