Iodinated contrast media 

Iodinated contrast media is a contrast media containing iodine that is used in radiography to increase the clarity of the image.

ICM are drugs containing iodine that are given to patients to enhance the ability to see blood vessels and organs on medical images such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. These images provide greater detail when necessary to help health care professionals diagnose potential problems.

Organic iodine molecules used for contrast include iohexol, iodixanol, and ioversol. Iodine-based contrast media used nowadays are water-soluble.

Iodinated contrast media can be divided in 4 categories: ionic monomers, ionic dimers, nonionic monomer, and nonionic dimers. Currently, second- and third-generation nonionic low-osmolar and iso-osmolar contrast media are used in clinical practice.