Protocol for administering radiocontrast dye to high-risk patients

Pretreatment protocol


? Give prednisone (50 mg PO) 13, 7, and 1 hour before procedure

? Give diphenhydramine (50 mg PO) 1 hour before procedure to block H1-receptors

? Administer ephedrine (25 mg PO) 1 hour before procedure (not recommended for patients with angina or arrhythmias)

Emergency protocol


? Give 200 mg of hydrocortisone IV stat and q4h until procedure

? Give diphenhydramine (50 mg IM or IV) 1 hour before procedure to block H1-receptors

? Administer ephedrine (25 mg PO) 1 hour before procedure (not recommended for patients with angina or arrhythmias)