. What are some of the common normal “side effects” of IV contrast agents?

 By RSNA and the ACR notes that “When an iodine-based contrast material is injected into your bloodstream, you may have a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes.”

They then divides reactions into mild, moderate and severe. The mild reactions might be considered normal in many ways although any hives would raise concern for the next time IV contrast is used. Here is the info from RadiologyInfo .org

Iodine-based Contrast Materials

Mild reactions include:

• nausea and vomiting
• headache
• itching
• flushing
• mild skin rash or hives

Moderate reactions include:

• severe skin rash or hives
• wheezing
• abnormal heart rhythms
• high or low blood pressure
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Severe reactions include:

• difficulty breathing
• cardiac arrest
• swelling of the throat or other parts of the body
• convulsions
• profound low blood pressure