Premedication for elective procedures requiring contrast or contrast enhanced imaging

1. Prednisolone: 50 mg PO at 13 hours, 7 hours and 1 hour before contrast media injection, PLUS Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV, IM or PO 1 hour before contrast medium OR
2. Methylprednisolone 32 mg PO 12 hours and 2 hours before contrast media injection. An anti-histamine (as in option 1) can be added. If unable to take oral medication, use hydrocortisone 200 mg IV instead

 

Premedication for emergency procedures requiring contrast or contrast enhanced imaging

1. Methylprednisolone 40 mg or hydrocortisone 200 mg IV every 4 hours until contrast study required PLUS Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV 1 hour prior to contrast injection OR
2. Dexamethasone 7.5 mg or betamethasone 6 mg IV every 4 hours until contrast study PLUS diphenhydramine 50 mg IV 1 hour prior to contrast injection OR
3. Omit steroid entirely and give diphenhydramine 50 mg IV

“IV steroids have not been shown to be effective when administered less than 4 to 6 hours prior to contrast injection.”