Ioflupane I-123
Ioflupane I-123 (DaTscan) is a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical used in nuclear medicine imaging to visualize dopamine transporter (DaT) density in the brain. It helps physicians distinguish between Parkinsonian syndromes and essential tremor by imaging the striatum region.
A diagnostic imaging agent that helps differentiate Parkinsonian syndromes from essential tremor by assessing brain dopamine function.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1426874
- Generic
- Ioflupane I-123
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used to detect and evaluate Parkinsonian syndromes (including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy) by distinguishing them from conditions like essential tremor that present with similar movement disorder symptoms.
Ioflupane I-123 binds to dopamine transporters (DaT) on presynaptic nerve terminals in the striatum. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging then reveals DaT density, which is typically reduced in Parkinsonian syndromes due to dopaminergic neuron loss, but remains normal in essential tremor.
Administered via intravenous injection with imaging typically performed 3-6 hours post-injection. Patients may need thyroid protection with potassium iodide to prevent iodine uptake. As a radiopharmaceutical, it involves radiation exposure. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment and are not standalone diagnostic criteria.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy