Indications
Gadoteric Acid (as gadoterate meglumine) is a contrast agent used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly, helping doctors detect and assess problems in the brain, spine and surrounding tissues, and in other parts of the body, including blood vessels (MR angiography). It is used in adults and children, including newborns, when the doctor decides it is needed.
How It Works
Gadoteric acid contains gadolinium, a metal that affects the magnetic behaviour of nearby water molecules. This brightens areas on the MRI where the contrast collects, for example where the blood-brain barrier is damaged or blood supply is increased. The gadolinium is held tightly in a ring-shaped (macrocyclic) structure, which makes it stable, and it is removed unchanged by the kidneys, mostly within 24 hours.
Dosage and Administration
It is given only by trained staff in a hospital or imaging centre, as an injection into a vein shortly before or during the MRI scan. The dose is calculated from body weight and the type of scan, and is given as prescribed by the radiologist. Usually only a single dose is given per scan.
Interactions
No important drug interactions are known. People taking beta-blockers may respond less well to treatment if an allergic reaction occurs, and some blood pressure medicines can make reactions more severe, so tell the staff about all your medicines.
Contraindications
- Previous allergic reaction to Gadoteric Acid or other gadolinium contrast agents
Side Effects
Most people have no side effects. Possible effects include a feeling of warmth or coldness at the injection site, headache, nausea, dizziness, altered taste, itching and mild rash. Rarely, serious allergic reactions can occur. In people with severe kidney disease, gadolinium agents have been linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (thickening of the skin and internal organs), although the risk with this type of agent is very low. Small amounts of gadolinium can remain in the brain and other tissues; no harm from this has been shown.
Tell the staff at once, or get urgent medical help after leaving, if you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, a widespread rash, or later develop tightening, swelling or hardening of the skin.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It should not be used during pregnancy unless the scan is essential and contrast is needed. Very small amounts pass into breast milk; breastfeeding may usually continue, or the mother and doctor may choose to pause it for 24 hours after the scan.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell the staff if you have kidney disease, a history of allergy or asthma, previous reactions to contrast agents, seizures, or heart disease. Kidney function may be checked before the scan. You will be observed for at least 30 minutes after the injection. Drink fluids afterwards unless told otherwise.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely because it is given by health professionals. If it occurs, the patient is monitored; gadoteric acid can be removed by haemodialysis.
Therapeutic Class
Paramagnetic MRI contrast agent (macrocyclic gadolinium-based).
Storage
Store below 30°C, protected from light, and do not freeze. Hospital storage as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.