Gadoterate meglumine

Generic name: gadoterate meglumine [ GAD-oh-TER-ate-MEG-loo-meen ]
Brand names: Clariscan, Dotarem
Dosage form: intravenous solution (376.9 mg/mL (0.5 mmol/mL))
Drug class: Magnetic resonance imaging contrast media

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 10, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is gadoterate meglumine?

Gadoterate meglumine is a contrast agent that has magnetic properties. It is used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly.

Gadoterate meglumine is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain and spine (central nervous system).

Gadoterate meglumine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gadoterate meglumine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects of gadoterate meglumine may occur up to several days after injection.

Gadoterate meglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of this condition, such as:

• burning, itching, swelling, scaling, and tightening or hardening of your skin;

• skin redness or discoloration;

• muscle weakness;

• joint stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

• pain;

• tiredness, trouble moving; or

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of gadoterate meglumine may include:

• headache;

• altered sense of taste, nausea;

• rash; or

• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Gadoterate meglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Before receiving gadoterate meglumine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. You may not be able to receive gadoterate meglumine. Also tell your doctor if you have recently received any contrast agents similar to gadoterate meglumine.

Before taking this medicine

Gadoterate meglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Gadoterate meglumine can stay in your body for months or years after you receive gadoterate meglumine. It is not known whether this could cause any health problems in people whose kidneys work properly. Tell your doctor if you have had repeated scans with a contrast agent, and provide the date of your last scan.

You should not receive gadoterate meglumine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of reaction to a contrast agent;

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure;

• asthma, hay fever, food or drug allergies; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is gadoterate meglumine given?

Gadoterate meglumine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You will be watched for a short time to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving gadoterate meglumine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect gadoterate meglumine?

Other drugs may affect gadoterate meglumine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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