Gadopentetate dimeglumine

Generic name: gadopentetate dimeglumine [ gad-oh-PEN-te-tate-dye-MEG-loo-meen ]
Brand name: Magnevist
Dosage form: injectable solution (46.9%)
Drug class: Magnetic resonance imaging contrast media

What is gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine 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 on the MRI.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain, blood vessels, and spin (central nervous system).

Gadopentetate dimeglumine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. You should not receive this medication if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.

Before taking this medicine

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. You should not receive this medication if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can stay in your body for months or years after you receive gadopentetate dimeglumine. 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 gadopentetate dimeglumine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney problems;

• any type of reaction to a contrast agent;

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure;

• liver disease;

• asthma, hay fever, food or drug allergies;

• an injury, surgery, or severe infection; or

• if you are over 60 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is gadopentetate dimeglumine given?

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

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when gadopentetate dimeglumine is injected.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may want to watch you for a short time after your test is over. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since gadopentetate dimeglumine is used only during your MRI, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since gadopentetate dimeglumine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine?

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

Gadopentetate dimeglumine side effects

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

Some side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine may occur up to several days after injection.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine 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;

• muscle weakness;

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

• deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;

• trouble moving; or

• skin redness or discoloration.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• kidney problems--little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or

• swelling, bruising, redness, itching, burning, or skin changes where the injection was given.

Common side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine may include:

• headache, dizziness;

• nausea;

• cold feeling, warmth, pain, or burning where the medicine was injected.

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.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for CNS Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mL/kg) as a rapid bolus intravenous injection, at a rate not to exceed 10 mL per 15 seconds. Dosing for patients in excess of 286 pounds has not been studied. To ensure complete injection of the medium, the injection should be followed by a saline flush of at least 5 mL.

Usual Adult Dose for Vascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mL/kg) as a rapid bolus intravenous injection, at a rate not to exceed 10 mL per 15 seconds. Dosing for patients in excess of 286 pounds has not been studied. To ensure complete injection of the medium, the injection should be followed by a saline flush of at least 5 mL.

Usual Pediatric Dose for CNS Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

2 years to 18 years of age: 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mL/kg) as a rapid bolus intravenous injection, at a rate not to exceed 10 mL per 15 seconds. Dosing for patients in excess of 286 pounds has not been studied. To ensure complete injection of the medium, the injection should be followed by a saline flush of at least 5 mL.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

2 years to 18 years of age: 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mL/kg) as a rapid bolus intravenous injection, at a rate not to exceed 10 mL per 15 seconds. Dosing for patients in excess of 286 pounds has not been studied. To ensure complete injection of the medium, the injection should be followed by a saline flush of at least 5 mL.

Related/similar drugs

Dotarem, gadobutrol, Magnevist, gadoteridol, gadoterate meglumine, Gadavist, Omniscan, gadodiamide

What other drugs will affect gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Other drugs may affect gadopentetate dimeglumine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

• Your doctor can provide more information about gadopentetate dimeglumine.

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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