Gadopentetate Brand Name– Magnevist
What is Gadopentetate
Gadopentetate dimeglumine for injection (Magnevist), a complex of gadolinium with a chelating agent, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid, is an ionic, paramagnetic contrast medium used to provide contrast enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of intracranial, spinal, head, neck, and body lesions with abnormal vascularity.
Although original indications encompassed spinal and cranial MRI only, in 1990 the indications for the use of gadopentetate dimeglumine were expanded to the demonstration or exclusion of lesions throughout the body.
Several other contrast agents are available in the US and other countries. Differences between the available agents include the chelating agent and physiochemical properties, such as osmolality, and whether or not the contrast is ionic.
When used at FDA-approved dosages and indications, differences between the contrast agents with regards to efficacy and safety are not apparent; however differences in safety could become apparent (due to physiochemical property differences) when gadopentetate is used at higher doses, faster injection rates, and for off-label indications.
Cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have prompted the FDA to request a boxed warning regarding the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in those with renal insufficiency.
NSF has been reported with all currently marketed gadolinium-based contrast agents; however due to a variety of factors, the FDA is unable to determine which agents, if any, pose more risk.
The FDA approved gadopentetate dimeglumine in June 1988.
Indications
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
For use as contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity within the central nervous system (brain, spine, and associated tissues), head, neck, and body (excluding the heart)
Side Effects
- abdominal pain
- agitation
- anaphylactoid reactions
- angioedema
- anxiety
- arthralgia
- asthenia
- back pain
- bronchospasm
- cardiac arrest
- chills
- coma
- conjunctivitis
- cough
- cyanosis
- dental pain
- diarrhea
- diplopia
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dysgeusia
- dyspnea
- erythema multiforme
- fatigue
- fever
- headache
- hyperhidrosis
- hypersalivation
- hypertension
- hypotension
- injection site reaction
- lacrimation
- laryngeal edema
- laryngospasm
- nausea
- nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy)
- nystagmus
- ocular irritation
- ocular pain
- otalgia
- pallor
- paresthesias
- parosmia
- peripheral vasodilation
- phlebitis
- pruritus
- pulmonary edema
- rash
- renal failure (unspecified)
- respiratory arrest
- rhinitis
- seizures
- shivering
- sinus tachycardia
- skin necrosis
- sneezing
- syncope
- throat irritation
- thrombosis
- tissue necrosis
- tremor
- urinary incontinence
- urinary urgency
- urticaria
- vomiting
- xerostomia
Monitoring Parameters
- serum creatinine/BUN
Contraindications
- asthma
- atopy
- breast-feeding
- diabetes mellitus
- dialysis
- extravasation
- geriatric
- hypertension
- infertility
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy)
- pregnancy
- radiopaque contrast media hypersensitivity
- renal disease
- renal failure
- renal impairment
- reproductive risk
- sickle cell disease
Interactions
There are no drug interactions associated with Gadopentetate products.
