Gadopentetate (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2022.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), in patients with impaired elimination of the drugs (ie, chronic, severe renal insufficiency (GFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), or acute kidney injury. Avoid use of GBCAs unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI. NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle, and internal organs. Screen all patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (eg, age greater than 60 years, hypertension, or diabetes), perform lab testing to estimate the GFR. Do not exceed recommended dose and allow a sufficient time period for elimination prior to readministration .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Magnevist
Uses for gadopentetate
Gadopentetate injection is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that is used to help create a clear picture of the body during an MRI scan. MRI scans are a special kind of diagnostic procedure that use magnets and computers to create images or “pictures” of certain areas inside the body. Unlike x-rays, they do not involve radiation. Gadopentetate is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA).
Gadopentetate is given by injection before MRI to help diagnose problems in the brain, spine, head, neck, tissues, and other parts of your body.
Gadopentetate is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using gadopentetate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For gadopentetate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to gadopentetate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gadopentetate injection in children 2 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of gadopentetate injection in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.<..
