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Gadoterate meglumine

Generic name: gadoterate meglumine [ GAD-oh-TER-ate-MEG-loo-meen ]
Brand names: Dotarem, Clariscan
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 Jul 14, 2023. 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 on the MRI.

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:

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of gadoterate meglumine may include:

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. You should not receive this medication if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.

Before taking this medicine

Gadoterate meglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. You should not receive gadoterate meglumine if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.

Gadoterate meglumine can stay in your body for months or years after you receive this medicine. 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:

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 shortly after receiving this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is gadoterate meglumine given?

Gadoterate meglumine 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 the medicine 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 gadoterate meglumine is used only during your MRI, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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

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 your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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.