Gadodiamide

Generic name: gadodiamide [ GAD-oh-DYE-a-mide ]
Brand names: Omniscan, Omniscan Prefill Plus, Omniscan Safepak
Dosage form: injectable solution (287 mg/mL)
Drug class: Magnetic resonance imaging contrast media

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 18, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is gadodiamide?

Gadodiamide 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.

Gadodiamide is used in adults and children at least 2 years old to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain and spine (central nervous system), or the stomach, chest, and pelvic areas.

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

Gadodiamide 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 gadodiamide may occur up to several days after injection.

Gadodiamide 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 dark patches;

• tiredness, muscle weakness;

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

• pain; or

• trouble moving.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

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

• a seizure (convulsions); or

• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.

Common side effects of gadodiamide may include:

• headache;

• dizziness; or

• nausea.

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

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

Before taking this medicine

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

Gadodiamide can stay in your body for months or years after you receive gadodiamide. 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 gadodiamide if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of reaction to a contrast agent;

• asthma, hay fever, food or drug allergies;

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is gadodiamide given?

Gadodiamide 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.

Gadodiamide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for CNS Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

To visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the brain, spine, and associated tissues:
0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.

Usual Adult Dose for Vascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

To facilitate the visualization of lesions with abnormal vascularity within the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic cavities, and the retroperitoneal space:

Kidney: 0.1 mL/kg (0.05 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.
Intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and pelvic cavities: 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.

Usual Pediatric Dose for CNS Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

To visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the brain, spine, and associated tissues:
2 years and older:
0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging:

To facilitate the visualization of lesions with abnormal vascularity within the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic cavities, and the retroperitoneal space:

2 years and older:
Kidney: 0.1 mL/kg (0.05 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.
Intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and pelvic cavities: 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection.

Related/similar drugs

Dotarem, gadobutrol, Magnevist, gadoteridol, gadoterate meglumine, Gadavist, gadopentetate dimeglumine, Omniscan

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 gadodiamide?

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

What other drugs will affect gadodiamide?

Other drugs may affect gadodiamide, 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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