Skip to main content

Gadodiamide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 17, 2023.

Applies to gadodiamide: intravenous solution.

Warning

Intravenous route (Solution)

Gadodiamide is not for intrathecal use. Inadvertent intrathecal use has caused convulsions, coma, and sensory and motor neurologic deficits. Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs 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. Do not administer to patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or acute kidney injury. 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. For patients with the highest NSF risk, do not exceed recommended dose and allow a sufficient time period for elimination prior to readministration.

Serious side effects of Gadodiamide

Along with its needed effects, gadodiamide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gadodiamide:

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Gadodiamide

Some side effects of gadodiamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to gadodiamide: injectable solution.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included cardiac failure, arrhythmia and myocardial infarction. Also reported include vasodilation, flushing, chest pain, deep thrombophlebitis, and rarely, arrhythmia and myocardial infarction resulting in death in patients with ischemic heart disease.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache, tinnitus, taste loss, taste perversion, and dizziness. Convulsions including grand mal, ataxia, abnormal coordination, paresthesia, tremor, aggravated multiple sclerosis (characterized by sensory and motor disturbances), and aggravated migraine have been reported.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, eructation, dry mouth, vomiting, and melena.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included anaphylactoid reactions (characterized by cardiovascular, respiratory, and cutaneous symptoms).[Ref]

General

General side effects have included fever, hot flushes, rigors, fatigue, malaise, pain, and syncope.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included abnormal hepatic function.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included rhinitis and dyspnea.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included abnormal vision.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included acute reversible renal failure.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included arthralgia and myalgia.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus, rash, erythematous rash, increased sweating, and urticaria.[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Omniscan (gadodiamide). Novation. 2004.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.