Gadoterate Meglumine

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Gadoterate is a paramagnetic molecule that develops a magnetic moment when placed in a magnetic field. The magnetic moment enhances the relaxation rates of water protons in its vicinity, leading to an increase in signal intensity (brightness) of tissues. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visualization of normal and pathological tissue depends in part on variations in the radiofrequency signal intensity that occurs with: differences in proton density differences of the spin-lattice or longitudinal relaxation times (T1) differences in the spin-spin or transverse relaxation time (T2) When placed in a magnetic field, gadoterate shortens the T1 and T2 relaxation times in ta…

Indications

Gadoterate Meglumine Injection is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in brain (intracranial), spine and associated tissues in adult and pediatric patients (including term neonates) to detect and visualize areas with disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and/or abnormal vascularity. Gadoterate Meglumine Injection is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated: for intravenous use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in brain (intracranial), spine and associated tissues in adult and pediatric patients (including term neonates) to detect and visualize areas with disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and/or abnormal vascularity.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Adult and pediatric patients: The recommended dose of Gadoterate Meglumine Injection is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) body weight administered as an intravenous bolus injection at a flow rate of approximately 2 mL/second for adults and 1-2 mL/second for pediatric patients (including term neonates). The dose is delivered by manual or power injection. Dosing Guidelines For adult and pediatric patients (including term neonates), the recommended dose of Gadoterate Meglumine Injection is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) body weight administered as an intravenous bolus injection, manually or by power injector, at a flow rate of approximately 2 mL/second for adults and 1-2 mL/second for pediatric patients.

Contraindications

History of clinically important hypersensitivity reactions to Gadoterate Meglumine Injection . Clinically important hypersensitivity reactions to Gadoterate Meglumine Injection.

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions with cardiovascular, respiratory or cutaneous manifestations, ranging from mild to severe, including death, have uncommonly occurred. Monitor patients closely for need of emergency cardiorespiratory support. Gadolinium is retained for months or years in brain, bone, and other organs. Risk Associated with Intrathecal Use Intrathecal administration of GBCAs can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary GBCAs cross the human placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. The human data on the association between GBCAs and adverse fetal outcomes are limited and inconclusive (see Data ) .

Storage and supply

Gadoterate Meglumine Injection, USP is a clear, colorless to yellow solution containing 0.5 mmol/mL of gadoterate meglumine. It is supplied in vials. Gadoterate Meglumine Injection, USP is supplied in 10 mL vials containing 5 mL or 10 mL of solution, in 20 mL vials containing 15 mL or 20 mL of solution.

Source: Gadoterate Meglumine (Gadoterate Meglumine) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-04-16, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.