gadopentetic acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Gadopentetic acid, commonly employed as a contrast agent in medical imaging, primarily exerts its action by interacting with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process. It enhances the visibility of specific tissues and blood vessels in MRI scans, altering the magnetic properties of surrounding tissues and resulting in improved contrast between different structures.

This contrast enhancement is achieved through the inclusion of gadolinium, a paramagnetic substance, in gadopentetic acid. When introduced into the body, gadolinium enhances magnetic resonance signals, increasing the contrast in the images produced during an MRI. Gadopentetic acid demonstrates a tendency to accumulate in particular tissues and blood vessels, thereby improving the visualization of these areas during the imaging process.

As a diagnostic aid, it assists healthcare professionals in diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions, including abnormalities in the brain, spine, and vascular system. Following intravenous administration, gadopentetic acid distributes throughout the vascular system, contributing to its capability to highlight blood vessels and specific tissues during imaging. 

Spectrum: 

Contrast agents, such as gadopentetic acid, are not formulated to selectively target specific biological activities or processes within the body. Rather, their role lies in enhancing the contrast in imaging. 

The fundamental objective of gadopentetic acid is to enhance the visibility of specific tissues and blood vessels in the context of an MRI scan. This enhancement is facilitated by gadolinium, a paramagnetic substance present in gadopentetic acid. Upon introduction into the body, gadolinium amplifies the magnetic resonance signals, thereby augmenting the contrast observed in the resultant MRI images. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Hypotension 

Allergy 

Convulsions 

Renal impairment 

Weakness 

Vasodilation 

Dizziness 

Fever 

Headache 

Chills 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Allergic reactions 

Tiredness 

Agitation 

Syncope 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

The medication should be avoided in pregnant women and individuals with kidney dysfunction. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Hypotension 
• Asthma 
• Epilepsy 
• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 
• Alergic respiratory disorder 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: C 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Pharmacodynamics: 

N/A 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

N/A 

Distribution 

Vd = 266+-43 mL/kg 

Metabolism 

N/A 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 16+-0.13 hours 

Renal excretion of the drug is 90% 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Gadopentetic acid, commonly recognized by the brand name Omniscan, is typically delivered through injection to enhance contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The administration process involves the following steps: 

• Route of Administration: The most common way to administer gadopentetic acid is intravenous, which is to inject it into a vein. 
• Dosage: The healthcare provider determines the dosage of gadopentetic acid based on the patient’s specific imaging requirements and the type of MRI procedure being performed. 
• Injection Site: The injection is usually administered into a vein in the arm, often in the antecubital fossa (the area inside the elbow). 
• Injection Rate: The injection is delivered at a controlled rate to ensure the proper distribution of the contrast agent throughout the body. 
• Patient Monitoring: Patients may undergo monitoring during and after the injection to detect any adverse reactions or side effects. 

Healthcare professionals must take into account the patient’s medical history, allergies, and current health status before administering gadopentetic acid. Additionally, patients should communicate any pre-existing conditions, allergies, or medications they are taking to their healthcare providers. 

As with any medical procedure, the administration of gadopentetic acid should be supervised by qualified healthcare professionals, and patients should adhere to the guidance provided by their healthcare team. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: gadopentetic acid 

Pronounced: GAD-oh-pen-TEH-tik AS-id 

Why do we use gadopentetic acid? 

Gadopentetic acid serves as a contrast agent in medical imaging, specifically in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Its principal role is to heighten the visibility of particular tissues and blood vessels in the course of an MRI scan.

This enhancement of contrast is essential for acquiring more detailed and lucid images, thereby supporting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and evaluating a range of medical conditions.

By augmenting the contrast in MRI images, gadopentetic acid facilitates the identification of abnormalities in structures like the brain, spine, and vascular system. As an indispensable tool in diagnostic imaging, it furnishes valuable information for medical assessments without necessitating invasive procedures.