Products
Gadoic acid is commercially available as a solution for injection (Artirem, Dotarem). It has been approved in many countries since 1990.
Structure and properties
Gadoic acid (C16H25GdN4O8, Mr = 558.6 g/mol) is a macrocyclic chelate complex of the organic acid DOTA with the gadolinium ion (Gd3+). The complex is very stable and is not metabolized.
Effects
Gadoteric acid (ATC V08CA02) has paramagnetic properties. It allows contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging. Otherwise, it is pharmacologically inert. The half-life is approximately 90 minutes.
Indications
- For contrast enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- For vascular imaging using contrast-enhanced MR angiography.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is injected intravenously or intraarticularly, depending on the preparation and the indication.
Contraindications
Gadoteric acid is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. The drug should not be injected subarachnoidally or epidurally. Standard safety precautions for magnetic resonance imaging examinations should be followed. Full precautions can be found in the Drug Information Leaflet.
Interactions
No information on drug-drug interactions is available.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include:
- Sensation of warmth or cold, pain at the injection site.
- Headache, paresthesias
- Nausea, vomiting
- Skin rash, itching
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Rarely, severe to life-threatening allergic reactions may occur (anaphylaxis).
