💉 Gadobenate Dimeglumine Injection 529 mg/mL
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Gadobenate dimeglumine injection (529 mg/mL) is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to enhance imaging of:
- Central nervous system (brain & spine)
- Liver lesions
- Blood vessels (MR angiography)
- Other soft tissues and organs
Brand name (common): MultiHance
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow sterile injectable solution
- Concentration: 529 mg of gadobenate dimeglumine per mL, equivalent to 0.25 mmol/mL of gadolinium
- Route: Intravenous (IV) injection
- Osmolality: Hyperosmolar
- Pharmacologic action: Short-term enhancement of MRI signal intensity in tissues with abnormal vascularity or breakdown of the blood-brain barrier
🔹 3. Advantages:
- High relaxivity: Greater contrast enhancement than many other GBCAs
- Effective at lower doses compared to other agents
- Dual excretion pathways (renal and hepatobiliary) – useful in liver imaging
- Compatible with 3T and 1.5T MRI scanners
- Allows better detection of tumors, inflammation, or vascular abnormalities
🔹 4. Nature / Pharmacological Class:
- Class: Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA)
- Type: Extracellular, partially hepatobiliary agent
- Mechanism:
- Shortens T1 and T2 relaxation times
- Enhances signal intensity of vascular tissues and abnormal structures
- Half-life: ~1.5 hours in healthy renal function
🔹 5. Common Packaging:
- Supplied in single-dose vials or prefilled syringes
- Common volumes:
- 5 mL (2.645 g gadobenate dimeglumine)
- 10 mL (5.29 g)
- 15 mL (7.935 g)
- 20 mL (10.58 g)
- 30 mL (15.87 g)
- Glass vial with rubber stopper and aluminum seal
🔹 6. Storage:
- Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Use immediately after opening (single-use only)
- Discard unused portion
🔹 7. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Inform the radiologist about:
- Kidney problems (important for GBCA use)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of allergic reactions to contrast agents
- Drink plenty of fluids after the scan to help eliminate the agent via urine
- Rare risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) in patients with severe renal dysfunction
- Common mild side effects (usually self-limited):
- Headache, nausea, injection site discomfort
- Metallic taste or flushing sensation
⚠️ Warnings / Contraindications:
- Contraindicated in patients with:
- History of hypersensitivity to gadolinium agents
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) unless absolutely necessary
- Pediatric use: Use with caution
- Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed
- Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe; discuss with physician