Drug Groups

approved

Description

A complex of gadolinium with a chelating agent, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA see pentetic acid), that is given to enhance the image in cranial and spinal MRIs. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p706)

Indication

For use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults, and pediatric patients (2 years of age and older) to visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the brain (intracranial lesions), spine and associated tissues as well as lesions with abnormal vascularity in the head and neck. Also used to facilitate the visualization of lesions with abnormal vascularity in the body (excluding the heart).

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

No detectable biotransformation or decomposition.

Half Life

Distribution half life 12 minutes, elimination half 100 minutes

Elimination

Gadopentetate is exclusively eliminated in the urine with 83 ± 14% (mean ± SD) of the dose excreted within 6 hours and 91 ± 13% (mean ± SD) by 24 hours, post-injection.

Distribution

* 266 ± 43 mL/kg

Clearance

* 1.94 +/- 0.28 mL/min/kg [Normal subjects]

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