gadobutrol at a glance
Medicine class
Non-ionic, macrocyclic gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent
How it is given
Injected into a vein by an MRI healthcare professional
Important checks
Tell the imaging team about kidney problems, pregnancy, allergies or previous contrast reactions
What is gadobutrol used for?
Gadobutrol is licensed for diagnostic use in adults and children of all ages, including term newborn babies, when contrast-enhanced MRI is needed.
Enhancing MRI images of the brain and spine
Assessing suspected focal liver or kidney lesions and helping classify them as benign or malignant
Showing blood vessels using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
Enhancing MRI of abnormalities elsewhere in the body
How does gadobutrol work?
Gadobutrol contains gadolinium held within a stable macrocyclic complex. It changes the magnetic behaviour of nearby water protons, making selected tissues and blood vessels appear more clearly on suitable MRI sequences.
gadobutrol preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1.0 mmol/mL
How to take gadobutrol
Gadobutrol is not taken at home. A trained MRI professional injects it into a vein, usually through a cannula. Follow the imaging department's preparation instructions; eating and drinking can normally resume after the scan.
Tell staff about previous contrast reactions, asthma, allergies, kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Remain still and follow breathing instructions during imaging.
You will usually be observed after the injection because most immediate reactions occur early.
gadobutrol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic-type reaction, including breathing difficulty, throat or facial swelling, low blood pressure or shock
- Acute respiratory distress or fluid in the lungs
- Loss of consciousness, seizure or cardiac arrest
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, reported very rarely and mainly relevant to severe kidney impairment
- Significant pain or swelling if the injection leaks outside the vein
gadobutrol in pregnancy
Gadobutrol crosses the placenta, and human pregnancy data are limited. It should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless contrast-enhanced imaging is clinically necessary. Tell the imaging team if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
gadobutrol while breastfeeding
UK specialist advice says breastfeeding does not need to be interrupted after gadobutrol for a full-term, healthy infant because transfer into milk and absorption by the infant are expected to be very small. The product information allows a decision about temporary interruption to be made jointly with the clinician. Seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell.
gadobutrol interactions
Formal medicine-interaction studies have not been performed.
Other injectable medicines
Compatibility has not been established, so gadobutrol must not be mixed with other medicinal products.
Common questions about gadobutrol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is gadobutrol radioactive?
No. It is an MRI contrast agent that alters magnetic signals rather than producing radiation.
Why does the imaging team ask about kidney problems?
Gadobutrol is removed mainly through the kidneys. Severe impairment delays clearance and increases concern about the rare condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.