Gadopentetic acid
Also known as: Magnevist · Gadopentetate dimeglumine
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI examination (CNS, whole body) | 0.1 mmol/kg | IV | single dose | Repeat doses up to 0.3 mmol/kg total may be helpful in some cases | 🌍 EU |
- MRI examination (CNS, whole body): Give as bolus if performing MRA, dynamic contrast or liver studies. Enhancement visible up to 45-60 minutes post-administration.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Gadopentetic acid is a linear ionic paramagnetic gadolinium chelate used as a radiographic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is utilized to identify areas of abnormal vascularization, delineate masses, and demonstrate disruption of the blood-brain barrier and areas of inflammation. Clinical Pearl: Unbound gadolinium is highly toxic, so it is chelated to reduce toxicity. It does not cross the normal blood-brain barrier due to its large molecular size.
Mechanism of action
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic agent that exerts its effects due to seven unpaired electrons → causes a shortening of T1 and T2 relaxation times of adjacent tissues → results in increased signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment
Adverse effects
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (reported in humans)
- Prolonged QT interval
- Arrhythmias
- Tissue irritation and necrosis if extravasated
- Anaphylaxis (rare, 0.001%-0.01% in humans)
- Transient increase in serum bilirubin
Precautions
Warning: Hyper-osmolar and irritant if extravasation occurs; must be administered through an intravenous catheter. Use with caution in cardiac disease, pre-existing renal disease, and neonates. May cause false alterations in serum iron determination using complexometric methods.
Drug interactions
Potential interaction affecting cardiac rhythm
Potential interaction affecting cardiac rhythm
Monitoring
- Cardiac rhythm (in case of overdose)
- Renal function
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Administered intravenously or intra-articularly.
Distribution
Does not cross the normal blood-brain barrier due to large molecular size. Protein binding is 0%.
Metabolism
Remains chelated.
Elimination
Renal excretion.
Overdose
Accidental overdosage may lead to an increase in QT interval and other arrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in the event of an overdose.
Available products
Formulations
- 469 mg/ml injection
- 2 mmol/l injection (intra-articular)
Human-labeled
- Magnevist 469 mg/ml vials and pre-filled syringes
- Magnevist 2 mmol/l vials
Regulatory status
None of the gadolinium chelates are authorized for veterinary use and all are POM.
None of the gadolinium chelates are authorized for veterinary use and all are POM.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store according to manufacturer guidelines.
Client information
This medication is a contrast dye used during MRI scans to help your veterinarian clearly see abnormal tissues, blood vessels, or inflammation. It is given directly into a vein. Side effects are rare but can include mild irritation at the injection site or allergic reactions.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.