A contrast agent given into a vein to improve MRI scans
Gadobutrol
A gadolinium-based contrast agent given into a vein to make MRI scans clearer; it is a scanning aid, not a treatment.
What is Gadobutrol?
Gadobutrol is a contrast agent used during MRI scans, not a treatment for any illness. It is given into a vein to make certain tissues, organs and blood vessels show up more clearly on the scan, helping doctors find and assess problems. It contains gadolinium. The main safety points are a risk of allergic or allergic-type reactions, a rare but serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in people with severe kidney impairment, and the fact that small amounts of gadolinium can be retained in the body. Kidney function is usually checked before it is given.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Gadobutrol — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Gadobutrol is a gadolinium-based contrast agent used in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. It is important to understand that it is not a medicine that treats a disease; it is a scanning aid. Given into a vein just before or during a scan, it changes how certain tissues appear on the images, making organs, inflammation, tumours and blood vessels stand out more clearly so that doctors can see them better. It contains gadolinium held within a stable chemical structure. It is given by radiology staff as part of an imaging procedure.
How it works
MRI scanners create images based on how tissues respond to a strong magnetic field. Gadobutrol contains gadolinium, which alters the magnetic signal of the tissues it passes through, making them appear brighter on the scan. After it is injected into a vein, it travels in the blood and collects more in some areas than others, for example where there is rich blood flow, inflammation or a tumour, so these areas stand out and can be assessed more accurately. It is then mostly cleared from the body by the kidneys. It does not have any treating effect; it simply improves what the scan can show.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A contrast agent used in the UK during MRI scans, given into a vein to make certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly.
Practical use
How to take Gadobutrol
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given into a vein by radiology staff as part of your MRI scan; it is not something you take yourself.
- Tell the staff beforehand about any kidney problems, as your kidney function may be checked first.
- Tell the staff about any previous reaction to contrast agents or any serious allergies.
- Tell the staff if you are or might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, so they can advise you.
- Report any itching, rash, swelling or feeling unwell during or shortly after the injection.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Gadobutrol
Advantages
- Makes MRI scans clearer, helping doctors find and assess problems more accurately.
- Given quickly into a vein as part of a routine scan.
- Most people have it without any problem.
Disadvantages
- In severe kidney impairment it carries a rare risk of a serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
- Can cause allergic or allergic-type reactions, occasionally serious.
- Small amounts of gadolinium can be retained in the body for a long time.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important safety point is in people with severe kidney impairment: because gadolinium is cleared by the kidneys, if the kidneys work very poorly it can linger and, rarely, trigger a serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, in which the skin and tissues become thickened and tight. For this reason kidney function is usually checked before the scan, and the agent may be avoided or used very cautiously if the kidneys are badly impaired. Like other injected agents, it can occasionally cause allergic or allergic-type reactions, ranging from mild flushing or itching to, rarely, a severe reaction, so staff are prepared to manage this. It is also now known that small amounts of gadolinium can be retained in the body, including the brain, for a long time, though a clear harm from this has not been established. Most people have the scan without any problem.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to gadobutrol or other gadolinium agents should not have it.
- It is avoided or used very cautiously in people with severe kidney impairment.
- It is used in pregnancy only when clearly necessary, under specialist advice.
Monitoring
- Checking kidney function before the scan, especially in people at risk of kidney problems.
- Watching for allergic-type reactions during and shortly after the injection.
- Reviewing any history of previous contrast reactions before giving it.
Side effects
- Allergic or allergic-type reactions, ranging from flushing or itching to, rarely, a severe reaction.
- Nausea, headache, dizziness or a feeling of warmth around the time of the injection.
- Rarely, in severe kidney impairment, the serious condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Key interactions
- It is mainly a scanning aid, so it has few direct interactions with other medicines.
- Kidney function matters most, as medicines or conditions affecting the kidneys influence whether it is suitable.
- Tell the staff about all your medicines and any allergies before the scan.
Available as: A solution given as an injection into a vein during an MRI scan.
Answers
Gadobutrol: frequently asked questions
What is gadobutrol used for?
It is a contrast agent given into a vein during MRI scans to make certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly; it is a scanning aid, not a treatment.
Is it a medicine that treats an illness?
No. It does not treat any condition; it simply improves how the MRI scan shows organs, blood vessels and other tissues so doctors can assess them.
Why are my kidneys checked first?
Gadolinium is cleared by the kidneys, and in severe kidney impairment it can rarely cause a serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, so kidney function is usually checked beforehand.
Can it cause an allergic reaction?
Occasionally it can cause allergic or allergic-type reactions, from mild flushing or itching to, rarely, a severe reaction, so staff are prepared to manage this.
Does gadolinium stay in the body?
Small amounts of gadolinium can be retained in the body, including the brain, for a long time, though a clear harm from this has not been established.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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