Quick answers
- What is Gadobenate dimeglumine used for?
- The FDA-approved label (MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, March 16, 2025) says: “magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults and pediatric patients (including term neonates), to visualize lesions with abnormal blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity of the brain, spine, and associated tissues magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate adults with known or suspected renal or aorto-ilio-femoral occlusive vascular disease. …” This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- What are the side effects of Gadobenate dimeglumine?
- The “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA label (MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, March 16, 2025) begins: “The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] The most commonly reported adverse reactions are nausea (1.3%) and headache (1.2%).” … This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- What are the drug interactions of Gadobenate dimeglumine?
- The “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA label (MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, March 16, 2025) begins: “Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions MultiHance and other drugs may compete for the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (MOAT also referred to as MRP2 or ABCC2). Therefore MultiHance may prolong the systemic exposure of drugs such as cisplatin, anthracyclines (e.g. doxorubicin, daunorubicin), vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine), methotrexate, etoposide, tamoxifen, and paclitaxel.” … This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- Does Gadobenate dimeglumine have a boxed warning?
- Yes. The FDA label for MultiHance has a boxed warning, the FDA’s strongest warning. Read it on the full label and ask your pharmacist.
- Is there a shortage of Gadobenate dimeglumine?
- No current shortage is listed by the FDA for the products of this medicine (FDA data from October 30, 2026).
- Has Gadobenate dimeglumine been recalled?
- FDA enforcement reports list 2 recalls of products of this medicine; the newest started April 16, 2012 (Class III). A recall usually concerns specific lots, not every product.
- Who makes Gadobenate dimeglumine?
- 1 company lists prescription products of Gadobenate dimeglumine in the FDA NDC Directory, including Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
What Gadobenate dimeglumine is used for
Quoted from the “Indications and Usage” section of the FDA-approved label.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults and pediatric patients (including term neonates), to visualize lesions with abnormal blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity of the brain, spine, and associated tissues magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate adults with known or suspected renal or aorto-ilio-femoral occlusive vascular disease. …
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Label quoted: the one for the most common form (injection, solution, intravenous), MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc; it covers 1 product in the FDA NDC Directory. The side effects, interactions, dosage and pregnancy quotes below come from this same label.
The FDA has 2 labels for products of this medicine (different makers and forms); uses can differ between them. Check the label that comes with your own medicine.
This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
Boxed warning
A boxed warning (“black box”) is the FDA’s strongest warning on a drug label, for serious or life-threatening risks.
This label has a boxed warning. Read it on the full label →
2 of 2 FDA labels for this medicine have a boxed warning.
Gadobenate dimeglumine boxed warning: what the label says
Quoted from the boxed warning of the FDA-approved label.
WARNING: RISK ASSOCIATED WITH INTRATHECAL USE and NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS Risk Associated with Intrathecal Use Intrathecal administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. MultiHance is not approved for intrathecal use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
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Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of MultiHance in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other modalities. NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with: chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m 2), or acute kidney injury. Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g. age > 60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing. For patients at highest risk for NSF, do not exceed the recommended MultiHance dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug from the body prior to re-administration. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. WARNING: RISK ASSOCIATED WITH INTRATHECAL USE and NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Intrathecal administration of gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. MultiHance is not approved for intrathecal use. (5.1) GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of MultiHance in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast MRI or other modalities. The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with: chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m 2), or acute kidney injury. Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g. age >60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing. (5.2)
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Gadobenate dimeglumine side effects
Quoted from the “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your doctor about any side effect that worries you.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] The most commonly reported adverse reactions are nausea (1.3%) and headache (1.2%).
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(6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bracco Diagnostics Inc. at 1-800-257-5181 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults In clinical trials with MultiHance, a total of 4967 adult subjects (137 healthy volunteers and 4830 patients) received MultiHance at doses ranging from 0.005 to 0.4 mmol/kg. There were 2838 (57%) men and 2129 (43%) women with a mean age of 56.5 years (range 18 to 93 years). A total of 4403 (89%) subjects were Caucasian, 134 (3%) Black, 275 (6%) Asian, 40 (1%) Hispanic, 70 (1%) in other racial groups, and for 45 (1%) subjects, race was not reported. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in adult subjects who received MultiHance were nausea (1.3%) and headache (1.2%). Most adverse reactions were mild to moderate in intensity. One subject experienced a serious anaphylactoid reaction with laryngeal spasm and dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Serious adverse reactions consisting of convulsions, pulmonary edema, acute necrotizing pancreatitis, and anaphylactoid reactions were reported in 0.1% of subjects in clinical trials. Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 0.5% of 4967 adult subjects who received MultiHance are listed below (Table 2), in decreasing order of occurrence within each system. TABLE 2: ADVERSE REACTIONS REPORTED IN ≥ 0.5% OF ADULT SUBJECTS WHO RECEIVED MULTIHANCE IN CLINICAL TRIALS Number of subjects dosed 4967 Number of subjects with any adverse reaction 517 (10.4%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 67 (1.3%) General Disorders and Administration Site Disorders Injection Site Reaction 54 (1.1%) Feeling Hot 49 (1.0%) Nervous System Disorders Headache 60 (1.2%) Dysgeusia 33 (0.7%) Paresthesia 24 (0.5%) Dizziness 24 (0.5%) The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 0.5% of the 4967 adult subjects who received MultiHance. Serious adverse reactions described above are not repeated below.
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Gadobenate dimeglumine drug interactions
Quoted from the “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions MultiHance and other drugs may compete for the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (MOAT also referred to as MRP2 or ABCC2). Therefore MultiHance may prolong the systemic exposure of drugs such as cisplatin, anthracyclines (e.g. doxorubicin, daunorubicin), vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine), methotrexate, etoposide, tamoxifen, and paclitaxel.
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In particular, consider the potential for prolonged drug exposure in patients with decreased MOAT activity (e.g. Dubin Johnson syndrome).
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Gadobenate dimeglumine dosage
Quoted from the “Dosage and Administration” section of the FDA-approved label. Your own dose is the one your doctor prescribes: do not change it on your own.
PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE – NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION The recommended dose of MultiHance is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a rapid bolus intravenous injection. For MRI of the CNS in pediatric patients below 2 years of age the recommended dosage range is 0.1 to 0.2 mL/kg. To ensure complete injection of the contrast medium, follow the injection with a saline flush of at least 5 mL in MRI of the CNS and at least 20 mL in MRA.
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(2) 2.1 Dosing and Imaging Instructions 2.1.1 MRI of the CNS In adults and in pediatric patients over 2 years of age, the recommended dose of MultiHance for MRI of the CNS is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a rapid bolus intravenous injection. In pediatric patients below 2 years of age, the recommended dosage range is 0.1 to 0.2 mL/kg administered as a rapid bolus intravenous injection. To ensure complete injection of the contrast medium, follow the injection with a saline flush of at least 5 mL. Imaging of the CNS can be performed starting immediately after the bolus injection of MultiHance. 2.1.2 MRA of Renal and Aorto-ilio-femoral Vessels For MRA examination, the recommended dose is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a rapid bolus intravenous injection followed by at least 20 mL saline flush either manually or using an automatic injector system. Start imaging immediately after the administration of MultiHance, with scan delay calculated by test bolus or automatic bolus detection technique. If an automatic contrast detection pulse sequence is not used for bolus timing, then a test bolus injection of 1-2 mL of MultiHance should be used to calculate the appropriate scan delay. 2.2 Dosing Table *For pediatric patients less than 2 years of age, one-half of the per kg dose may be used. TABLE 1: WEIGHT-BASED DOSING VOLUMES FOR: CNS IMAGING (ADULTS AND PEDIATRICS ≥2 YEARS OF AGE*) AND MRA IMAGING (ADULTS ONLY) 0.1mM/kg dose Kilograms (Kg) Pounds (lb) Volume, Milliliters (mL) 2.5 5.5 0.5 5 11 1.0 10 22 2.0 15 33 3.0 20 44 4.0 25 55 5.0 30 66 6.0 35 77 7.0 40 88 8.0 45 99 9.0 50 110 10.0 55 121 11.0 60 132 12.0 65 143 13.0 70 154 14.0 75 165 15.0 80 176 16.0 85 187 17.0 90 198 18.0 95 209 19.0 100 220 20.0 105 231 21.0 110 242 22.0 115 253 23.0 120 264 24.0 125 275 25.0 130 286 26.0 135 297 27.0 140 308 28.0 145 319 29.0 150 330 30.0 2.3 Administration Inspect the MultiHance vial visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use the solution if it is discolored or particulate matter is present. Draw MultiHance into a syringe and inject using sterile technique. Do not mix intravenous medications or parenteral nutrition solutions with MultiHance. Do not administer other medications in the same intravenous line with MultiHance. 2.4 Directions for Proper Use of MultiHance Multipack The pharmacy bulk package is used as a multiple dose container with an appropriate transfer device to fill empty syringes. MultiHance Multipack injection should be drawn into the syringe and administered using sterile technique. Unused portions of the drug must be discarded. When MultiHance Multipack injection is to be injected using plastic disposable syringes, the agent should be drawn into the syringe and used immediately.
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Gadobenate dimeglumine in pregnancy
Quoted from the pregnancy part of the FDA-approved label. Ask your doctor before you take any medicine while pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Risk Summary GBCAs cross the placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. The human data on the association between GBCAs and adverse fetal outcomes are limited and inconclusive (see Data). In animal reproduction studies, gadobenate dimeglumine has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits following repeated intravenous administration during organogenesis at doses up to 6 times the recommended human dose.
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There were no adverse developmental effects observed in rats with intravenous administration of gadobenate dimeglumine during organogenesis at doses up to three times the recommended human dose (see Data). Because of the potential risks of gadolinium to the fetus, use MultiHance only if imaging is essential and cannot be delayed. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and is 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Contrast enhancement is visualized in the placenta and fetal tissues after maternal GBCA administration. Cohort studies and case reports on exposure to GBCAs during pregnancy have not reported a clear association between GBCAs and adverse effects in the exposed neonates. However, a retrospective cohort study, comparing pregnant women who had a GBCA MRI to pregnant women who did not have an MRI, reported a higher occurrence of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the group receiving GBCA MRI. Limitations of this study include a lack of comparison with non-contrast MRI and lack of information about the maternal indication for MRI. Overall, these data preclude a reliable evaluation of the potential risk of adverse fetal outcomes with the use of GBCAs in pregnancy. Animal Data Gadolinium Retention GBCAs administered to pregnant non-human primates (0.1 mmol/kg on gestational days 85 and 135) result in measurable gadolinium concentration in the offspring in bone, brain, skin, liver, kidney, and spleen for at least 7 months. GBCAs administered to pregnant mice (2 mmol/kg daily on gestational days 16 through 19) result in measurable gadolinium concentrations in the pups in bone, brain, kidney, liver, blood, muscle, and spleen at one month postnatal age. Reproductive Toxicology Gadobenate dimeglumine has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits when administered intravenously at 2 mmol/kg/day (6 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) during organogenesis (day 6 to 18) inducing microphthalmia/small eye and/or focal retinal fold in 3 fetuses from 3 separate litters. In addition, MultiHance administered intravenously at 3 mmol/kg/day (10 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) has been shown to increase intrauterine deaths in rabbits. There was no evidence that MultiHance induced teratogenic effects in rats at doses up to 2 mmol/kg/day (3 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area), however, rat dams exhibited no systemic toxicity at this dose.
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →
When Gadobenate dimeglumine should not be used
Quoted from the “Contraindications” section of the FDA-approved label.
MultiHance is contraindicated in patients with known allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. MultiHance is contraindicated in patients with known allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents. (4)
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Gadobenate dimeglumine overdose
Quoted from the “Overdosage” section of the FDA-approved label. If someone may have taken too much, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or 911 in an emergency).
Clinical consequences of overdosage with MultiHance have not been reported. Treatment of an overdosage should be directed toward support of vital functions and prompt institution of symptomatic therapy. In a Phase 1 clinical study, doses up to 0.4 mmol/kg were administered to patients. MultiHance has been shown to be dialyzable [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
— FDA label: MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Forms and how it is given
| Dosage forms | Injection, solution |
|---|---|
| Route | Intravenous |
| Prescription products | 2 in the FDA NDC Directory |
| Brand names | Multihance |
Companies that list this medicine
Labelers in the FDA NDC Directory: the company named on the package (maker or distributor), with the number of prescription products.
- Bracco Diagnostics Inc2 products
FDA approval history
- NDA: New Drug Application: how a new (usually brand-name) medicine is approved.
| Application | Sponsor | Approved | Later changes approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA021357 MULTIHANCE | Bracco | November 23, 2004 | 17, latest March 5, 2025 2025: Labeling · 2024: Labeling · 2024: Labeling |
| NDA021358 MULTIHANCE MULTIPACK | Bracco | November 23, 2004 | 16, latest March 5, 2025 2025: Labeling · 2024: Labeling · 2024: Labeling |
Shortage status
The FDA drug shortage list does not show these products.
Recalls
From FDA enforcement reports, matched by the product’s NDC code. A recall usually covers specific lots only: check the lot number on your package and ask your pharmacist. Do not stop a medicine on your own.
-
April 16, 2012 · Class III · Terminated · D-1663-2012
Short Fill: The product is being recalled due to a potential underfill of the affected vials.
Bracco Diagnostics multihance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL, 20ml, Rx only, Manufactured for: Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ 08543 USA, NDC 0270-5164-15 — Bracco Diagnostics Inc
-
April 16, 2012 · Class II · Terminated · D-1665-2012
Lack of Assurance of Sterility; Product recalled due to displacement of the aluminum crimp cap during product usage.
Multihance Multipack (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL, Pharmacy Bulk Package - Not for Direct Infusion, For Intravenous Use, Rx only, a) 50 mL Single Dose Vial, b) 100 mL Single Dose Vial, Manufactured for: — Bracco Diagnostics Inc
What do the recall classes mean?
Class I: The most serious type: there is a reasonable chance that using the product will cause serious health problems or death.
Class II: Using the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the chance of serious problems is remote.
Class III: Using the product is not likely to cause health problems (for example a labeling or packaging issue).
Official identifiers
| SPL set ID of the quoted label | f63abe56-46d9-4e32-afb1-f4e22370717d |
|---|---|
| FDA labels (SPL) | 2 |
| FDA applications | NDA021357, NDA021358 |
| Active ingredients (FDA) | GADOBENATE DIMEGLUMINE |
Next steps
- Find a pharmacy near youAsk which price applies to you and whether your product is affected by a recall
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- Bracco Diagnostics IncMaker or distributor
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Sources
- FDA-approved label on DailyMed (National Library of Medicine) — MultiHance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, effective March 16, 2025; via openFDA, FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drugs@FDA (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug shortages (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
openFDA data is provided by the FDA as is; it may be incomplete. Always rely on the label that comes with your medicine. FDA Enforcement Report search →