omniscan
Omniscan (Gadodiamide) is a medication supplied as an injection.
Gadodiamide · by Ge Healthcare
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Gadodiamide
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Gadodiamide 14.35GM/50ML (287MG/ML) · Gadodiamide 28.7GM/100ML (287MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Ge Healthcare
- FDA application
- NDA022066
- Availability
- Discontinued (per FDA)
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Omniscan?
From the FDA label:OMNISCAN (gadodiamide) Injection is the formulation of the gadolinium complex of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid bismethylamide, and is an injectable, nonionic extracellular enhancing agent for magnetic resonance imaging. OMNISCAN is administered by intravenous injection. OMNISCAN is provided as a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellow, aqueous solution. Each 1 mL contains 287 mg gadodiamide and 12 mg caldiamide sodium in Water for Injection. The pH is adjusted between 5.5 and 7.0 with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide. OMNISCAN contains no antimicrobial preservative. OMNISCAN is a 0.5 mol/L solution of aqua[5,8-bis(carboxymethyl)-11-[2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-3-oxo-2,5,8,11-tetraazatridecan-13-oato (3-)-N 5 , N 8 , N 11 , O 3 , O 5 , O 8 , O 11 , O 13 ] gadolinium hydrate, with a molecular weight of 573.66 (anhydrous), an empirical formula of C 16 H 28 GdN 5 O 9 ∙xH 2 O, and the following structural formula: Pertinent physicochemical data for OMNISCAN are noted below: PARAMETER Osmolality (mOsmol/kg water) @ 37°C 789 Viscosity (cP) @ 20°C 2 @ 37°C 1.4 Density (g/mL) @ 25°C 1.14 Specific gravity @ 25°C 1.15 OMNISCAN has an osmolality approximately 2.8 times that of plasma at 37°C and is hypertonic under conditions of use. Chemical Structure
How to use
CNS – Adults and Pediatrics; 2 to 16 years of age: 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) Body – Adults and Pediatrics; 2 to 16 years of age: Kidney: 0.1 mL/kg (0.05 mmol/kg) Intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and pelvic cavities: 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) ( 2.2 , 2.4 ) 2.1 CNS (Central Nervous System) Adults: The recommended dose of OMNISCAN is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection. Pediatric Patients (2 to 16 years of age): The recommended dose of OMNISCAN is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 2.2 Body (Intrathoracic [noncardiac], Intra-abdominal, Pelvic and Retroperitoneal Regions) Adult and Pediatric Patients (2 to 16 years of age): For imaging the kidney, the recommended dose of OMNISCAN is 0.1 mL/kg (0.05 mmol/kg). For imaging the intrathoracic (noncardiac), intra-abdominal, and pelvic cavities, the recommended dose of OMNISCAN is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 2.3 Dosage Chart BODY WEIGHT PEDIATRIC ADULTS 0.05 0.1 0.05 0.1 kg lb (mmol/kg) (mmol/kg) VOLUME (mL) VOLUME (mL) 12 26 1.2 2.4 - - 14 31 1.4 2.8 - - 16 35 1.6 3.2 - - 18 40 1.8 3.6 - - 20 44 2 4 - - 22 48 2.2 4.4 - - 24 53 2.4 4.8 - - 26 57 2.6 5.2 - - 28 62 2.8 5.6 - - 30 66 3 6 - - 40 88 4 8 4 8 50 110 5 10 5 10 60 132 6 12 6 12 70 154 7 14 7 14 80 176 8 16 8 16 90 198 - - 9 18…
Side effects
The following clinically significant 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) ] Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most frequent adverse reactions (≤ 3%) observed during OMNISCAN adult clinical studies were nausea, headache, and dizziness ( 6.1 ) Serious or life-threatening reactions include: cardiac failure, arrhythmia and myocardial infarction ( 6.1 , 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GE HealthCare at 1-800-654-0118 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies 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. Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients In clinical studies 1,160 patients were exposed to OMNISCAN. The most frequent adverse reactions were nausea, headache, and dizziness that occurred in 3% or less of the patients. The majority of these reactions were of mild to moderate intensity. The following adverse reactions occurred in 1% or less of patients: Application Site Disorders: Injection site reaction. Autonomic…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH INTRATHECAL USE and NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS 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. OMNISCAN is not approved for intrathecal use ( 5.1 ). GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of OMNISCAN in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other modalities. Do not administer OMNISCAN to patients with: chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ), or acute kidney injury ( 4 ). 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 ). Risk Associated with Intrathecal Use Intrathecal administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. OMNISCAN is not approved for intrathecal use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of OMNISCAN 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 fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. Do not administer OMNISCAN to patients with: chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ), or acute kidney injury [see Contraindications (4) ]. 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. Do not exceed the recommended OMNISCAN dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug from the body prior to any readministration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Warnings
Important safety information
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylactoid and other serious hypersensitivity reactions including fatal reactions have occurred particularly in patients with history of allergy or drug reactions. Monitor patients closely for need of emergency cardiorespiratory support ( 5.3 ). Gadolinium Retention: Gadolinium is retained for months or years in brain, bone, and other organs ( 5.4 ). Acute Renal Failure: Acute renal failure has occurred in patients with preexisting renal insufficiency. Use the lowest necessary dose of OMNISCAN and evaluate renal function in these patients ( 5.5 ). 5.1 Risk Associated with Intrathecal Use Intrathecal administration of GBCAs can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. The safety and effectiveness of OMNISCAN have not been established with intrathecal use. OMNISCAN is not approved for intrathecal use [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2) ]. 5.2 Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of OMNISCAN among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI or other modalities. The GBCA-associated NSF risk appears highest for patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) as well as patients with acute kidney injury. Do not administer OMNISCAN to these patients. The risk appears lower for patients with chronic, moderate kidney disease (GFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) and little, if any, for patients with chronic, mild kidney disease (GFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73m 2 ). NSF may result in fatal or debilitating fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. Report any diagnosis of NSF following OMNISCAN administration to GE HealthCare (1-800-654-0118) or FDA (1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch). Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. Features of acute kidney injury consist of rapid (over hours to days) and usually reversible decrease in kidney function, commonly in the setting of surgery, severe infection, injury or drug-induced kidney toxicity. Serum creatinine levels and estimated GFR may not reliably assess renal function in the setting of acute kidney injury. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g., age > 60 years, diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension), estimate the GFR through laboratory testing. Among the factors that may increase the risk for NSF are repeated or higher than recommended doses of a GBCA and the degree of renal impairment at the time of exposure. Record the specific GBCA and the dose administered to a patient. When administering a GBCA, do not exceed the recommended dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the agent prior to any readministration [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications (4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) and Dosage and Administration (2) ]. 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions, with cardiovascular, respiratory and/or cutaneous manifestations, resulting in death have occurred. Personnel trained in resuscitation techniques and resuscitation equipment should be present prior to OMNISCAN administration. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, stop OMNISCAN Injection and immediately begin appropriate therapy. Observe patients closely, particularly those with a history of drug reactions, asthma, allergy or other hypersensitivity disorders, during and up to several hours after OMNISCAN Injection. 5.4 Gadolinium Retention Gadolinium is retained for months or years in several organs. The highest concentrations (nanomoles per gram of tissue) have been identified in the bone, followed by other organs (e.g., brain, skin, kidney, liver, and spleen). The duration of retention also varies by tissue and is longest in bone. Linear GBCAs cause more retention than macrocyclic GBCAs. At equivalent doses, gadolinium retention varies among the linear agents with Omniscan (gadodiamide) and Optimark (gadoversetamide) causing greater retention than other linear agents [Eovist (gadoxetate disodium), Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine)]. Retention is lowest and similar among the macrocyclic GBCAs [Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine), Gadavist (gadobutrol), ProHance (gadoteridol)]. Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of GBCA administration and retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. There are rare reports of pathologic skin changes in patients with normal renal function. Adverse events involving multiple organ systems have been reported in patients with normal renal function without an established causal link to gadolinium retention [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. While clinical consequences of gadolinium retention have not been established in patients with normal renal function, certain patients might be at higher risk. These include patients requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant and pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.4) ], and patients with inflammatory conditions. Consider the retention characteristics of the agent when choosing a GBCA for these patients. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies, particularly closely spaced studies, when possible. 5.5 Acute Renal Failure In patients with renal insufficiency, acute renal failure requiring dialysis or worsening renal function have occurred, mostly within 48 hours of OMNISCAN Injection. The risk of renal failure may increase with increasing dose of gadolinium contrast. Use the lowest necessary dose of contrast and evaluate renal function in patients with renal insufficiency. Acute renal failure was observed in < 1% of patients in OMNISCAN clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. OMNISCAN is cleared by glomerular filtration. Hemodialysis also enhances OMNISCAN clearance [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ]. 5.6 Impaired Visualization of Lesions Detectable with Non-contrast MRI Paramagnetic contrast agents such as OMNISCAN might impair the visualization of lesions which are seen on the non-contrast MRI. This may be due to effects of the paramagnetic contrast agent, or imaging parameters. Exercise caution when OMNISCAN MRI scans are interpreted in the absence of a companion non-contrast MRI. 5.7 Laboratory Test Findings Asymptomatic, transitory changes in serum iron have been observed. The clinical significance is unknown. OMNISCAN interferes with serum calcium measurements with some colorimetric (complexometric) methods commonly used in hospitals, resulting in serum calcium concentrations lower than the true values. In patients with normal renal function, this effect lasts for 12 to 24 hours. In patients with decreased renal function, the interference with calcium measurements is expected to last during the prolonged elimination of OMNISCAN. After patients receive OMNISCAN, careful attention should be used in selecting the type of method used to measure calcium.
Who should not take Omniscan
OMNISCAN is contraindicated in patients with: Chronic, severe kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate, GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) or acute kidney injury Prior hypersensitivity to OMNISCAN Patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) or acute kidney injury ( 4 ).
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Clinical consequences of overdose with OMNISCAN have not been reported. The minimum lethal dose of intravenously administered OMNISCAN in rats and mice is greater than 20 mmol/kg (200 times the recommended human dose of 0.1 mmol/kg; 67 times the cumulative 0.3 mmol/kg dose). OMNISCAN is dialyzable.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Storing Omniscan, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Store OMNISCAN at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP].”
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Omniscan?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Omniscan. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Omniscan?
- Omniscan is marketed by Ge Healthcare. You can see Ge Healthcare's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Omniscan a brand-name or generic drug?
- Omniscan is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Gadodiamide.
- Is Omniscan available over the counter?
- No. Omniscan is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Omniscan come in?
- Omniscan is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Omniscan FDA-registered?
- Omniscan is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA022066. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Omniscan safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Omniscan. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Omniscan?
- Omniscan's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant 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) ] Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precaution… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about GADODIAMIDE
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 63 reports naming GADODIAMIDE — the active ingredient in Omniscan, and the FDA flagged 92% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- nephrogenic systemic fibrosis22 reports
- vomiting9 reports
- skin hypertrophy6 reports
- abdominal pain5 reports
- emotional distress5 reports
- nuclear magnetic resonance imaging brain abnormal5 reports
- pruritus5 reports
- confusional state4 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean GADODIAMIDE caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.
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