GBCA physiologic reaction

Recognize

• Nausea, vomiting, or warmth after gadolinium
• Transient headache or dizziness
• Taste disturbance (metallic or unusual taste)
• Injection site coldness or pain

Act — tap each step

1. 1Reassure — most are transient and self-limited
2. 2Antiemetic if persistent nausea (Ondansetron 4 mg IV/PO)
3. 3Observe until symptoms resolve

Medications

Notes

• Physiologic reactions are more common than allergic-like reactions to GBCA.
• Nausea is the most common adverse effect (up to 4% of patients).
• Do NOT premedicate for future studies based on a physiologic reaction alone.