Gd-DOTA. Pharmacokinetics and tolerability after intravenous injection into healthy volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of Gd-DOTA meglumine in humans were evaluated in six healthy male volunteers. The agent was injected intravenously at 0.1 mmol/kg over approximately 2 minutes. Its behavior was found to be similar to that of urographic and angiographic iodinated contrast media with a plasma elimination half-life of 91 +/- 14 minutes (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]), a small distribution volume of 171.0 +/- 19.7 mL/kg and rapid urinary excretion. The results suggest rapid passive extravascular diffusion of gadolinium (Gd)-DOTA in the interstitial space without intracellular penetration, followed by a rapid urinary excretion via glomerular filtration. Furthermore, the results are consistent with animal data that showed that the compound does not cross the normal blood brain barrier. Its plasma pharmacokinetics appeared to be similar to those reported for Gd-DTPA. No relevant biological effects were seen with Gd-DOTA, especially in regard to serum iron and bilirubin levels.