Medicines given during an MRI scan for Kids

We may give your child some medicine during the MRI scan to make the image clearer. The radiographer will tell you which medicines your child has had in case of later side effects. The medicines we use most often at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) include:

Secretin – This is a naturally occurring hormone that increases the volume of juice within the duct of the pancreas. It is given as an injection. Possible side effects include: loose or runny poo, cramplike stomach ache, headache, skin itching and a rash.

Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan®) – This medicine relaxes the smooth muscle of the intestine. Possible side effects immediately after the injection include: dilated pupils, dry mouth, flushing of the skin, dislike of bright light and palpitations. In the hours following the injection, other side effects may occur: constipation, urinary retention and urinary urgency.

Furosemide – This medicine increases the production of urine immediately after injection. Possible side effects include: low blood pressure and dehydration. You can reduce these side effects by encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids in the hours after the scan.

Mannitol – This medicine is drunk and allows clear imaging of the wall of the bowel. A common side effect is loose or runny poo, so in the first few hours after the scan, your child should have access to a toilet. Dehydration may also occur, so ensure plenty of fluids in the hours following the scan.

Gadoteric acid (Dotarem®) – This is a dye that makes blood vessels and any inflammation show up more clearly on the pictures. It is given as an injection. A possible side effect is hypersensitivity, but this will normally be an immediate effect. There are no reported long term side effects of gadoteric acid.

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