This enduring monograph provides pharmacists with an evidence-based review of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) used in magnetic resonance imaging, with emphasis on differences in relaxivity, dosing, safety profiles, and clinical performance. The activity supports pharmacists involved in formulary management and medication safety by highlighting how contrast agent selection can impact diagnostic quality, patient exposure to gadolinium, and overall value of care.
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to
- Describe the key differences among gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), including molecular structure, relaxivity, dosing, and safety profiles that influence MRI diagnostic performance.
- Explain how GBCA selection impacts patient safety, including considerations related to gadolinium exposure, renal function, and use in patients requiring repeated contrast-enhanced MRI examinations.
- Discuss the role of the pharmacist in evaluating MRI contrast agents for formulary inclusion, including considerations of efficacy, safety, sustainability, and overall value within the health-system practice.
The target audience for this paper consists primarily of hospital and clinic pharmacists, specifically those involved in drug selection, formulary management, and the acquisition of diagnostic imaging agents.
This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour by the Washington State Pharmacy Association in joint providership with Northwest Imaging Forums, Inc. UNIVERSAL ACTIVITY NUMBER (UAN): 0130-9999-26-028-H01-P
CPE Release Date: 01/23/2026 | CPE Expires 01/23/2027
Northwest Imaging Forums, Inc is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This statement contains information provided to NABP from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) via CPE Monitor®. ACPE policy states paper and/or electronic statements of credit may no longer be distributed directly to learners as proof of ACPE credit. The official record of credit may be located in the learner’s e-profile in CPE Monitor®.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures:
As an accredited provider of continuing medical education, it is the policy of Northwest Imaging Forums, Inc. (NWIF) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its activities. In accordance with this policy, faculty and planners must disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. Any relevant financial relationships have been mitigated by NWIF to ensure the integrity of the CME activity. The planner has nothing to disclose.
