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sulphur hexafluoride

SonoVue · ATC code V08DA05

Key facts
Active substance
sulphur hexafluoride
Drug class
Ultrasound contrast media
ATC code
V08DA05
Authorisation
centrally authorised across the EU (EMA)
Dosage forms
SonoVue 8 microlitres/mL powder and solvent for dispersion for injection
Marketing authorisation holder
Bracco International B.V.
Information as of
2026-10-27

Key facts

Sulphur hexafluoride is an ultrasound contrast agent made of gas-filled microbubbles (SonoVue). It is for diagnostic use only and enhances the echogenicity of blood or fluids in the urinary tract.

What it is used for

  • Echocardiography in adults with suspected or established cardiovascular disease (opacification of cardiac chambers)
  • Doppler of macrovasculature (cerebral, carotid, peripheral arteries, portal vein) in adults
  • Doppler of microvasculature to characterise liver and breast lesions in adults
  • Ultrasonography of the excretory urinary tract in children from newborn to 18 years to detect vesicoureteral reflux
  • Only when imaging without contrast is inconclusive

Dosing

  • Intravenous, adults: B-mode imaging of cardiac chambers 2 mL; vascular Doppler 2.4 mL; a second injection may be given per examination
  • Flush each intravenous injection with 5 mL of sodium chloride solution
  • Intravesical use in children: 1 mL via a urinary catheter
  • Only by experienced physicians; emergency equipment and trained personnel must be available

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipient
  • Intravenous use: right-to-left shunts, severe pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, adult respiratory distress syndrome
  • Combination with dobutamine in cardiovascular instability

Important warnings

  • Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including without prior exposure; increased risk with prior hypersensitivity to macrogol (PEG)
  • Close medical supervision during and for at least 30 minutes after administration
  • Caution treating anaphylaxis with epinephrine in patients on beta blockers
  • ECG monitoring in high-risk patients with unstable cardiopulmonary status

Side effects

  • Generally non-serious and transient; most common headache, injection site reaction and nausea
  • Uncommon: paraesthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia, flushing, abdominal pain, rash
  • Rare or not known: hypersensitivity, hypotension, vasovagal reaction, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia, Kounis syndrome

Interactions

  • No interaction studies have been performed
  • Dobutamine contraindicated in cardiovascular instability

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Pregnancy: no clinical data; as a precaution, use should preferably be avoided
  • Breastfeeding: can be resumed two to three hours after administration

Summary of the official product information, written with AI (Claude, Anthropic) on 2026-10-28. Every number was checked automatically against the original text. Not reviewed by a physician – the full official text is authoritative.

Full official text →

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For patients

Package leaflet, verbatim

Package leaflet for patients →

Authorisation and brand names by country

Medicines with exactly this active-substance composition, as listed in the national registers – alphabetical and without ranking. Whether a product is currently available is not shown here.

EU – centrally authorised (all member states)

  • SonoVueBracco International B.V. · EMEA/H/C/000303

Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA), product information

Medelix receives no money from pharmaceutical companies. Brand names are listed alphabetically and without ranking.

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Sources

  1. European Medicines Agency. SonoVue – EPAR, Product Information (OF THE TEXT Detailed information on this medicinal product i). 2026-10-27. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/sonovue-epar-product-information_en.pdf
  2. Wikidata (CC0): ATC V08DA.

Editorial: Medelix editorial team · last updated 2026-10-27 · How these pages are made · Report an error

Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA), product information. Not advertising, not a treatment recommendation. For questions about your own treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.