barium sulfate (oral/rectal)

What is the most important information I should know about barium sulfate?

What is barium sulfate?

Barium sulfate is a contrast agent. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Barium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using barium sulfate?

You may not be able to use barium sulfate if:

• you recently had surgery, an injury, or a biopsy involving your stomach, esophagus, or intestines;
• you recently had radiation treatment of your pelvic area;
• you recently had a perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;
• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• you have stomach bleeding; or
• you have poor blood flow to your intestines (ischemia).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma;
• food or drug allergies;
• slow digestion, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• cystic fibrosis;
• a colostomy;
• rectal cancer;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the intestines);
• fructose intolerance;
• a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);
• a fistula (abnormal connection) between your esophagus and your trachea (windpipe);
• trouble swallowing, or if you have ever choked on food by accidentally inhaling it into your lungs;
• a rectal biopsy; or
• a latex allergy.

How is barium sulfate given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Barium sulfate comes in tablets, paste, cream, or liquid forms. In some cases, barium sulfate is taken by mouth. The liquid form may also be used as a rectal enema.

If you receive barium sulfate as a rectal enema, a healthcare professional will give you the medicine at the clinic or hospital where your testing will take place.

You may need to begin taking oral barium sulfate at home, a day before your medical test. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Dissolve the powder in a small amount of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid after using barium sulfate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of barium sulfate?

• severe stomach pain;
• severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation;
• chest pain, trouble breathing or swallowing;
• ringing in your ears;
• sweating, confusion, fast heart rate; or
• pale skin, blue-colored skin, weakness.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stomach cramps;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• loose stools or mild constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect barium sulfate?

Other drugs may affect barium sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about barium sulfate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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