Barium Sulfate Suspension

What is this medication?

BARIUM SULFATE (BA ree um SUL fate) helps find or diagnose problems in the gastrointestinal tract. It works by making parts of the body easier to view during imaging scans, such as CT, MRI, or X-ray. It belongs to a group of medications called contrast agents.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Baricon, Baro Cat, Baropaque, Barosperse, Barotrast, CAT Pak, CheeTah, Digibar 90, Digital HD, E Z Cat, E Z HD, E Z Paque, Enhancer, Entero H, Entrobar, Entroease, HD-200, HD-85, Liqui-Coat HD, Liquid E Z Paque, Liquid E-Z-Paque, Liquid Polibar, Liquid Polibar Plus, Liquid Sol-O-Pake, Medescan, NeuLumEX, Opti Up, Polibar, Prepcat, Readi Cat, Readi Cat 2, Scan-C, Sol-O-Pake, Stomach Barium Air Contrast, Stomach Barium Single Contrast, TAGITOL V, Tonojug Tonopaque, Tonopaque, Top Cat, Ultra R, VoLumen

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blockage in your bowel
• Blood in your stool (black or tarry stools) or if you have blood in your vomit
• Cancer
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to barium sulfate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you cannot follow the steps to prepare for your test, tell your care team. The test may need to be rescheduled.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. You may or may not be able to take your regular medications during the time of preparation for your procedure. Ask your care team for advice.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Follow all instructions from your care team to properly prepare for your test.

Serious side effects of the test are rare, but report an unexplained fever, blood in the stool, or significant abdominal pain promptly.

After the test, drink plenty of water to help avoid constipation and to help flush the medication out of the body. You may have light or white stools for a few days after the test. Your stools will go back to normal color within a few days.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

See product for storage instructions. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.