Barium Sulfate, Oral/Rectal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: diagnostic agent

Generic and brand names: barium sulfate; Anatrast; Baro-Cat; Barosperse; Baricon; Barobag; Bear-E-Yum; CheeTah, Digital HD; EntroEase; Enhancer; MedeScan; Novopaque; Prepcat; Tomocat; Tonopaque

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken before you have an X-ray or CT scan of the digestive tract. If taken by mouth, it makes the esophagus, the stomach, or the small intestine able to be seen on X-ray film. If it is given by enema, the colon or the small intestine can be seen on the X-rays or CT scan.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• asthma, hay fever, or other breathing problems
• intestinal blockage or perforation (tear)
• esophageal reflux (where acid from your stomach backs up toward your throat).

Also tell your provider if you have recently had a rectal biopsy.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. X-rays of the abdomen are usually not recommended during pregnancy.

How do I take it?

Your healthcare provider will give you special instructions on how to take this medicine in preparation for your test. Check with your provider if you do not understand the instructions.

Do not eat or drink anything after the evening meal before the exam. If you are having an X-ray of your colon, you may need to take a laxative. For some tests you may need to eat meals free of fiber and bulk the day before the test. If you find it difficult to drink all your medicine, tell your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Most people eliminate all of this medicine in bowel movements within 24 to 48 hours after drinking the medicine. Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. If you have not had a bowel movement 2 days after taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe abdominal pain, severe constipation, vomiting.

Other: Constipation, diarrhea, mild stomach cramps.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.