Barium Sulphate

Barium Sulphate is a radiopaque contrast agent used to help doctors examine the esophagus, stomach, and intestines using X-rays or CT scans. It is an insoluble, inert material that is not absorbed or metabolized by the body and is eliminated intact in the feces.

Barium Sulphate increases the absorption of X-rays, clearly delineating body structures where it is localized. It is available as a powder (to be mixed with water), suspension (liquid), paste, and tablet. It can be taken orally or administered as an enema.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Severe reactions are extremely rare (approximately 1 in 1,000,000).

• X-ray imaging
• CT scan
• Imaging of the GI tract
• Diagnosis of esophagus, stomach, and intestinal diseases

Barium sulfate increases the absorption of x-rays as they pass through the body, thus delineating body structures in which barium sulfate is localized. Barium sulfate is an insoluble, inert radiopaque material which is not absorbed or metabolized and is eliminated intact from the body in a manner similar to other non-absorbed inorganic materials. Excretion rate is a function of gastrointestinal transit time.

Barium Sulphate coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine, creating a visible outline that allows diseased or damaged areas to be clearly seen on X-ray or CT scan. It is not absorbed by the body, making it safe, and is eliminated unchanged in the stool.

The dose depends on the area under examination, the equipment, and the technique employed. Barium Sulphate is available as a powder (to be mixed with water), suspension (liquid), paste, and tablet. Dosage varies for adults and children and should be taken as directed by a physician.

For oral administration: Mix the powder with water according to package instructions. Shake well before use. Take at the specified time before the examination. As an enema: Will be administered by medical staff at the testing center. Follow all pre- and post-examination instructions (liquid diet, fasting, laxatives) provided by your doctor.

Doses are scheduled according to the examination timeline. If a dose is missed, contact the testing center staff.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Severe stomach pain
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Ringing in ears
• Confusion
• Fast heart rate
• Pale skin
• Weakness

Serious complications (rare): Aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, granuloma formation, intravasation, embolization, peritonitis following intestinal perforation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes, fatalities (approximately 1 in 10,000,000).

• Special attention required in patients with history of bronchial asthma, atopy (hay fever, eczema), or previous reaction to contrast agents
• Caution in severely debilitated patients, patients with marked hypertension or advanced cardiac disease
• Caution in patients with history of food aspiration; if aspirated into larynx, discontinue immediately
• Rehydrate the patient quickly after the examination
• Use mild laxatives (milk of magnesia or lactulose) to prevent constipation
• Caution in patients with complete or nearly complete obstruction of the GI tract

• Known gastric or intestinal perforation
• Known or suspected obstruction of the colon
• Suspected tracheoesophageal fistula
• Obstructing lesions of the small intestine
• Pyloric stenosis
• Hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any component

No significant drug interactions are known. Anaphylactic and allergic reactions have been reported during double contrast examinations in which glucagon has been used.

No specific food restrictions. Follow pre-examination instructions regarding liquid diet and fasting.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Safe use of barium sulfate during pregnancy has not been established (Category C). Elective radiography of the abdomen is considered contraindicated during pregnancy. Use only if possible benefits outweigh the potential risks.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether barium sulfate is excreted in human milk. Use with caution in nursing mothers.

Two deaths of infants from barium aspiration have been reported; however, the volume of aspirated material rather than the nature of the material was probably the responsible factor.

Colon distention has caused electrocardiographic changes, especially in geriatric patients with a history of cardiac disease.

No specific dose adjustment needed for patients with kidney or liver disease (barium sulfate is not absorbed and is not metabolized).

Overdose may cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. In rare instances, a total dose of 30 ounces (900 mL) of a 115% w/v barium sulfate suspension has been reported to cause these symptoms, which resolve spontaneously and are not life-threatening.

Store at 25°C.

Barium Sulphate (BaSO₄)