What is barium sulfate used for in medical imaging. How should patients prepare for a barium sulfate procedure. What are the potential side effects and precautions associated with barium sulfate. When should barium sulfate not be used.

Understanding Barium Sulfate: A Key Contrast Agent in Medical Imaging

Barium sulfate is a widely used contrast agent in medical imaging procedures. Its unique properties allow healthcare professionals to obtain clear and detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions. This article delves into the uses, administration, and important considerations surrounding barium sulfate.

What is Barium Sulfate?

Barium sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula BaSO4. In medical settings, it is used as a contrast medium due to its ability to absorb X-rays, making internal body structures more visible during imaging procedures.

Common Brand Names

Barium sulfate is available under various brand names, including:

• E-Z-Cat Dry
• E-Z-Disk
• E-Z-HD
• E-Z-Paste
• Entero VU
• Liquid E-Z-Paque
• Readi-Cat 2
• Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie
• Tagitol V
• Varibar
• Volumen

Administration and Preparation for Barium Sulfate Procedures

Proper preparation and administration are crucial for the success of barium sulfate imaging procedures. Healthcare professionals typically administer barium sulfate, but patients must follow specific instructions to ensure optimal results.

How is Barium Sulfate Administered?

Barium sulfate is usually given orally in liquid form just before the imaging procedure. A trained healthcare professional will provide instructions and oversee the administration.

Patient Preparation

To prepare for a barium sulfate procedure, patients should:

1. Follow dietary restrictions as advised by their healthcare provider, which may include fasting before the procedure.
2. Inform their doctor about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions.
3. Arrive at the imaging facility well-hydrated, unless instructed otherwise.
4. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove if necessary.

Post-Procedure Care

After the imaging procedure, patients should:

• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the barium from their system and prevent constipation.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare team.
• Watch for and report any unusual symptoms or side effects.

Contraindications: When Barium Sulfate Should Not Be Used

While barium sulfate is generally safe for most patients, there are situations where its use is contraindicated. Understanding these contraindications is crucial for patient safety.

Allergic Reactions

Patients with a known allergy to barium or other contrast agents should not receive barium sulfate. Are there alternative imaging methods for patients with barium allergies? Yes, healthcare providers may opt for other imaging techniques or contrast agents that do not contain barium.

Gastrointestinal Perforations

Barium sulfate is contraindicated in patients with suspected or known gastrointestinal perforations. Why is this a concern? The barium can leak into the abdominal cavity, potentially causing severe complications.

Bowel Obstructions

Patients with complete bowel obstructions should not receive barium sulfate. What are the risks? The barium may exacerbate the obstruction and lead to further complications.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Barium Sulfate

While barium sulfate is generally well-tolerated, patients should be aware of potential side effects and risks associated with its use.

Common Side Effects

Some patients may experience mild side effects after receiving barium sulfate, including:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Rare but Serious Complications

In rare cases, more serious complications may occur, such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Aspiration of barium into the lungs
• Barium impaction in the gastrointestinal tract
• Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract

How can patients minimize the risk of complications? Following preparation instructions carefully and informing healthcare providers of any pre-existing conditions or symptoms can help reduce the risk of adverse events.

Special Considerations for Specific Patient Groups

Certain patient groups require special consideration when it comes to barium sulfate administration. Healthcare providers must carefully assess the risks and benefits for these individuals.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should inform their healthcare providers before undergoing a barium sulfate procedure. While the risk to the fetus or infant is generally low, alternative imaging methods may be considered when possible.

Patients with Asthma

Individuals with asthma may be at a higher risk of allergic reactions to contrast agents, including barium sulfate. Healthcare providers should be informed of any history of asthma or respiratory conditions.

Patients with Digestive Disorders

Patients with pre-existing digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis, may require special precautions or alternative imaging methods. Why is this important? These conditions can increase the risk of complications during barium sulfate procedures.

Interactions with Other Medications and Substances

While barium sulfate is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it can potentially interact with other medications or substances in the gastrointestinal tract.

Medication Interactions

Patients should inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may need to be temporarily discontinued or their dosages adjusted before a barium sulfate procedure.

Food and Beverage Interactions

Certain foods and beverages may interfere with the quality of imaging results. Patients are typically advised to follow specific dietary restrictions before their procedure. What are some common dietary restrictions? Patients may be asked to avoid solid foods, dairy products, or carbonated beverages for a specified period before the imaging study.

Advances in Barium Sulfate Formulations and Imaging Techniques

The field of medical imaging is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and development aimed at improving contrast agents and imaging techniques.

New Barium Sulfate Formulations

Researchers are working on developing new barium sulfate formulations that offer improved visibility, patient comfort, and safety. What are some recent advancements? Some newer formulations include flavored versions to improve palatability and low-volume preparations that reduce the amount of barium sulfate required for imaging.

Combination Imaging Techniques

Advancements in imaging technology have led to the development of hybrid imaging techniques that combine barium sulfate studies with other imaging modalities. How do these combinations benefit patients? By combining different imaging techniques, healthcare providers can obtain more comprehensive and detailed information about a patient’s condition, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Digital Imaging and Artificial Intelligence

The integration of digital imaging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of medical imaging. How does this impact barium sulfate studies? Digital imaging allows for better image quality and lower radiation doses, while AI algorithms can assist in image analysis, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Patient Education and Informed Consent

Proper patient education and informed consent are crucial components of any medical procedure, including those involving barium sulfate.

The Importance of Patient Education

Educating patients about barium sulfate procedures helps alleviate anxiety, improve compliance with preparation instructions, and enhance overall patient satisfaction. What should patient education cover? Information about the procedure, its purpose, potential risks and benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after the imaging study should be provided.

Obtaining Informed Consent

Healthcare providers must obtain informed consent from patients before administering barium sulfate. What does informed consent involve? Patients should be given a clear explanation of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any alternative options. They should have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns before agreeing to the procedure.

Addressing Patient Concerns

Healthcare providers should be prepared to address common patient concerns regarding barium sulfate procedures. What are some frequent patient concerns? Patients often worry about the taste of the barium sulfate, the duration of the procedure, potential discomfort, and radiation exposure. Providing clear and reassuring information can help alleviate these concerns.

In conclusion, barium sulfate plays a crucial role in medical imaging, providing valuable diagnostic information for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. While generally safe and well-tolerated, its use requires careful consideration of patient factors, proper preparation, and adherence to guidelines. As imaging technologies continue to advance, the use of barium sulfate is likely to evolve, potentially offering even greater benefits to patients and healthcare providers alike.

Barium sulfate (By mouth) | Drug Notes | Health Information

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Barium (BAR-ee-um)

Used to help view images of the body during a medical test or imaging procedure.

Brand Name(s):

E-Z-Cat Dry, E-Z-Disk, E-Z-HD, E-Z-Paste, Entero VU, Liquid E-Z-Paque, Readi-Cat 2, Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie, Tagitol V, Varibar, Volumen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to barium.

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Liquid, Tablet

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You will swallow the barium liquid just before your scan or procedure.
• Drink plenty of liquids after the test to help clear the barium from your body and to keep you hydrated. Barium may cause severe constipation.
• Follow all instructions you are given for your scan or procedure. Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything the night before your test. Barium will work better if your stomach and bowels are empty.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, cancer, heart disease, trouble swallowing, or an allergy to other contrast agents. Tell your doctor about any digestion problems, including bleeding, ulcer, blockage, narrowing, diverticulitis, or recent surgery, trauma, or radiation treatment.
• This medicine may cause constipation, which could be severe.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
• Fever, chills, cough, fast heartbeat, shallow breathing
• Sudden, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting with fever
• Trouble swallowing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

Truven Health Analytics. All rights reserved.

What to expect and side effects

A barium swallow is a type of test used to look inside the esophagus, or food pipe. A doctor might recommend this test if they need to look at the outline of any part of a person’s digestive system.

Barium is a white liquid that is visible on X-rays. Barium passes through the digestive system and does not cause a person any harm.

As it passes through the body, barium coats the inside of the food pipe, stomach, or bowel, causing the outlines of the organs to appear on X-ray.

Share on PinterestA barium swallow can help a doctor identify problems in the food pipe, stomach, or bowel.

A barium swallow test may be used if someone has any of the following conditions:

• frequent, painful heartburn
• gastric reflux, where food or acid keeps coming back up the food pipe
• difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing

This test can give a doctor information about how the person is swallowing.

It can also reveal if someone has any of the following in their food pipe, stomach, or the first part of the bowel:

• ulcers
• abnormal growths
• blockages
• narrowing

If someone has a tumor, this will show up on the X-ray as an irregular outline that extends from the wall of the affected organ.

People who are undergoing a barium swallow should not eat or drink for a few hours before the test. In some cases, the doctor may ask the person to stop taking medication before the test.

Some hospitals recommend not chewing gum, eating mints, or smoking cigarettes after midnight the night before a barium swallow test.

The test takes around 60 minutes and will take place in the X-ray department of the hospital. A person will need to change into a hospital gown.

People can bring a friend or relative for support. However, the companion will not be able to join them in the X-ray room.

In the X-ray room, the person drinks the barium liquid. It often has a chalky taste but can sometimes be flavored.

Share on PinterestA person will lie on a tilting table for part of the examination.

In some cases, a person will be given an injection to relax their stomach.

A person will be standing for some parts of the examination, and lying down on a tilting table for other parts. This allows the liquid to travel through the body, and for the radiologist and radiographer to take a selection of images.

People do not have to stay in hospital after the test and are free to go home as soon as it is complete. The results usually arrive within 1-2 weeks.

Risks and side effects

Patients may feel nauseous after a barium swallow test or become constipated. Drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve constipation. Symptoms of nausea should improve as the barium passes through the system.

It is normal for people to have white-colored stools the first few times they use the toilet after having a barium swallow test.

Some people might worry about being exposed to radiation as part of the X-ray process. However, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to is minimal.

Sometimes, the injection given to relax the stomach can cause temporary blurred vision.

Special considerations

People should not have a barium swallow test if they are pregnant.

If someone has glaucoma or heart problems and needs to have a barium swallow, the doctor may not give the stomach-relaxing injection.

If someone has diabetes then the doctor will schedule a morning appointment for the barium swallow.

If the person takes tablets to control their diabetes, the doctor will tell them not to take the medicine before the test. Instead, they should bring their tablets and some food to the exam to have after it is complete.

People who use insulin will be asked to miss their morning dose and maybe the previous evening’s dose. They should bring their insulin and some food to have after the test. However, those who take long-acting insulin should continue taking this.

Share on PinterestA barium enema allows doctors to examine the colon and rectum.

Another type of barium test is a barium enema. The barium enema test is similar to the barium swallow test and is used by doctors to examine the colon and rectum.

This test usually takes about 40 minutes. A person will be given a laxative the day before having a barium enema test. A laxative is a medicine that helps to clear out the bowel.

During the test, the person lies on their side on a table in the X-ray room. An enema containing barium and water is fed into their rectum through a small plastic tube. Air is also piped through the tube to inflate the bowel.

The table tilts, which spreads the barium throughout the colon. This allows the radiologist and radiographer to clearly see any lumps or swellings within the colon.

The person has to try and hold the liquid in the rectum while the test takes place. Afterwards, most of the liquid drains back into the tube and does not stay in the body.

After having a barium enema test, people may experience some cramping or diarrhea. As with the barium swallow, someone undergoing a barium enema may also have white stools the first few times they go to the toilet after the test.

There is a very small risk of the bowel lining tearing when having this test. This complication only tends to happen if the bowel is very inflamed.

Alternatives to a barium swallow test

An alternative to a barium swallow is a gastroscopy. In this procedure, a narrow, flexible, telescopic camera is used to look inside the food pipe, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

A computed tomography (CT) scan may also be used in combination with a gastroscopy to provide X-ray images of the gut.

Active ingredient BARIUM SULFATE* (BARII SULFAS*)

• Pharmacological properties
• Indications BARIUM SULFATE*
• Application of BARIUM SULFATE*
• Contraindications
• Side effects
• Special instructions
• Diagnosis
• Recommended alternatives
• Trade names

Medicines containing the active substance BARIUM SULFATE*

Pharmacy prices

X-ray contrast agent. Due to the pronounced adhesive properties, an aqueous suspension of barium sulfate well envelops the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, provides a clear contrast of the microrelief of the mucous membrane and makes it possible to obtain a high quality x-ray image. Non-toxic, not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Completely eliminated in 24–48 hours

for x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

Suspension is prepared with distilled water immediately before use. For x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, it is taken orally, for irrigoscopy, it is administered rectally.

Inside for x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine is used as a paste or suspension. For tight filling of the esophagus, a 50% paste is used. Dosed with spoons. 1 tablespoon contains 30 g of paste (15 g of barium sulfate). If necessary, the paste can be diluted by adding 70 ml of distilled water at room temperature to 180 g of paste. For fluoroscopy of the esophagus, the dose of undiluted paste is 120-180 g, diluted with water in a ratio of 3: 1 – 200-250 ml. For X-ray examination of the stomach and small intestine, a suspension is prepared (from powder or paste). To prepare a suspension from a paste, 70-80 ml of boiled water is added in portions to 240 g in 2-3 doses and thoroughly mixed, 300-450 ml is used for one study of the stomach and small intestine. To prepare a suspension from a powder, mix it with warm boiled or distilled water in a ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 for adults and from 1:1.5 to 1:2 for children and mix thoroughly for 4-5 minutes (possibly using a mixer), the dose for adults per study is 300 ml, for children – 100 ml.

A more dilute suspension is used rectally for irrigoscopy: 700–800 ml of water is added to 240–360 g of paste; for one study – 1000-1500 ml.

hypersensitivity to barium sulfate, perforation of the esophagus, stomach or intestines, esophagotracheal fistulas, swallowing disorders, intestinal obstruction, constipation, stenosis of the esophagus, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, condition after surgical interventions on the gastrointestinal tract.

barium appendicitis, constipation, allergic reactions. When using gas-forming substances in the process of double contrasting, unpleasant sensations in the epigastric region may occur.

for double contrasting in adults and older children (double contrasting is not advisable in young children), immediately before the study, the patient is given, depending on age, 1.5–3.5 g of sodium bicarbonate (in solution or powder), which is quickly washed down with a solution of 1–3 g of citric acid. The total volume of distilled water should not exceed 7–15 ml. Can be used to study intestinal motility in children. After oral administration, the suspension passes through the small intestine in children in 1–2 hours, which makes it possible to study the structure and motor function of the small intestine in a short time and thereby abandon special techniques for studying it. The duration of the passage of the suspension through the colon is 4 hours, which significantly reduces the time of examination of the intestine and reduces the radiation exposure by 2 times.

instructions for use, price, analogues, composition, indications

active substance – barium sulfate.

White or almost white, fine, friable powder, odorless.

Radiopaque agent. Envelops the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and provides a clear image of the microrelief of the mucous membrane. Increases image contrast in x-ray studies of the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum contrast of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum is achieved immediately after oral administration, the small intestine – after 15-90 min (depending on the rate of gastric emptying and the viscosity of the drug). The greatest visualization of the distal small and large intestine depends on body position and hydrostatic pressure.

Low toxicity. It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not enter the systemic circulation. Completely excreted through the intestines after 24-48 hours.

Used as a radiopaque agent for visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum) both by conventional X-ray and by double contrast.

Hypersensitivity; violation of the integrity of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract (suspicion of it), esophagotracheal fistulas; swallowing disorder, intestinal obstruction, constipation, stenosis of the esophagus, bleeding from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract; condition after surgical interventions on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract; malabsorption syndrome, food allergy; atresia; ischemic and necrotizing enterocolitis; injury or chemical burns of the gastrointestinal tract.

Carefully.

The general serious condition of the patient; bronchial asthma, dehydration.

Not recommended during pregnancy. If it is necessary to conduct a study during lactation, breastfeeding should be stopped within 24 hours after the study.

Inside, for x-ray examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and small intestine: barium sulfate for fluoroscopy is used in the form of an aqueous suspension prepared immediately before the x-ray examination. To prepare a suspension from a powder, mix it with warm boiled or distilled water in a ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 for adults and from 1:1.5 to 1:2 for children and mix thoroughly for 4-5 minutes (possibly using a mixer), the dose for adults per study is 300 ml, for children – 50-100 ml.

From the digestive system: barium appendicitis, constipation; at

the use of gas-forming substances in the process of double contrasting – discomfort in the epigastric region.

Allergic reactions: urticaria, erythema, rash.

Barium sulfate is biologically inert and does not interact with other drugs. However, the presence of barium sulfate in the gastrointestinal tract may affect the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time.

Influence on the ability to drive a car or other mechanisms

Does not affect.

– The drug should be taken under medical supervision.

– Do not use in patients during and up to 4 weeks after radiotherapy to the rectum or prostate.

– After using barium sulfate to prevent constipation, it is recommended to drink an increased amount of fluid.

– Caution should be exercised when using barium sulfate in children, elderly and debilitated patients

– For double contrasting in adults and older children (double contrasting is not advisable in young children), immediately before the study, the patient is given, depending on age, 1.5-3.5 g of baking soda (in solution or powder), which is quickly washed down with a solution of 1-3 g of citric acid. The total volume of distilled water should not exceed 7-15 ml. Can be used to study intestinal motility in children. After oral administration, the suspension passes through the small intestine in children in 1-2 hours, which makes it possible to study the structure and motor function of the small intestine in a short time and, thereby, to abandon the special methods of its study. The duration of the passage of the suspension through the colon is 4 hours, which significantly reduces the time of inspection of the intestine and reduces the radiation exposure by 2 times.