BARIUM SULFATE (BA ree um SUL fate) is a contrast agent that is used to help x-ray diagnosis of problems in areas of the upper GI tract, like the esophagus, the stomach, and/or the small intestine.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth. Your health care professional will tell you how to prepare for your test. If you have not received instructions or if you do not understand them, check with your health care professional before the test.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine 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 health care professional. The test may need to be re-scheduled.
What may interact with this medicine?
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 doctor or health care professional 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 medicine?
Follow all instructions from your health care professional 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 barium out. 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 medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bloating
breathing problems
chest tightness
nausea or vomiting
stomach or lower abdominal pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
cramping
diarrhea
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 medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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.
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.
