Barium Sulfate
Key points
- BARIUM SULFATE (many brands) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose problems with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Barium sulfate oral suspension is taken by mouth (swallowed).
- If you cannot follow the steps to prepare for your test, you must tell your health care professional.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Barium Sulfate oral suspension
What is Barium Sulfate oral suspension? BARIUM SULFATE (many brands) is a radiopaque agent used to diagnose problems with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When barium is taken by mouth, it makes the upper areas of the GI tract, like the esophagus, the stomach, and/or the small intestine opaque or white so they can be photographed by x-rays. This test is commonly called an 'Upper GI' test. Usually several x-rays are taken to take pictures as the barium moves through the stomach and intestines. The barium procedure shows if anything is wrong inside the GI tract and how well it is working. Generic barium sulfate oral suspensions are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Barium Sulfate?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- dehydration
- difficulty swallowing
- eczema or a history of significant allergies
- intestinal blockage or perforation
- intestinal or stomach cancer
- an unusual reaction to Barium Sulfate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Barium sulfate oral suspension is taken by mouth (swallowed). 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. You will not be able to eat for a certain period of time before the barium test. For some tests, you may not be able to eat after your evening meal or after a certain time in the evening. You may be allowed to drink small amounts of clear liquids until midnight. Some tests may require you to take a laxative and/or an enema.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you cannot follow the steps to prepare for your test, you must tell your health care professional. The test may need to be re-scheduled.
What drug(s) may interact with Barium Sulfate?
- No drug interactions have been documented between barium sulfate and other medications. However, you may or may not be able to take your regular medications during the time of preparation for your procedure. Ask your health care professional.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
