BARIUMSULFATE (Diagnostic)

Category

• Diagnostic aid, radiopaque, gastrointestinal disorders

Description

Barium sulfate is a radiopaque agent. Radiopaque agents are used to helpdiagnose certain medical problems. Since radiopaque agents are opaque to (block)x-rays, the areas of the body in which they are localized will appear whiteon the x-ray film. This creates the needed distinction, or contrast, betweenone organ and other tissues. The contrast will help the doctor see any specialconditions that may exist in that organ or part of the body.

Barium sulfate is taken by mouth or given rectally by enema. If takenby mouth, it makes the esophagus, the stomach, and/or the small intestineopaque to the x-rays so that they can be "photographed". If itis given by enema, the colon and/or the small intestine can be seen and photographedby x-rays.

The dose of barium sulfate will be different for different patients anddepends on the type of test. The strength of the suspension and tablet isdetermined by how much barium they contain. Different tests will require adifferent strength and amount of suspension (some may require the tablet form),depending on the age of the patient, the contrast needed, and the x-ray equipmentused.

Barium sulfate is to be used only by or under the direct supervision ofa doctor.

Before Having This Test

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighedagainst the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.Also, test results may be affected by other things. For barium sulfate, thefollowing should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to barium sulfate. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergicto any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy?X-rays of the abdomen are usually not recommendedduring pregnancy. This is to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation. Be sureyou have discussed this with your doctor.

Breast-feeding?Barium sulfate does not pass into the breast milk.This medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of barium sulfate in children with use in other age groups, this agentis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children thanit does in adults.

Older adults?This contrast agent has been used in older peopleand has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in themthan it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problems may affectthe use of barium sulfate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have anyother medical problems, especially:

• Asthma, hay fever, or other allergies (history of)?If you havea history of these conditions, the risk of having a reaction, such as an allergicreaction to the additives in the barium sulfate preparation, is greater

• Cystic fibrosis?The risk of blockage in the small bowel isgreater

• Dehydration?Barium sulfate may cause severe constipation

• Intestinal blockage or perforation?Barium sulfate may makethis condition worse

Preparation for This Test

Your doctor mayhave special instructions for you in preparation for your test. If you havenot received such instructions or if you do not understand them, check withyour doctor in advance.

For some tests your doctor may tell you not to eat after 8 the eveningbefore the test. You may be allowed to drink small amounts of clear liquidsuntil midnight; however, check first with your doctor. For other tests youmay need to eat meals free of fiber and bulk the day before the test. Youmay also need to use a laxative.

Precautions After Having This Test

Make sure to drink plenty of liquids after the test. Otherwise, bariumsulfate may cause severe constipation.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects,a radiopaque agent may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of theseside effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctorimmediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Bloating; constipation (severe, continuing); cramping (severe); nauseaor vomiting; stomach or lower abdominal pain; tightness in chest or troubled breathing; wheezing

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medicalattention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to this agent.However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continueor are bothersome:

More common

Constipation or diarrhea; cramping

Other side effects not listed abovemay also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check withyour doctor.