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barium sulfate with suspending agents

V08BA01

Forms & Strengths

Powder for oral suspension (200% w/v)
Powder for rectal suspension (100% w/v)
Ready‑to‑use suspension 40% w/v
Suspending agents included (e.g., methylcellulose)

Adult Dosing

Oral: 40–100 mL of 200% suspension for upper GI series
Rectal barium enema: 150–200 mL of 100% suspension
Double‑contrast studies: 50 mL oral 200% plus 30 mL water
Adjust volume for patient size and tolerance

Pediatric Dosing

Oral: 0.5–1 g kg⁻¹ (≈5–10 mL kg⁻¹) of 200% suspension, max 100 mL
Rectal: 10–20 mL of 100% suspension for infants, 0.5 mL kg⁻¹ for children
Use lowest effective volume to obtain adequate coating

Indications

Contrast for upper GI series
Small‑bowel follow‑through
Barium enema (single‑ and double‑contrast)
Evaluation of dysphagia, malabsorption, suspected obstruction
Pre‑operative GI tract mapping

Mechanism of Action

High‑density barium salts absorb X‑rays, providing radiopaque coating of mucosa
Creates uniform lumen outline for fluoroscopic/CT imaging
Suspending agents maintain homogenous suspension and prevent sedimentation

Contraindications

Known or suspected GI perforation
Complete bowel obstruction or severe ileus
Active inflammatory bowel disease with ulceration
Hypersensitivity to barium or suspending agents
Inability to tolerate oral/rectal intake

Adverse Reactions

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping
Constipation or fecal impaction
Barium peritonitis if leakage through perforation
Rare allergic‑type reactions (urticaria, bronchospasm)
Electrolyte shifts with large volume ingestion

Drug Interactions

May reduce absorption of oral medications (e.g., levothyroxine, antibiotics) if taken concurrently
Antacids can alter barium coating, affecting image quality
Iodinated contrast agents should be separated by ≥24 h to avoid imaging artifacts
May cause false‑positive fecal occult blood test

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use