Indications
Barium Sulphate is a contrast agent used to make the digestive tract show up clearly on X-rays and CT scans. It is used for tests such as a barium swallow (food pipe), barium meal and follow-through (stomach and small bowel) and barium enema (large bowel), to look for narrowing, ulcers, growths, swallowing problems and other conditions.
How It Works
Barium is a heavy element that blocks X-rays. When the white, chalky suspension coats the inside lining of the gut, those areas appear bright white on the images, outlining their shape and any abnormalities. Barium Sulphate is not absorbed into the body and passes out in the stool.
Dosage and Administration
Barium Sulphate is given in a hospital or imaging centre by radiology staff (a doctor, radiographer or nurse). It is either swallowed as a drink or paste, or given through a small tube into the back passage (for an enema). The amount and strength are as directed by the radiology team for the type of test. Follow the preparation instructions, which may include not eating for several hours or taking a bowel-cleansing medicine beforehand.
Interactions
It is not absorbed, so interactions are few, but it may coat the gut and reduce the absorption of medicines taken at the same time. Ask the radiology team when to take your usual medicines on the day of the test.
Contraindications
It should not be used if there is a known or suspected hole (perforation) in the bowel, a complete bowel blockage, severe active inflammation of the bowel (such as toxic megacolon), or a known allergy to Barium Sulphate or ingredients in the preparation. It is avoided soon after certain bowel biopsies or surgery, as decided by the doctor.
Side Effects
Common effects include constipation, white or pale stools for a few days, mild cramping, bloating and nausea. Rarely, barium may harden in the bowel and cause blockage, leak through a perforation, or be breathed into the lungs if swallowing is unsafe. Allergic reactions are rare and usually linked to flavourings or other ingredients.
Get urgent medical help if, after the test, you have severe or increasing stomach pain, no bowel movement for 2 days or more with bloating, vomiting, rectal bleeding, fever, or difficulty breathing, rash or swelling of the face.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Barium tests use X-rays, which are usually avoided in pregnancy unless clearly necessary, so tell the staff if you are or might be pregnant. Barium itself is not absorbed, so breastfeeding can continue normally.
Precautions and Warnings
Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food for a few days after the test to help pass the barium; a mild laxative may be advised. Tell staff if you have swallowing difficulties, a history of bowel blockage, severe constipation or colitis. Children and frail older people need extra care.
Overdose
Large amounts may cause constipation or bowel blockage. The medical team manages this with fluids, laxatives or other treatment.
Therapeutic Class
Radiographic contrast agent (oral and rectal).
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Kept by the imaging centre, out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.