Type of medicine: diagnostic agent
Generic and brand names: barium sulfate; Anatrast; Baro-Cat; Barosperse; Baricon; Barobag; Bear-E-Yum; CheeTah, Digital HD; Entrobag; Entrobar; EntroEase; Enhancer; MedeScan; Novopaque; Prepcat; Tomocat; Tonopaque (There may be other brand names for this medicine)
This medicine is taken before you have an X-ray or CT scan of the digestive tract. If taken by mouth, it makes the esophagus, the stomach, or the small intestine able to be seen on X-ray film. If it is given by enema, the colon or the small intestine can be seen on the X-rays or CT scan.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have recently had a rectal biopsy or surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. X-rays of the abdomen are usually not recommended during pregnancy.
You will be given instructions by your healthcare provider to follow before and after your test. You may be told to not eat or drink anything after a specific time before the exam, to drink only clear liquids after a certain time, or to use laxatives. If you find it hard to take all your medicine, tell your healthcare provider. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Check with your provider if you do not understand the instructions.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea, confusion, or weakness.
Most people eliminate all of this medicine in bowel movements within 24 to 48 hours after drinking the medicine. Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. Talk with your healthcare provider about what you should eat or drink after your test. If you have any trouble with bowel movements or have not had a bowel movement 2 days after taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe abdominal pain; severe constipation; vomiting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fainting; confusion; trouble breathing or swallowing; weakness; pale skin; sweating; ringing in the ears.
Other: Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, mild stomach cramps.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
