How to Drink Barium Sulfate Contrast Suspensions forCT ScansScan C Suspension - FDA prescribe information, side effects and...

Barium sulfate suspension is a contrast agent used during X-rays.It is used to improve visualization of the gastrointestinal tract on plain X-ray or computed tomography.It can be taken by mouth or rectally.[4]

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.It is not recommended for people with bowel obstruction.Allergic reactions are very rare.X-rays may cause harm, but the use of barium during pregnancy is safe for the baby.Barium sulfate suspension can be made by mixing it with water.Non-iodinated contrast media is what it is.[5]

Since the Middle Ages, barium sulfate has been known.It was used in common medical use in the United States by 1910.The World Health Organization has a list of essential medicines.Some versions try to make it taste better.[2]

Barium sulfate suspensions can be provided by a radiographer or a radiologist in advance of aCT scans to allow for better visualization of the gastrointestinal tract.The patient is told to take nothing by mouth, which means to abstain from eating and drinking, with the exception of drinking the barium sulfate suspension.The amount of time for this fast may vary depending on the instructions given by the facility and the area of the body to be scanned, but generally lasts for several hours prior to the Scan.The patient usually skips one meal and abstains from all liquids during this time.

The patient education states that the consumption of the barium sulfate suspension begins 90 minutes to two hours prior to the exam.After the study begins to discern if the patient has difficulties swallowing or masticating, the barium is consumed.A container with levels marked on it indicates how much is to be consumed between the two hours before the test.The minutes just before the test are reserved for a small portion of the suspension to make sure that the gastrointestinal tract is covered.

The patient is told to eat and drink normally after the scans, with special attention to fluids.An example of a possible patient education instruction sheet can be found in the Medicine Health Library.[9]

Some patients with allergies or sensitive stomachs may choose to discuss alternatives to the barium sulfate suspension with their radiologist, but most patients find the common side effects more of an annoyance than a serious problem.

One of the possible side effects is nausea and vomiting, which may begin as soon as 15 minutes after consumption begins, and may persist through the day after the test is completed.Other side effects include a feeling of weakness, pale skin, ringing in the ears, and vomiting.10