Barium sulfate suspension

In today's article we will talk about Barium sulfate suspension, a topic that has gained great relevance in recent times. From its origins to its impact on today's society, Barium sulfate suspension has been the object of study and interest for numerous experts in different fields. Throughout history, Barium sulfate suspension has experienced various changes and transformations that have marked its evolution and its influence on people's lives. Therefore, it is important to stop and analyze in detail what Barium sulfate suspension is, what its importance is and how it has affected different areas of daily life. Through this article, we will delve into the exciting world of Barium sulfate suspension to better understand its meaning and its impact on today's society.

Barium sulfate suspension
3D model of barium sulfate
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.comMultum Consumer Information
License data
Routes of
administration		By mouth, rectal
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
UNII
KEGG
Chemical and physical data
FormulaBaO4S
Molar mass233.38 g·mol−1

Barium sulfate suspension, often simply called barium, is a contrast agent used during X-rays.[1] Specifically it is used to improve visualization of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines) on plain X-ray or computed tomography.[2] It is taken by mouth or used rectally.[3]

Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, appendicitis, and if inhaled inflammation of the lungs.[2] It is not recommended in people with intestinal perforation or bowel obstruction.[2] Allergic reactions are rare.[1] The use of barium during pregnancy is safe for the baby; however, X-rays may result in harm.[4] Barium sulfate suspension is typically made by mixing barium sulfate powder with water.[1] It is a non-iodinated contrast media.[5]

Barium sulfate has been known since the Middle Ages.[6] In the United States it had come into common medical use by 1910.[7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8] Some versions contain flavors to try to make it taste better.[1]

Medical uses

Barium sulfate suspensions are provided by a radiologist or radiographer in advance of, or during a CT scan or fluoroscopic study to allow for better visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, such as in upper or lower gastrointestinal series. In upper gastrointestinal series, the patient is instructed to take nothing by mouth, which means to abstain from eating and drinking (fasting), 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 imaging facility and the area of the body to be scanned, but generally lasts for several hours prior to the scan. The patient generally skips one meal, along with abstaining from all liquids, clear or otherwise, during this time.

Consumption of the barium sulfate suspension begins 90 minutes to two hours prior to the CT/Fluoroscopic scan, as instructed in the patient education provided. For a Barium Swallow or Dysphagiagram the barium is consumed after the study begins to discern if the patient has difficulties swallowing or masticating. Consumption is paced, beginning two hours before the scan is to occur, with levels marked on the provided container indicating how much is to be consumed between each of the two hours prior to the test. A small portion of the suspension is reserved for the minutes just before the test, to ensure that as much of the gastrointestinal tract as possible is coated.

After the scan is complete, the patient is encouraged to eat and drink normally, with special attention to plenty of fluids. The barium sulfate is excreted through defecation, so extra fluid intake helps prevent constipation, which is a possible side effect (see Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library for an example of a possible patient education instruction sheet).[9]

Side effects

Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, a feeling of weakness, pale skin, ringing in the ears, constipation, and vomiting.[10]

Taste and texture

Oral barium sulfate suspensions are sometimes described as having the consistency of a very thick glass of milk, or a very thin milkshake.[11] Some patients may experience the texture as a chalky liquid, similar to calcium carbonate containing liquid antacids and with a slight medicinal taste.[12]

Some preparations of barium sulfate have added flavors to make them easier to tolerate. In general, the flavor is considered unpleasant, and is dependent on the exact makeup of the drink.[13]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Bontrager KL, Lampignano J (2013). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning & Related Anatomy. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 461. ISBN 978-0-323-13613-6.
  2. ^ a b c Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill S, eds. (2009). WHO model formulary 2008. World Health Organization. pp. 315, 317. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 978-92-4-154765-9.
  3. ^ "E-Z-Paque - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)". Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Datapharm Ltd. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  4. ^ "E-Z-CAT - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)". Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Datapharm Ltd. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  5. ^ Hamilton RJ (2015). Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2015 Deluxe Lab-Coat Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. p. 171. ISBN 978-1-284-09051-2.
  6. ^ Krebs RE (2006). The History and Use of Our Earth's Chemical Elements: A Reference Guide. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-313-33438-2.
  7. ^ Mould RF (1993). A Century of X-Rays and Radioactivity in Medicine: With Emphasis on Photographic Records of the Early Years. CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-7503-0224-1.[page needed]
  8. ^ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
  9. ^ "Barium Swallow". Health Library Guide to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions from A to Z. Johns Hopkins Hospital. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014.
  10. ^ "Barium Sulfate". MedlinePlus Drug Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 15 July 2016. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014.
  11. ^ "Choose READI-CAT® 2 Smoothies Oral Contrast for your CT Suite" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 November 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  12. ^ Miller RE (February 1966). "Flavoring barium sulfate". The American Journal of Roentgenology, Radium Therapy, and Nuclear Medicine. 96 (2): 484–487. doi:10.2214/ajr.96.2.484. PMID 5908404.
  13. ^ "Contrast Materials". Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.