Barium sulfate for fluoroscopy

Barium sulfate is a substance used to diagnose the gastrointestinal tract. Let's consider its properties, contraindications, possible side effects and features of use. A radiopaque substance for increasing the contrast of an image obtained during an X-ray. It is non-toxic and is used to examine the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. After oral administration, it quickly spreads throughout the body.

ATX code: V08BA02 Barsulfate without suspending agents

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Indications Barium sulfate for fluoroscopy

Barium sulfate is used for radiography of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the small intestine, namely its upper sections. Indications for use are based on the pharmacological properties of the drug.

The visualization of the distal intestine depends on hydrostatic pressure and the patient's body position. Radiopacity of the small intestine occurs within 15-90 minutes after administration of the drug and depends on its viscosity and the rate of gastric emptying.

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Release form

The substance for fluoroscopy is available in the form of powder for the preparation of a suspension for oral administration. This form of release simplifies the diagnostic procedure, as it allows calculating the required amount of the drug.

Barium sulfate is available in plastic jars of 100 g, it is packed in 60, 90 and 120 pieces in a cardboard box. White loose powder has no specific smell and taste, does not dissolve in organic solvents, acids or alkalis.

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Pharmacodynamics

The diagnostic drug has no therapeutic effect on the body. The pharmacodynamics of barium sulfate is based on its chemical formula: BaSO4. The substance is obtained by the interaction of barium peroxide/hydroxide with H2SO4 or soluble sulfates. For industrial purposes, the substance is obtained from a natural mineral - heavy spat.

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Pharmacokinetics

The efficiency and speed of diagnostic fluoroscopy using barium sulfate depends on its absorption. According to pharmacokinetic data, the substance is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not enter the systemic bloodstream (provided there is no organ perforation).

Envelops the gastrointestinal mucosa and absorbs X-rays, which makes it possible to study the state of the microscopic relief of the mucosa. It has low toxicity and is excreted from the body through the intestines within 24-48 hours.

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Dosing and administration

Since the medicine is used in diagnostics of gastrointestinal diseases, its method of application and dosage are prescribed by the attending physician. The powder is diluted to a suspension and taken orally. Barium sulfate is mixed with warm water in a ratio of 2:1 or 4:1 and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. The dose for adults is 300 ml, for children up to 100 ml.

Barium gruel is administered orally or by tube directly into the stomach. If double contrasting of the upper gastrointestinal tract is performed, sodium citrate or sorbitol is added to the preparation. When diagnosing the colon, the suspension is administered in an enema. For this, 750 g of powder is diluted in a liter of 0.5% Tannin solution. Before the procedure, you can eat soft food and it is necessary to administer a Bisacodyl suppository.

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Use Barium sulfate for fluoroscopy during pregnancy

The drug is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. This ban is explained by the risk of adverse reactions from the female body to the diagnostic substance.

When using barium sulfate during lactation, it is necessary to stop feeding for 24 hours before and after the procedure.

Contraindications

The powder product is contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance. The drug is not used in the following cases:

• Obstruction of the large intestine
• Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
• History of bronchial asthma
• Dehydration
• Ulcerative colitis (acute form)
• Allergic reactions
• Dysfunction of swallowing
• Esophagotracheal fistulas
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Pregnancy

In addition to the contraindications described above, barium sulfate is prohibited in cases of acute diverticulitis and cystic fibrosis.

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Side effects Barium sulfate for fluoroscopy

Barium sulfate for X-ray may cause the following side effects:

• Spasms, pain in the intestines and stomach
• Diarrhea
• Prolonged constipation
• Anaphylactoid reactions (difficulty breathing)
• Tightness in the chest
• Painful flatulence

If the patient experiences any side effects after the X-ray contrast diagnostics, this must be reported to the doctor.

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Overdose

Since the radiopaque substance is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, an overdose is impossible. To avoid discomfort, it is contraindicated to eat solid food 24 hours before and 24 hours after the procedure. Immediately after the examination, you should drink more liquid to speed up the process of eliminating the drug.

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Storage conditions

The radiopaque powder should be stored in the original packaging, protected from moisture, sunlight and out of reach of children. According to storage conditions, the prepared mixture should be kept at a temperature of 15 to 30 °C, shaken well before use.

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Shelf life

Barium sulfate for fluoroscopy is available without a prescription. The shelf life of the drug is 60 months from the date of manufacture. As a rule, the substance is purchased in large quantities at the request of medical diagnostic institutions.

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