What are the uses of Barium Sulfate?

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Barium sulfate belongs to the group of contrast agents used in the X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract, monitoring the transit time through the gastrointestinal tract. Let's learn about the uses and notes when using Barium sulfate through the article below.

1. Dosage form

Barium sulfate contrast agent is prepared in the following drug forms and strengths:
Oral solution containing 100% Barium sulfate with a volume of 300ml, in which carbon dioxide is used as a foaming agent. Oral suspension containing 96.25% Barium sulfate has a volume of 300ml. The emulsion contains 100g of active ingredient Barium sulfate, using Sorbitol and the preservative Methyl - parahydroxybenzoate. Oral paste of 150g, using Methyl-parahydroxybenzoate as preservative. Rectal bag containing 400ml Barium sulfate 70%. The drug is mixed with water to form a suspension containing 200mg of Barium sulfate. Tablets contain 650mg of Barium sulfate.

2. Indications for the use of Barium sulfate drugs

Barium sulfate is indicated in the following cases:
Examination by X-ray of the entire digestive tract. Track transit time through the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Barium sulfate drug dosage

The dose of barium sulfate contrast medium depends on the type of examination performed and the examination technique used. The dose of the drug is prescribed by the treating doctor. Some dosage recommendations are as follows:
Esophagus: Take 150ml of a suspension containing 50-200% Barium sulfate (mass/volume). Stomach, duodenum: Drink 300ml of drug suspension containing 30 - 200% Barium sulfate (weight/volume). Small intestine: Drink 100-300ml of drug suspension containing 30-150% Barium sulfate (weight/volume); Colon: Enema 200ml - 2 liters of drug suspension containing 20 - 130% Barium sulfate. Upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, pharynx, hypopharynx): Take 2-4 tablespoons of medicinal paste depending on the location of examination. Some notes when using drugs in X-ray examination are as follows:
For the upper gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to perform X-ray examination on an empty stomach. For the lower gastrointestinal tract requiring enema in the evening, the diet needs to be low in residue 3 days before the test. Barium sulfate drug solution mixture concentration 1.6 - 2.2% can be used for computed tomography of the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of double contrast, gas can be introduced into the gastrointestinal tract through the administration of a suspension of Barium sulfate containing carbon dioxide. Barium sulfate drugs in particular and contrast agents, ultrasound in general have been used in the diagnosis of intussusception and intussusception. However, now people have replaced the Barium sulfate enemas with an ultrasound-guided saline enema or an air enema to reduce the risk of chemical peritonitis in the event of an intussusception. bowel perforation.

4. Barium sulfate side effects

Barium sulfate can cause some side effects as follows:
Common: Diarrhea, constipation (constipation can be prevented by using a mild laxative after X-ray examination), cramps. Rare: Urticaria, anaphylaxis, edema, vomiting, nausea, chest tightness, abdominal pain, dyspnea. Frequency not known: Bruising, blurred vision, blood in urine or stools, cough, sweating, slow heart rate, fatigue.

5. Note when using Barium sulfate

5.1. Contraindications

Barium sulfate is contraindicated in the following cases:
Patients with gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. Patients who are hypersensitive to Barium sulfate or to any of the ingredients in Barium sulfate.

5.2. Note when using

Barium sulfate contrast agent should not be used in patients with intestinal obstruction, caution should be used in patients with lesions prone to gastrointestinal obstruction, patients with pyloric stenosis. Avoid using the drug (especially rectally) in patients at risk of gastrointestinal perforation such as Meckel's diverticulitis, acute ulcerative colitis, patients who have recently had a colon or rectal biopsy, radiographs therapy, sigmoidoscopy. Use caution when using Barium sulfate in children, the elderly, people with severe debilitation. To avoid constipation after taking the drug, the patient should drink enough water. Barium sulfate is inert, so the remaining opacities after using the drug can interfere with the next X-ray. Barium sulfate increases the risk of allergic reactions in patients with a history of allergies, bronchial asthma, or previous reactions to contrast. Vomiting after taking Barium sulfate can lead to pneumonia, so the doctor needs to adjust the initial dose to avoid this. Note for pregnant women: Barium sulfate in particular and contrast agents in general should not be used in pregnant women. Note for women who are breast-feeding: There are no studies demonstrating the potential for adverse effects when using Barium sulfate in lactating women. However, caution should be exercised when using this drug in this population. Note for drivers, operating machines: The drug does not affect the ability to drive or operate machines.

6. Management of overdose and missed dose of Barium sulfate

Missed dose: The use of Barium sulfate is monitored by medical staff, so the chance of missing a dose is less likely. Drug overdose: Drug overdose occurs due to wrong indications or because the imaging process causes perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, which will lead to infection (caused by bacteria in the digestive tract), thrombosis (due to bleeding). In this case, the patient should have emergency surgery and clean the site as soon as possible. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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