🧪 Barium Sulphate Oral Liquid 95% w/v
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Barium sulphate oral liquid 95% w/v is used as a radiographic contrast agent for imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in procedures such as:
- Barium swallow – Esophagus
- Barium meal – Stomach and duodenum
- Barium follow-through – Small intestine
- Barium enema (rectal use) – Colon (not oral)
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Aqueous suspension
- Concentration: 95% weight/volume (very dense suspension)
- Appearance: Thick, white, opaque liquid
- Route: Oral administration (also rectal for enema)
- Inert compound: Not absorbed from the GI tract
🔹 3. Advantages:
- Excellent radiopacity – clearly outlines GI tract on X-ray
- Provides high-contrast images of mucosal surfaces
- Safe for use in most age groups (including pediatrics)
- Not systemically absorbed – minimal systemic side effects
- Helps detect:
- Tumors
- Ulcers
- Strictures
- Motility disorders
- Inflammation or obstruction
🔹 4. Nature / Pharmacological Class:
- Class: Radiographic contrast agent
- Nature: Inorganic barium salt
- Mechanism:
- Coats the mucosa of the GI tract
- Appears radiopaque (white) on X-ray, enhancing image clarity
🔹 5. Common Packaging:
- Supplied in opaque plastic or glass bottles
- Common volumes: 200 mL, 300 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L
- Labeled: “For Radiodiagnostic Use Only”
- Shake well before use – tends to settle
🔹 6. Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Do not freeze
- Shake well before use to ensure even suspension
- Protect from light and contamination
- Use within recommended shelf life or time after opening
🔹 7. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Do not eat or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure
- You may be asked to avoid certain medications before use
- You will need to drink the liquid slowly as instructed
- May cause chalky taste, constipation, or nausea
- Drink plenty of fluids afterward to flush it from the GI system
- Report immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Inability to pass stool
- Signs of bowel perforation (rare)
🔹 8. Purpose / Clinical Use:
| Test/Procedure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Barium Swallow | Visualize esophagus (strictures, tumors) |
| Barium Meal | Study stomach and duodenum (ulcers, masses) |
| Barium Follow Through | Examine small intestine (motility, obstruction) |
| Barium Enema (not oral) | Examine colon (polyps, diverticula) |