E-Z-HD (Oral)

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose or find problems in the esophagus, stomach, and bowels. It is a radiographic contrast agent. Contrast agents are used to create a clear picture of the different parts of the body.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Your doctor will monitor you or your child closely while you are taking this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is working correctly and if you or your child should keep using it.

Serious allergic reactions may happen while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, noisy breathing, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting after taking this medicine.

Do not take any other medicines without discussing them with your doctor first. This includes prescription medicines, nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, your doctor will help you weigh the risks of the test against the benefits. Other factors may also influence the test results. For this test, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Entero VU™ 24% oral suspension is not for use in children.

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children aged 12 years and older that would limit the use of E-Z-HD oral suspension. However, the safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children younger than 12 years.

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children aged 6 months and older that would limit the use of Varibar® Pudding oral paste. However, the safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children younger than 6 months.

Geriatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of barium sulfate oral suspension or paste. However, older patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients taking this medicine.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these situations, your doctor may want to change the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime, or with certain types of food, since interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Make sure to tell your doctor about any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to other contrast agents, recent or
• Asthma, hay fever, or other allergies, history of—May increase the risk of an allergic reaction occurring again.

• Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) or
• Cancer or
• Inflammatory bowel disease or
• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g., diverticulitis, fistula, stenosis, ulcer)—May cause barium to leak in the stomach in patients with these conditions.

• Cystic fibrosis or
• Dehydration or
• Electrolyte imbalance or
• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g., Hirschsprung disease, severe stenosis)—May increase the risk of more serious side effects.

• Fructose intolerance (genetic condition), history of—The oral suspension contains sorbitol, which can worsen this condition.

• Recent radiation treatment on the pelvis (hip area) or
• Known or suspected stomach or bowel blockage or
• Known or suspected stomach or bowel perforation or
• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g., bleeding, injury, ischemia, severe ileus, toxic megacolon) or
• Stomach or bowel surgery or
• Trouble swallowing—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Along with its intended effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they could require medical attention.

Contact your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Bloating
• constipation (severe, continuing)
• cramping (severe)
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing

Incidence not known

• Anxiety
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• bruising
• chest pain
• confusion
• cough
• coughing or vomiting blood
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast or slow heartbeat
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• noisy breathing
• persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
• redness of the skin
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to suggest ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your health care professional if any of the following side effects persist or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Constipation or diarrhea
• cramping

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Bar-Test
• Entero VU
• E-Z-Cat Dry
• E-Z-Disk
• E-Z-HD
• Readi-Cat 2
• Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie
• Tagitol V
• Varibar
• Varibar Pudding
• Volumen

In Canada

• Acb
• Baro-Cat
• Colobar-100
• Epi-C
• Epi-Stat
• Esobar
• Esopho-Cat Esophageal Cream
• E-Z-Cat
• E-Z-Hd
• E-Z-Jug
• E-Z-Paque
• Gel-Unix 10

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Cream
• Powder for Suspension
• Tablet
• Paste

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Radiological Contrast Media

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given by mouth. You will swallow the barium liquid or paste just before a CT scan or x-ray.

Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything the night before your test. Barium will work better if your stomach and bowels are empty.

It is important to drink plenty of liquids during and after the test. Barium sulfate may cause severe constipation.

Barium sulfate is also available as an enema and given through the rectum.