Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie (Oral)

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose or identify issues in the esophagus, stomach, and bowels. It is a radiographic contrast agent. Contrast agents are used to provide a clear image of the various parts of the body.

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

Your doctor will monitor you or your child's progress closely while you are using this medicine. This helps your doctor see if the medicine is working correctly and to determine if you or your child should keep receiving it.

Serious allergic reactions may happen while you are using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting after receiving this medicine.

Do not take any other medicines unless your doctor has talked about them with you. This includes prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

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

Allergies

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

Pediatric

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

Current studies have not shown any specific issues that would limit the use of E-Z-HD oral suspension in children 12 years of age and older. However, the safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children younger than 12 years of age.

Current studies have not shown any specific issues that would limit the use of Varibar® Pudding oral paste in children 6 months of age and older. However, the safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children younger than 6 months of age.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific issues that would limit the use of barium sulfate oral suspension or paste in elderly patients. However, older patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and possible dose adjustments for those receiving this medicine.

Interactions with Medicines

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how your medicine interacts with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical issues you have, 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 issues (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 issues (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 issues (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 necessary effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects will occur, but if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any of the following side effects:

Rare

• Bloating
• severe, ongoing constipation
• severe cramping
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• chest tightness
• difficulty breathing

Incidence not known

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

Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may also have suggestions to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Constipation or diarrhea
• cramping

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can 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.