Varibar (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 should only be given by a doctor or under a doctor's direct supervision.

Your doctor will monitor you or your child's progress closely while receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and if you or your child should keep taking it.

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

Do not take other medicines without discussing them with your doctor. This includes both 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 need to consider the risks of the test compared to the benefits it may provide. Other factors may also influence test results. For this test, keep the following in mind:

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 if you have any other allergies, 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 meant for children.

So far, studies have not shown any pediatric-specific issues that would limit the usefulness 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.

Studies to date have not indicated any pediatric-specific issues that would limit the usefulness of Varibar® Pudding oral paste in children 6 months of age and older. However, safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children younger than 6 months.

Geriatric

So far, studies have not shown any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of barium sulfate oral suspension or paste in older adults. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart issues, which may require caution and a dose adjustment for patients taking this medicine.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be taken together even if there could be an interaction. In these situations, your doctor may need 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]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to potential interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have 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 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 to 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, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. While not everyone experiences these side effects, if they do happen, they may require medical attention.

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

Rare

• Bloating
• severe, ongoing constipation
• severe cramping
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• tightness in the chest
• trouble 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 standing up suddenly from lying or sitting down
• 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 occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may also offer ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Talk to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have 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.