Esopho-Cat oral and rectal

Barium sulfate is in a group of drugs called contrast agents. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Barium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to barium sulfate or another contrast agent.

You may not be able to use barium sulfate if:

• you recently had surgery, an injury, or a biopsy involving your stomach, esophagus, or intestines;

• you recently had radiation treatment of your pelvic area;

• you recently had a perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

• you have a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, ileum, or toxic megacolon;

• you have stomach bleeding; or

• you have poor blood flow to your intestines (ischemia).

To make sure barium sulfate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma, eczema, or allergies;

• slow digestion, a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

• cystic fibrosis;

• a colostomy;

• rectal cancer;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the intestines);

• fructose intolerance;

• a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);

• a fistula (abnormal connection) between your esophagus and your trachea (windpipe);

• trouble swallowing, or if you have ever choked on food by accidentally inhaling it into your lungs;

• if you have recently had a rectal biopsy;

• if you are allergic to simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme, and others); or

• if you are allergic to latex rubber.

It is not known whether barium sulfate will harm an unborn baby, but the radiation used in x-rays and CT scans may be harmful. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Barium sulfate may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are using barium sulfate at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Other drugs may interact with barium sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Applies to barium sulfate: oral cream, oral liquid, oral paste, oral powder for suspension, oral suspension, oral tablet

Along with its needed effects, barium sulfate (the active ingredient contained in Esopho-Cat) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking barium sulfate:

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

• Anxiety
• blood in the stools
• blood in the urine
• 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 heartbeat
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• noisy breathing
• persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
• redness of the skin
• sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects of barium sulfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• cramping