Maxibar oral and rectal

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before your medical test.

Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

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.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain;

• severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation;

• ringing in your ears;

• sweating, confusion, fast heart rate; or

• pale skin, blue-colored skin, weakness.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stomach cramps;

• nausea, vomiting;

• loose stools or mild constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.