Tonopaque Suspension

Tonopaque is a cherry flavored barium sulfate formulation for use as a contrast medium during x-ray diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract. An aqueous suspension of the product is to be prepared at the time of administration.

The contrast medium contains 95% barium sulfate, sorbitol, suspending agents, potassium sorbate, simethicone, flavoring and saccharin sodium. Barium sulfate has the empirical formula of BaSO4.

Tonopaque is indicated for use as a contrast medium in x-ray diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract.

Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported with the administration of barium sulfate formulations and are usually associated with the technique of administration, the underlying pathological condition and/or patient hypersensitivities.

Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis. Oral administration of barium sulfate suspension by an infant sucking a bottle and administration of large quantities by catheter are reported to be likely to result in aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree. Cardiopulmonary arrest leading to fatality has been reported in infants following aspiration. Aspiration of smaller amounts may cause inflammation.

Barium sulfate preparations used as radiopaque media contain a number of additives to provide diagnostic properties and patient palatability. Allergic responses following the use of barium sulfate suspensions have been reported. Skin irritation, redness, inflammation and hives have been reported for infants and small children following spillage of barium sulfate suspension on their skin. These responses are thought to be caused by the flavors and/or preservatives used in the product.

Barium sulfate suspension has been reported to cause obstruction of the small bowel (impaction) in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. It has also been reported to cause fluid overload from the absorption of water during studies in infants when Hirschsprung’s Disease is suspected.

Barium sulfate suspension intravasation can be a serious complication. Mortality has been reported as a result of vaginal or rectal intravasation and is believed to be due to massive pulmonary embolism occurring within minutes of the inciting event.

In patients with increased cranial pressure, barium sulfate suspension enemas present an additional risk of further increasing intracranial pressure.

Care must be taken during the insertion of an enema tip into the patient to prevent application of pressure to the vagus nerve which can lead to vasovagal reactions and syncopal episodes. Cardiac arrhythmia or other cardiovascular side effects can occur as a result of colon distention.

General

Diagnostic procedures which involve the use of radiopaque contrast agents should be carried out under the direction of personnel with the requisite training and with a thorough knowledge of the particular procedure to be performed. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, as evidenced by hay fever and eczema, a family history of allergy, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent warrant special attention. Caution should be exercised with the use of radiopaque media in severely debilitated patients and in those with marked hypertension or advanced cardiac disease.

Anaphylactic and allergic reactions have been reported during double contrast examinations in which glucagon has been used.

An increased risk of perforation has been reported in neonates with intussusception. In patients with cystic fibrosis or blind loops of the bowel or ileus, there is a risk of inspissation leading to partial or complete obstruction.

In neonates and infants with motility disorders such as Hirschsprung’s Disease retention of large amounts of barium sulfate suspension may result in absorption of water from the suspension and fluid overload. The addition of small amounts of salt to the barium sulfate suspension has been reported to reduce the problem.

Ingestion of barium sulfate suspension is not recommended in patients with a history of food aspiration. If barium sulfate suspension is aspirated into the larynx, further administration of the suspension should be immediately discontinued.

Patient preparation for diagnostic gastrointestinal examinations frequently requires cathartics and a liquid diet. The various preparations can result in water loss for the patient. Patients should be rehydrated quickly following a barium sulfate suspension examination of the gastrointestinal tract. In patients with reduced colon motility, saline cathartics may be required after the barium sulfate suspension enema. Saline cathartics are recommended on a routine basis in patients with a history of constipation unless clinically contraindicated.

Where enema tips are used, care must be taken during insertion into the patient, since forceful or too deep insertion may cause tearing or perforation of the rectum. Insertion of an enema tip should be done only after digital examination by qualified medical personnel. When balloon retention tips are used, care should be taken to avoid overinflation of the balloon, since overfilling or asymmetrical filling may cause displacement of the tip. Such a displacement can lead to rectal perforation or barium sulfate granulomas. Inflation of the balloon should be done under fluoroscopic control by qualified medical personnel. Do not unnecessarily move the enema tip once inserted.

A specially designed enema tip is required for a barium sulfate suspension examination of a colostomy patient.

Intubation of an enteroclysis catheter should be done by qualified medical personnel. Perforation of the duodenum has been reported.

Because of reported anaphylactoid reactions to latex, the use of non-latex gloves during the procedure should be considered.

Pregnancy

Safe use of barium sulfate during pregnancy has not been established. Barium sulfate should be used in pregnant women only if the possible benefits outweigh the potential risks. Elective radiography of the abdomen is considered to be contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk to the fetus from radiation exposure. Radiation is known to cause harm to the unborn fetus exposed in utero.

Pediatric Use

The radiographic contrast agents used for examination of children do not differ substantially from those used for adults. The variation in physical sizes of pediatric patients requires more thorough attention to individualizing dosage. The volume of barium sulfate suspension and the barium sulfate content required will also depend upon the technique used and the clinical need.

Mix Tonopaque and water vigorously. For accurate suspension preparation, measure the water and the Tonopaque separately.

Prepared suspension may be used for up to 72 hours if stored in a tightly closed container and refrigerated.

Remix prior to use.

The following tables will serve as a guide for suspension preparation.

Tonojug™ suspensions may be prepared using the volume marks on the bottle. First add 800 mL water (27 fl. oz.) to the bottle, cap and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. For optimum suspension quality, allow to stand for 5 minutes, then add water to the desired volume (see table below for final concentrations) and mix.

Catalog No. 179606. NDC 68240-223-36. 180 gm bottle; thirty-six (36) bottles with straws per case.

Catalog No. 139542. Tonojug. NDC 68240-226-08. 1200 gm per bottle; eight (8) bottles per case.

Store at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59° to 86°F).

Tonopaque and Tonojug are trademarks of Lafayette Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated.

Made in Mexico
Manufactured by:
Mallinckrodt Inc.
St. Louis, MO 63042 USA
www.Mallinckrodt.com

MID 1295050 Rev 04/2009

SINGLE CONTRAST
G.I. EXAMS

• Mix-to-need
• Flavored

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