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 medication if you are allergic to barium sulfate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

Before you use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you have asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease or high blood pressure, rectal cancer, a colostomy, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, or if you have recently had a rectal biopsy or surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

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

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.

Serious side effects of barium sulfate may include severe stomach pain, sweating, ringing in your ears, pale skin, weakness, or severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation

You should not use barium sulfate if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

To make sure you can safely use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• asthma, eczema, or allergies;

• 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);

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

• a recent history of surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

• a history of perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

• if you have recently had a rectal biopsy;

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

• 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.