Barium is a radiographic contrast agent sold in the U.S. under 14 brand and generic names. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for E-Z-Cat Dry (application NDA208036). Other barium products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Adults: Recommended reconstituted oral dose is between 150 – 750 mL ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients: adjust reconstituted dose based on relative GI volume ( 2.1 ) Must reconstitute supplied powder with water prior to use. See Full Prescribing Information for reconstitution instructions ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The optimal oral dose of E-Z-PAQUE will vary depending on the size and anatomy of the patient and the procedure being performed. The recommended oral dose of reconstituted E-Z-PAQUE: Adults: 150 to 750 mL, 169 to 450 g barium sulfate, depending on the reconstituted concentration [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Volumes closer to 150 mL are recommended for examination of the esophagus and stomach. Volumes up to 750 mL are recommended for examination of the small bowel. Pediatric Patients: Adjust dose of reconstituted E-Z-PAQUE based on GI volume. For examinations of the upper GI tract, administer a volume sufficient to fully distend the esophagus or stomach. For small bowel examinations: Age birth to less than 2 years: 30 mL to 75 mL. Age 2 years to less than 17 years: 75 mL to 480 mL. 2.2 Instructions for Reconstitution The reconstituted concentration will vary, depending on the procedure being performed. A barium suspension up to 115% w/v is recommended for examinations of the esophagus and upper GI A barium suspension of 60% w/v is recommended for…
The following adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reporting or clinical studies of barium sulfate administered orally. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes Common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bracco Diagnostics Inc at 1-800-257-5181 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | — | — | View → | |
| 3 |
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
E-Z-PAQUE is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract Known obstruction of the GI tract High risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent prior GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis High risk of aspiration such as those with prior aspiration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, or obtundation With known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of E-Z-PAQUE Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract ( 4 ) Known obstruction of the GI tract ( 4 ) Conditions associated to high risk of GI aspiration ( 4 ) Conditions associated to high risk of GI perforation ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of E-Z-PAQUE ( 4 )
| Not yet rated |
| Prescription |
| Suspension |
| — |
| — |
| View → |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 9 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |
| 10 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | — | — | View → |