gastrografin
Gastrografin is a combination medicine containing Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium.
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium · by Bracco
Key facts
What is Gastrografin?
From the FDA label:Gastrografin (Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium Solution) is a palatable lemon-flavored water-soluble iodinated radiopaque contrast medium for oral or rectal administration only. Each mL contains 660 mg diatrizoate meglumine and 100 mg diatrizoate sodium; pH has been adjusted to 6.0 to 7.6 with sodium hydroxide. Each mL contains approximately 4.8 mg (0.21 mEq) sodium and 367 mg organically bound iodine. Inactive ingredients: edetate disodium, flavor, polysorbate 80, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone, and sodium citrate. Diatrizoate meglumine is designated chemically as 1-deoxy-1-(methylamino)-D-glucitol 3,5-diacetamido-2,4,6-triiodo-benzoate (salt); diatrizoate sodium is monosodium 3, 5-diacetamido-2,4,6-triiodobenzoate. Structural formulas: Gastrografin Structure
How to use
General This medium is not to be used for the preparation of solutions for parenteral administration. Oral or rectal administration only. Discard any unused portion after procedure. The routine preparatory measures employed for barium studies are also appropriate for this agent. For pediatric and severely cachectic patients the maintenance of an intravenous fluid line may be advisable. Radiographic Examination of Segments of the Gastrointestinal Tract Oral Administration: Adult oral dosage may range from 30 to 90 mL (11 to 33 g iodine), depending on the nature of the examination and the size of the patient. For infants and children less than 5 years of age, 30 mL (11 g iodine) are usually adequate; for children 5 to 10 years of age, the suggested dose is 60 mL (22 g iodine). These pediatric doses may be diluted 1:1, if desired, with water, carbonated beverage, milk, or mineral oil. When used in infants, the solution may be given in a nursing bottle. Pediatric doses may also be used in dehydrated and/or debilitated adult patients. A 1:1 dilution is also recommended when the contrast medium is used in elderly cachectic individuals. For very young (under 10 kg) and debilitated children the dose should be diluted: 1 part Gastrografin (Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium Solution) in 3 parts water is recommended. For Enemas or Enterostomy Instillations: Gastrografin should…
Side effects
Most adverse reactions to enteral diagnostic radiopaque agents are mild and transitory. Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, urticaria with erythema, hypoxia, acute dyspnea, tachyarrhythmia, and anaphylaxis have occurred following ingestion of the contrast medium, particularly when high concentrations of large volumes of solution are administered. Severe changes in serum osmolarity and electrolyte concentrations may produce shock-like states (see WARNINGS ). It should be kept in mind that serious or anaphylactoid reactions that may occur with intravascular administration of radiopaque contrast agents are theoretically possible following administration by other routes.
Warnings
Important safety information
Dehydration: Administration of hypertonic Gastrografin solutions may lead to hypovolemia and hypotension due to fluid loss from the intestine. A 1 in 4.6 (1:4.6) dilution of Gastrografin yields an approximately isotonic 16.5 percent diatrizoate salts solution; less dilute solutions are hypertonic and may lead to intraluminal movement of fluid with resulting hypovolemia. In young or debilitated children and in elderly cachectic persons, the loss of plasma fluid may be sufficient to cause a shock-like state. If Gastrografin is used in infants and children (under 10 kg) or in dehydrated or debilitated patients, the solution must be prepared using the specific dilutions described in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION . In debilitated patients and in patients with electrolyte imbalances, postprocedural monitoring of hydration, serum osmolarity, electrolytes and clinical status is essential. In pediatric or severely debilitated patients, the maintenance of an open intravenous fluid line for rehydration may be advisable should hypotension or shock supervene. Electrolyte disturbances must be corrected prior to the administration of any hypertonic Gastrografin solutions. Aspiration: Aspiration of Gastrografin into the trachea and airways may result in serious pulmonary complications including, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis or death Bronchial entry of any orally administered contrast medium causes a copious osmotic effusion. Therefore, avoid use of Gastrografin in patients with esophagotracheal fistula and minimize risks for pulmonary aspiration in all patients. If Gastrografin is given by nasogastric tube, the position of the tube in the stomach must be verified before administration. Anaphylactic reactions: Anaphylactic reactions, including fatalities, have been reported with the use of Gastrografin. Patients at increased risk include those with a history of a previous reaction to a contrast medium, patients with a known sensitivity to iodine, and patients with a known clinical hypersensitivity (bronchial asthma, hay fever, and food allergies). Medical personnel trained in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions and the necessary drugs and medical equipment should always be readily available when Gastrografin is used.
Who should not take Gastrografin
Do not administer to patients with a known hypersensitivity to Gastrografin or any of its components.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
See WARNINGS regarding potential hypovolemia, hypotension, or shock. The maintenance of an open intravenous fluid line for rehydration may be advisable. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for appropriate doses and dilutions. Treatment of an overdose should be directed toward the support of all vital functions, and prompt institution of symptomatic therapy.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Dosage forms
Liquid
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Gastrografin?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Gastrografin. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Gastrografin?
- Gastrografin is marketed by Bracco. You can see Bracco's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Gastrografin a brand-name or generic drug?
- Gastrografin is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium.
- Is Gastrografin available over the counter?
- No. Gastrografin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Gastrografin come in?
- Gastrografin is currently marketed as liquid, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Gastrografin FDA-registered?
- Gastrografin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA011245. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Gastrografin safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Gastrografin. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Gastrografin?
- Gastrografin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most adverse reactions to enteral diagnostic radiopaque agents are mild and transitory. Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, urticaria with erythema, hypoxia, acute dyspnea, tachyarrhythmia, and anaphylaxis have occurred following ingestion of the contrast medium,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
cystografin
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
cystografin dilute
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
reno-30
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
reno-60
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
reno-dip
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
renografin-60
Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium
Compare Gastrografin head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
gastrografin
New