The drug "Barium sulfate", or simply "Barite", is a radiopaque agent with low toxicity and intended for use during fluoroscopy. The latter is provided due to the pronounced adhesive properties of this drug, which is part of the group of
alkali metal salts
. It perfectly envelops the mucosal surface of the human gastrointestinal tract and, at times increasing contrast, provides a very clear picture of the mucosal microrelief. In this case, the best image of the esophagus, duodenum and stomach is achieved immediately after the introduction of this drug inside, and the best image of the
small intestine - after fifteen to ninety minutes.
Features of the release form
A barium sulfate radiopaque is produced, the price of which is about fifteen rubles, in the form of a white powder without taste or smell. This drug is not soluble in diluted acids, water, organic solvents or alkali. In addition, the sulfate salt of barium is not toxic, unlike, for example, from other salts of barium. By the way, precisely for this reason, in order to avoid poisoning, this tool used in X-ray diagnostics should not contain any impurities.
Area of use of the product
This drug is prescribed, as a rule, to patients who have to undergo a diagnosis of diseases affecting the digestive tract. It is especially good to use Barium Sulfate for fluoroscopy of the upper small intestine.
Dosage and use of the drug
It is recommended to take this drug strictly according to the doctor’s prescription, inside one hundred and one hundred and fifty grams. At the same time, the barium sulfate radiopaque agent can be used in the form of a suspension, and in combination with semolina or kissel. It should be especially noted that on the eve of the procedure, doctors do not recommend consuming any solid food. In the case of rectal administration of the drug, soft food is allowed, and suppositories with bisacodyl are necessarily administered in the morning (before fluoroscopy). After conducting a medical study in order to accelerate the evacuation of Barium Sulfate, it will be necessary to consume as much water as possible.
List of contraindications
The use of this radiopaque drug is strictly prohibited in the case of established obstruction of the colon, as well as with perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. People with individual intolerance to barium sulfate should also not take this medicine. In addition, it is not recommended for people suffering from dehydration. In the case of acute form of ulcerative colitis or acute diverticulitis, it is similarly worth refraining from taking the barium sulfate radiopaque agent. In addition, the list of strict contraindications includes diseases such as cystic fibrosis and bronchial asthma.