Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given by mouth. You will swallow the barium liquid or paste just before a CT scan or x-ray.
Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything the night before your test. Barium will work better if your stomach and bowels are empty.
It is important to drink plenty of liquids during and after the test. Barium sulfate may cause severe constipation.
Barium sulfate is also available as an enema and given through the rectum.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
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