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Varibar

Used for Diagnosis
Used for Diagnosis

Barium sulfate is a contrast agent that's used to help providers see the inside of your body using an X-ray or a CT scan. Depending on the product and the body part being examined, you'll either take it by mouth or rectally. Barium sulfate comes in different forms, including suspensions, tablets, powders, and creams.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 27, 2022
BasicsFAQsDosageInteractionsCostPricesMedicare
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What is Barium sulfate?

How Barium sulfate works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVaribar, E-Z-HD, E-Z-PAQUE, E-Z-DISK, READI-CAT 2
Drug ClassContrast agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$19.00(save 85.48%)
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$2.76
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faqs

Frequently asked questions about Barium sulfate

What is barium sulfate used for?
Barium sulfate is a contrast agent that's used to help providers see the inside of your body like the gut, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine on an X-ray or CT scan. Barium sulfate is helpful for diagnosing a condition, but it's not for the treatment of any medical problem or condition.
What brands of barium sulfate are available and what are the differences between them?
Barium sulfate is available in the United States as the following brands: Vanilla Silq MD, Vanilla Silq HD, E-Z-Disk, E-Z-HD, E-Z-PAQUE, E-Z-PASTE, Varibar, TAGITOL V, Entero Vu, NeuLumEX, Liquid Polibar Plus, and READI-CAT 2. The differences between these products are the dosage form (e.g., suspension, tablets, cream), the amount of barium that's in each product, the part of your digestive tract each product works on, and the age group that can take each product. Your provider will pick the product that's best for you based on these factors and give you specific instructions on how to correctly take the medication.
Can I receive barium sulfate if I'm allergic to iodine?
Yes. Unlike other contrast agents that contain iodine, barium sulfate doesn't contain iodine and can safely be taken by people who are allergic to iodine.
Can I receive barium sulfate if I'm pregnant?
Barium sulfate isn't absorbed into your body from your stomach, so the risk to pregnant mothers is minimal. If you're pregnant, speak to your provider before taking this medication.
What are side effects of barium sulfate?
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. You'll also need to look out for more rare, but serious side effects such as blockage in the gut, blood clots, and potential lung injury after inhalation.
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dosage

Barium sulfate dosage forms

The average cost for 240 ml of nectar of 40% of Barium sulfate is $19.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is -0.02% off the average retail price of $19.00.
ml of oral suspension
Ml of oral suspension
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
honey of 40%250 ml$66.90$0.27
nectar of 40%240 ml$19.01$0.08
thin honey of 40%473 ml$119.76$0.25
thin liquid of 81%3552 ml$158.63$0.04
tube of paste
Tube of paste
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
pudding of 40%1 tube$2.76$2.76
interactions

Interactions between Barium sulfate and other drugs

Barium sulfate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Barium sulfate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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Varibar (brand)
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$2.76

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