Applies to barium sulfate: oral cream, oral paste, oral powder for suspension, oral suspension, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Barium sulfate
Along with its needed effects, barium sulfate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking barium sulfate:
Rare
- Bloating
- constipation (severe, continuing)
- cramping (severe)
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- tightness in the chest
- trouble breathing
Incidence not known
- Anxiety
- blood in the urine or stools
- blurred vision
- bruising
- chest pain
- confusion
- cough
- coughing or vomiting blood
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fainting
- fast or slow heartbeat
- hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
- noisy breathing
- persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
- redness of the skin
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of Barium sulfate
Some side effects of barium sulfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Constipation or diarrhea
- cramping
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to barium sulfate: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral cream, oral paste, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral and rectal powder for reconstitution, oral and rectal suspension, rectal powder for reconstitution, rectal suspension.
General
General side effects including severe reactions (approximately 1 in 1,000,000) and fatalities (approximately 1 in 10,000,000) have been reported.[Ref]
Other
Other side effects caused by procedural complications have been rare. Procedural complications have included aspiration pneumonitis, barium impaction, granuloma formation, intravasation, embolization and peritonitis following intestinal perforation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes, and fatalities.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
It is of the utmost importance to be completely prepared to treat any EKG changes.[Ref]
Cardiovascular side effects including EKG changes have been reported following or during barium enema procedures.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping accompanying the use of barium sulfate formulations have been infrequent and usually mild.[Ref]
