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VOLUMEN®
(barium sulfate) Suspension (0.1% w/v, 0.1% w/w)
VoLumen® is a barium sulfate suspension 0.1% w/v, 0.1% w/w for oral administration. Each 100 mL contains 0.1 g barium sulfate. Barium sulfate, due to its high molecular density is opaque to x-rays and therefore, acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies. The active ingredient is barium sulfate and its structural formula is BaSO4. Barium sulfate occurs as a fine, white, odorless, tasteless, bulky powder which is free from grittiness. Its aqueous suspensions are neutral to litmus. It is practically insoluble in water, solutions of acids and alkalies, and organic solvents. Inactive Ingredients: citric acid, natural gum, benzoic acid, sodium citrate, natural and artificial blueberry flavor, potassium sorbate, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, and sorbitol.
For use in Computed Tomography to opacify the GI tract.
The volume of the CT barium sulfate suspension to be administered will depend on the degree and extent of contrast required in the area(s) under examination and on the technique employed.
The patient should begin drinking VoLumen® approximately 20 – 30 minutes prior to the scheduled procedure. It is recommended that the patient consume multiple bottles, about 900 mL to 1,350 mL total volume prior to the exam or use as directed by physician. For improved gastric marking have patient consume the final 200 mL immediately prior to scan. Bowel marking is consistent due to the uniformity of the 0.1% concentration of BaSO4. Bowel lumen marking can be improved by increasing the volume of VoLumen® consumed (see below). Other dosing regimens may be followed as applicable. In patients where marking is problematic, such as obesity and delayed transit, improved marking may be possible by increasing the total volume of VoLumen® administered up to 1,800 mL or four (4) bottles.
VoLumen® is supplied in the following quantity: 450 mL bottles, Cat. No. 9450, NDC 32909-945-03
USP Controlled Room Temperature, 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). Protect from freezing.
Manufactured byE-Z-EM Canada Inc. for E-Z-EM, Inc. Revised: May 2014
Adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, accompanying the use of barium sulfate formulations are infrequent and usually mild. Severe reactions (approximately 1 in 1,000,000) and fatalities (approximately 1 in 10,000,000) have occurred. Procedural complications are rare, but may include aspiration pneumonitis, granuloma formation, intravasation, embolization and peritonitis following intestinal perforation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes, and fatalities.
Due to the increased likelihood of allergic reactions in atopic patients, it is important that a complete history of known and suspected allergies as well as allergic-like symptoms, e.g., rhinitis, bronchial asthma, eczema and urticaria, be obtained prior to any medical procedure utilizing these products. A mild allergic reaction would most likely include generalized pruritus, erythema or urticaria (approximately 1 in 250,000). Such reactions will generally respond to an antihistamine such as 50 mg of diphenhydramine or its equivalent. In the rarer, more serious reactions (approximately 1 in 1,000,000) laryngeal edema, bronchospasm or hypotension could develop. Severe reactions which may require emergency measures are often characterized by peripheral vasodilation, hypotension, reflex tachycardia, dyspnea, agitation, confusion and cyanosis, progressing to unconsciousness. Treatment should be initiated immediately with 0.3 to 0.5 cc of 1:1000 epinephrine subcutaneously. If bronchospasm predominates, 0.25 to 0.50 grams of intravenous aminophylline should be given slowly. Appropriate vasopressors might be required. Adrenocorticosteroids, even if given intravenously, exert no significant effect on the acute allergic reactions for a few hours. The administration of these agents should not be regarded as emergency measures for the treatment of allergic reactions. Apprehensive patients may develop weakness, pallor, tinnitus, diaphoresis and bradycardia following the administration of any diagnostic agent. Such reactions are usually non-allergic in nature and are best treated by having the patient lie flat for an additional 10 to 30 minutes under observation.
The presence of barium sulfate formulations in the GI tract may alter the absorption of therapeutic agents taken concomitantly. In order to minimize any potential change in absorption, the separate administration of barium sulfate from that of other agents should be considered.
Rarely, severe allergic reactions of an anaphylactoid nature, have been reported following administration of barium sulfate contrast agents. Appropriately trained personnel and facilities should be available for emergency treatment of severe reactions and should remain available for at least 30 to 60 minutes following administration, since delayed reactions can occur.
Diagnostic procedures which involve the use of radiopaque contrast agents should be carried out under the direction of personnel with the requisite training and with a thorough knowledge of the particular procedure to be performed. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, as evidenced by hay fever and eczema, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent, warrant special attention. Caution should be exercised with the use of radiopaque media in severely debilitated patients and in those with marked hypertension or advanced cardiac disease. Ingestion of barium is not recommended in patients with a history of food aspiration. If barium studies are required in these patients or in patients in whom integrity of the swallowing mechanism is unknown, proceed with caution. If barium is aspirated into the larynx, further administration should be immediately discontinued.
Radiation is known to cause harm to the unborn fetus exposed in utero. Therefore, radiographic procedures should only be used when, in the judgement of the physician, its use is deemed essential to the welfare of the pregnant patient.
Barium sulfate products may be used during lactation.
On rare occasions following repeated administration, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation may occur. These indicated responses can be present in both fluoroscopic and CT procedures. These are transitory in nature and are not considered serious. Symptoms may be treated according to currently accepted standards of medical care.
This product should not be used in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal perforation or hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any component of this barium sulfate formulation.
Barium sulfate, due to its high molecular density is opaque to x-rays and, therefore, acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies. Barium sulfate is biologically inert and, therefore, is not absorbed or metabolized by the body, and is eliminated from the GI tract unchanged.
Before administration of this product, patients receiving barium sulfate diagnostic agents should be instructed to:
