Tag: Barium sulfate

Over a hundred years of clinical experience with barium sulfate confirms that it is biologically inert and has very low systemic absorption. However, while it does not cause chemical-based drug interactions, the physical presence of barium can significantly interfere with how your body absorbs other orally administered medications.

While medical-grade barium sulfate is a safe, insoluble contrast agent widely used for X-rays, the toxicity of barium is highly dependent on its chemical form, with soluble barium compounds posing severe health risks. Understanding **what are the dangers of barium?** requires a distinction between these different compounds and their distinct effects on the human body.

While barium sulfate has been used for decades in medical imaging, its use is increasingly limited in modern practice, especially in complex cases, due to significant risks. Understanding **why is barium not recommended** in certain situations is crucial for patient safety and optimal diagnostic outcomes, as modern medicine offers safer and more effective alternatives.

In 2017, the FDA approved Tagitol V as the first dedicated fecal tagging agent for computed tomography (CT) colonography. What is Tagitol and how does this contrast agent aid in a virtual colonoscopy? This oral suspension, containing barium sulfate, is a vital tool for diagnostic imaging, helping physicians differentiate between retained stool and actual colon abnormalities.