Tag: Radiology safety

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 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.

While the overall risk of an adverse reaction to modern CT contrast material is low, with severe reactions occurring in only 0.01–0.04% of cases, patients may still experience a range of symptoms. Understanding **what are the side effects of CT scan contrast** can help you feel more prepared for your imaging procedure.

An estimated 75 million doses of iodinated contrast agents are administered worldwide each year [1.9.1]. When considering what medication cannot be given with contrast, the most critical interaction involves Metformin due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis [1.4.1, 1.3.5].