Barium Sulfate

Barium Sulfate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Barium Sulfate is a brand name. Its generic name is Barium Sulfate.

Introduction

Barium sulfate is an inorganic compound used as a contrast agent during imaging procedures. It is used in various medical tests that involve the use of X-rays, computed tomography scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Many types of tests that involve these imaging techniques can benefit significantly from the use of barium sulfate as a contrast medium.

Uses

Barium sulfate is mainly used as a contrast material during medical imaging procedures. It is mainly used to provide a clear image of parts of the digestive system including the food pipe, stomach and intestine. It is also used to help diagnose problems with the urinary tract, uterus and ovaries. Barium sulfate is also used to detect tumors.

Mechanism of Action

When barium sulfate is introduced in the body, it helps create a contrast image which can be seen during X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan. The contrast helps the radiologist to better diagnose and identify any abnormalities in the body. The barium sulfate particles will travel along the digestive tract and get absorbed in the digestive tract walls allowing a better image of the digestive system.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Barium sulfate works almost immediately when it is introduced into the body. It moves quickly through the digestive tract and gets absorbed into the walls of the digestive tract providing immediate contrast for imaging.

Absorption

Barium sulfate is poorly absorbed by the body. It is mainly found in the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated as fecal matter. It is not easily absorbed through the skin.

Route of Elimination

Barium sulfate is mainly eliminated via the feces. It is not readily absorbed and therefore it is mainly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Dosage

The dosage of barium sulfate depends on the procedure being done as well as the patient's age and weight. In general, the dose of barium sulfate used for imaging is 300-500 milliliters.

Administration

Barium sulfate is usually administrated orally as a suspension or a tablet. It may also be administered via an enema or as an injection.

Side Effects

Barium sulfate can cause some side effects in some people, including cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and gas. It can also cause a temporary change in bowel habit, temporary decrease in appetite and may cause increased urination. Rarely, it can also cause allergic reaction.

Toxicity

The toxicity of barium sulfate is low and there is no WHO International Standard for barium sulfate.

Precautions

People with heart, lung and kidney problems should take extra care while undergoing any procedure which uses barium sulfate as a contrast material. Pregnant women should also take extra caution when taking barium sulfate.

Interaction

Barium sulfate should not be taken with any other type of medication. It should not be taken with calcium or vitamin D supplements, antacids or laxatives.

Disease Interactions

Barium sulfate should not be taken by people with kidney or heart problems, or by those who are pregnant. It should also be avoided by people with any kind of allergy.

Drug Interactions

Barium sulfate should be avoided in combination with other medications such as antacids, calcium supplements, laxatives or vitamin D supplements.

Food Interactions

Barium sulfate should not be taken on an empty stomach. It should be taken with plenty of water or with food.

Pregnancy Use

Barium sulfate should be avoided during pregnancy because its safety has not been established for pregnant women.

Lactation Use

Barium sulfate should be avoided while breastfeeding as it is not known whether barium sulfate can pass into breast milk.

Acute Overdose

No cases of acute overdosing with barium sulfate have been reported to date.

Contraindications

Barium sulfate should not be used in patients with kidney or heart problems or those who are pregnant or allergy to barium sulfate.

Directions for Use

Barium sulfate should be used as directed by the healthcare professional. It is usually administered as a suspension or pill. It is also available for administration via injection or enema.

Storage Conditions

Barium sulfate should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and it should be protected from moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of barium sulfate in the body is unknown.

Half-Life

The half life of barium sulfate is not known.

Clearance

The clearance of barium sulfate is not known.

Here you find in details version of Barium Sulfate

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Barium Sulfate

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What is Barium Sulfate?

Barium Sulfate is a white, odorless, crystalline powder often used in medical imaging and industrial applications.

What is Barium Sulfate used for?

Barium Sulfate is predominantly used as a contrast agent in medical imaging tests such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans. In industrial applications, Barium Sulfate is used as a filler and extender in paints, rubber, sealants, and plastics.

Is Barium Sulfate dangerous?

When ingested, Barium Sulfate may be hazardous to health. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Prolonged inhalation of Barium Sulfate has the potential to cause damage to the respiratory system and other organs.

Where is Barium Sulfate found?

Barium Sulfate is found in nature as the mineral barite, but is also manufactured synthetically. It may be found in ore deposits, coal beds, and well-drilling sludge.

What is the chemical formula of Barium Sulfate?

The chemical formula of Barium Sulfate is BaSO4.

What is the molecular weight of Barium Sulfate?

The molecular weight of Barium Sulfate is 233.395 g/mol.

What is the melting point of Barium Sulfate?

The melting point of Barium Sulfate is 1,441 °C (2,616 °F).

What is the density of Barium Sulfate?

The density of Barium Sulfate is 4.5 g/cm3.

What is the solubility of Barium Sulfate?

Barium Sulfate is insoluble in water, ethanol, and diethyl ether.

What reaction occurs when Barium Sulfate is heated?

When Barium Sulfate is heated, it decomposes into barium oxide and sulfur trioxide.

What color is Barium Sulfate?

Barium Sulfate is white in color.

Is Barium Sulfate a compound or an element?

Barium Sulfate is a compound made up of the elements barium and sulfur.

What is the oxidation number of Barium Sulfate?

The oxidation number of barium in Barium Sulfate is +2.

Is Barium Sulfate toxic?

Ingesting Barium Sulfate may be hazardous and should be avoided. Prolonged inhalation of Barium Sulfate has the potential to cause damage to the respiratory system and other organs.

Does Barium Sulfate absorb water?

Barium Sulfate does not absorb water, but it is hydrophobic (water-repellent), so it cannot be dissolved in water.

Does Barium Sulfate dissolve in alcohol?

Barium Sulfate does not dissolve in alcohol.

What is the crystal structure of Barium Sulfate?

Barium Sulfate crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and has a layered structure.

How is Barium Sulfate made?

Barium Sulfate can be produced by a reaction between barium and sulfuric acid, or it can be synthesized using titanium dioxide. It can also be found in nature as the mineral barite.

How is Barium Sulfate used in medical imaging?

Barium Sulfate is used as a contrast agent in medical imaging tests such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans. When combined with a radioactive material, the contrast agent allows internal body structures to be more visible in the images.

Can Barium Sulfate be recycled?

Yes, Barium Sulfate can be recycled by collecting the material after use and purifying it to remove any contaminants. This recycled material can then be reused in different applications.

What is the boiling point of Barium Sulfate?

The boiling point of Barium Sulfate is 2,516 °C (4,573 °F).

What are the uses of Barium Sulfate in industrial applications?

In industrial applications, Barium Sulfate is used as a filler and extender in paints, rubber, sealants, and plastics. It can also be used as an additive in ceramics and glass.

What is the electron configuration of Barium Sulfate?

The electron configuration of Barium Sulfate is [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p6.

What is the refractive index of Barium Sulfate?

The refractive index of Barium Sulfate is 1.630.

What are the health hazards associated with Barium Sulfate?

When ingested, Barium Sulfate may be hazardous to health. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Prolonged inhalation of Barium Sulfate has the potential to cause damage to the respiratory system and other organs.

What is the hardness of Barium Sulfate?

The hardness of Barium Sulfate is 3 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

What is the hydration energy of Barium Sulfate?

The hydration energy of Barium Sulfate is -43.9 kJ/mole.

How is Barium Sulfate used to improve the properties of plastics and rubber?

Barium Sulfate is used to improve the properties of plastics and rubber by serving as a filler and extender. It increases the strength, elasticity, thermal stability, and abrasion resistance of the materials.

What is the use of Barium Sulfate in glass and ceramics?

Barium Sulfate is used as an additive in glass and ceramics to reduce the melting point, increase the refractive index, and improve the glassmaking process.

Can Barium Sulfate be used as a fertilizer?

No, Barium Sulfate should not be used as a fertilizer because it does not provide any nutritional benefits to plants.

Is Barium Sulfate a food additive?

No, Barium Sulfate is not used as a food additive because it is not food grade and may be hazardous to health.

What is the CAS number of Barium Sulfate?

The CAS number of Barium Sulfate is 7727-43-7.

What is the van der Waals radius of Barium Sulfate?

The van der Waals radius of Barium Sulfate is 1.2 Å.

Is Barium Sulfate magnetic?

No, Barium Sulfate is not magnetic.

What is the boiling point of Barium Sulfate?

The boiling point of Barium Sulfate is 2,516 °C (4,573 °F).

What are the surface properties of Barium Sulfate?

Barium Sulfate has a hydrophobic surface, which means that it repels water. It also has low sorptive capacity, low adhesive strength, and low abrasiveness.

What is the molecular structure of Barium Sulfate?

The molecular structure of Barium Sulfate is a lattice of barium cations and sulfate anions held together by ionic bonds.

What are the applications of Barium Sulfate in the pharmaceutical industry?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Barium Sulfate is used as a filler, excipient, and coating material. It is also used to increase the stability, flowability, and dissolution rate of tablets.

How is Barium Sulfate used in oil and gas exploration?

Barium Sulfate is used in oil and gas exploration as a weighting material, which allows drillers to detect oil and gas-bearing rock formations and trace out reservoirs.

What is the melting point of Barium Sulfate?

The melting point of Barium Sulfate is 1,441 °C (2,616 °F).

What are the physical properties of Barium Sulfate?

The physical properties of Barium Sulfate include an oderless, white, crystalline powder, insolubility in water, and a density of 4.5 g/cm3.