Varibar Nectar barium sulfate 400 mg/mL Suspension, 240 mL
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
- Barium sulfate blocks X-rays, so when you drink it, it coats the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and intestines and makes them light up clearly on the scan or X-ray image. Witho...
- Why do I have to drink barium before my scan? What does it actually do?
- Your body doesn't absorb barium sulfate — it passes straight through your digestive tract and comes out in your stool, usually within a day or two. You may notice your stool looks...
- Will it stay in my body? Is it safe to swallow?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Barium Sulfate — tap one for details:
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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UNII XF417D3PSL
Anhydrous citric acid is a sour, crystalline powder derived from citric acid with water removed. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to control pH, adds tartness to improve taste, and helps tablets disintegrate.
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UNII K679OBS311
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. In medicines, it acts as a binder to hold ingredients together, a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart, or a thickener in liquids.
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UNII MCU2324216
A silicone-based oil that reduces foaming and helps ingredients mix evenly. It's used as an antifoaming agent and lubricant in tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations.
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UNII 2Y53S6ATLU
Dimethicone 350 is a silicone-based oil. It works as a lubricant and anti-foaming agent to help the medicine flow smoothly during manufacturing and reduce unwanted bubbles in the final product.
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UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
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UNII 7CVR7L4A2D
A starch-derived carbohydrate produced by breaking down corn, potato, or tapioca starch. It functions as a filler and binder to give the medicine bulk and texture, and sometimes as a mild sweetener or texture enhancer in powders and tablets.
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UNII 6OZP39ZG8H
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in medications and improves how the product disperses in the body.
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UNII 1VPU26JZZ4
Potassium sorbate is a salt derived from sorbic acid, a naturally occurring preservative. It prevents growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, extending the medicine's shelf life.
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UNII SB8ZUX40TY
Saccharin sodium is an artificial sweetener made from saccharin salt. It's added to medicines to improve taste, especially in liquid formulations for children or bitter drugs.
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UNII ETJ7Z6XBU4
Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII OJ245FE5EU
Sodium benzoate is a salt derived from benzoic acid, a preservative. It's added to medicines to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that could spoil the product.
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UNII B22547B95K
A salt derived from citric acid that helps maintain the proper acid-base balance in the medicine. It's used as a buffer to keep the product stable and at the right pH level.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
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UNII TTV12P4NEE
Xanthan gum is a thickening and stabilizing ingredient made from fermented corn or other sugars. It's added to medicines to improve texture, prevent separation of liquids and solids, and help the product stay consistent.
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UNII VCQ006KQ1E
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol derived from plants. It's used in medicines as a sweetener, bulking agent, and to improve taste, especially in liquid formulations and chewable tablets.
15 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varibar Thin Honey 400 mg/mL 32909-0121-07 | E-Z-EM | 1 bottle | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Varibar Honey 400 mg/mL 32909-0122-07 | E-Z-EM | 1 bottle | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Tagitol V 400 mg/mL 32909-0814-53 | E-Z-EM | 3 bottles | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Varibar Nectar 400 mg/mLthis 32909-0116-00 | E-Z-EM | 240 ml | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
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🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32909-0116-00 You're viewing this | 240 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (32909-116-00) | 2020-11-01 | Active |
| 32909-0116-55 | 12 BOTTLE, GLASS in 1 CASE (32909-116-55) / 70 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS | 2024-11-01 | Active |
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 32909-0116-00?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Varibar Nectar barium sulfate 400 mg/mL Suspension?
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VARIBAR NECTAR is indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients. VARIBAR NECTAR is a radiographic contrast agent indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients. ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For oral use only – administered by syringe, spoon, or cup. The recommended dose is: Adults: 5 mL Pediatric patients 6 months and older: 1-3 mL Pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age: 0.5-1 mL Maximum cumulative dose: 30 mL During a single modified barium swallow examination, multiple doses of VARIBAR NECTAR may be administered. ( 2 )
2.1Recommended Dosing The recommended dose of VARIBAR NECTAR administered orally by syringe, spoon, or cup: Adults 5 mL Pediatric patients 6 months and olde 1-3 mL Pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age 0.5-1 mL (This amount may be administered by an oral syringe or, alternatively, an infant bottle) During a single modified barium swallow examination, multiple doses of VARIBAR NECTAR may be administered as appropriate to assess the patient during multiple swallows and different radiographic views. The maximum cumulative dose is 30 mL.
Once opened, write the discard after date on the immediate container label. Discard any unused product after 21 days.
2.2Important Administration Instructions For oral use only. Encourage patients to hydrate following the barium sulfate procedure.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Oral Suspension: smooth, off-white to lightly colored free-flowing suspension with an apple aroma for oral administration supplied in multiple-dose HDPE plastic bottles containing 240 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v) and multiple-dose glass bottles containing 70 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v). Oral suspension - 40% (w/v) in a 240 mL multiple-dose HDPE plastic bottle or a 70 mL multiple dose glass bottle for oral administration ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VARIBAR NECTAR is contraindicated in patients with: known or suspected perforation of the GI tract known obstruction of the GI tract high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent prior GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis high risk for aspiration such as those with known or suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula or obtundation known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of VARIBAR NECTAR Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract ( 4 ) Known obstruction of the GI tract ( 4 ) Conditions associated with high risk of GI perforation ( 4 ) Patients with tracheo-esophageal fistula ( 4 ) Known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of VARIBAR NECTAR ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions: Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available ( 5.1 ) Intra-abdominal barium leakage: May occur in conditions such as GI fistula, ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis or diverticulitis, severe stenosis or obstructing lesions of the GI tract ( 5.2 ) Delayed GI transit and obstruction: Patients should maintain adequate hydration in days following a barium sulfate procedure to avoid obstruction or impaction ( 5.3 ) Aspiration pneumonitis: Aspiration may occur during the modified barium swallow examination.
Monitor the patient for aspiration ( 5.4 )
5.1Hypersensitivity Reactions Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension, bronchospasm and other respiratory impairments, dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions.
Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.
5.2Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage The use of VARIBAR NECTAR is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Administration of VARIBAR NECTAR may result in leakage of barium at any level of the GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis or diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach.
The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
5.3Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk for developing obstruction or baroliths: severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, taking medications that delay GI motility, constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 , 8.5 )] .
To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration following a barium sulfate procedure.
5.4Aspiration Pneumonitis The use of VARIBAR NECTAR is contraindicated in patients with tracheo-esophageal fistula [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis.
In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure with a small ingested volume of VARIBAR NECTAR. Aspiration of small volumes of barium sulfate may occur during the modified barium swallow procedure in some patients. Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration if aspiration is suspected and monitor for development of aspiration pneumonitis.
5.5Systemic Embolization Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the large bowel and enter the circulation as a "barium embolus" leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of barium sulfate products, monitor patients for potentia…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reporting or clinical studies of barium sulfate administered orally. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes Common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bracco Diagnostics Inc at 1-800-257-5181 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary VARIBAR NECTAR is not absorbed systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
8.2Lactation Risk Summary VARIBAR NECTAR is not absorbed systemically by the mother following oral administration, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to VARIBAR NECTAR [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
8.4Pediatric Use The efficacy of VARIBAR NECTAR in pediatric patients from birth to less than 17 years of age is based on successful opacification of the oropharynx during modified barium swallow examinations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients are based on clinical experience [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . VARIBAR NECTAR is contraindicated in pediatric patients with tracheo-esophageal fistula [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .
Pediatric patients with a history of asthma or food allergies may be at increased risk for development of hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease should be monitored for small bowel obstruction after use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of VARIBAR NECTAR do not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Due to its high atomic number, barium (the active ingredient in VARIBAR NECTAR) is opaque to x-rays and therefore acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Barium sulfate is biologically inert and has no known pharmacological effects.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Under physiological conditions, barium sulfate passes through the gastrointestinal tract in an unchanged form and is absorbed only in pharmacologically insignificant amounts.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied VARIBAR NECTAR is a smooth, off-white to lightly colored free-flowing suspension with an apple aroma for oral administration supplied in multiple-dose HDPE plastic bottles containing 240 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v) and multiple-dose glass bottles containing 70 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v). Provided as: 12 x 240 mL bottles (NDC 32909-116-00); 12 x 70 mL bottles (32909-116-55). Storage and Handling Store at USP controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68° F to 77° F).
Protect from freezing. Once opened, VARIBAR NECTAR may be used for up to 21 days when stored at USP controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68° F to 77° F).
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION VARIBAR NECTAR (barium sulfate) is a radiographic contrast agent for oral administration that is supplied as a 40% w/v, smooth, off- white to lightly colored free-flowing suspension with an apple aroma. The active ingredient is designated chemically as BaSO 4 which has a density of 4.5 g/cm 3 , a molecular weight of 233.4 g/mol, and the following chemical structure: VARIBAR NECTAR has a viscosity of 300 cPs and contains the following excipients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, glycerin, maltodextrin, natural and artificial apple flavor, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, and xylitol. barium-sulfate-structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION After administration, advise patients to: Maintain adequate hydration [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Seek medical attention for worsening of constipation or slow gastrointestinal passage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Seek medical attention for any delayed onset of hypersensitivity: rash, urticaria, or respiratory difficulty [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Rx only Manufactured for Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540 by EZEM Canada Inc Anjou (Quebec) Canada H1J 2Z4 Revised May 2025 CL10FD-03