Varibar Pudding Barium Sulfate 400 mg/mL Paste
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 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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🧪 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.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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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 YC9ST449YJ
Ethyl vanillin is a synthetic vanilla flavoring compound. It's added to medicines to mask bitter or unpleasant tastes, making them easier to take.
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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 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
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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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 g | 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. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varibar Pudding 400 mg/mLthis 32909-0125-22 | E-Z-EM | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
Where does this data come from?
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32909-0125-22 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 BOX (32909-125-22) / 230 mL in 1 TUBE | 2016-10-14 | Active |
| 32909-0125-54 | 24 TUBE in 1 CASE (32909-125-54) / 30 mL in 1 TUBE | 2024-11-01 | Active |
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 32909-0125-22?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Varibar Pudding Barium Sulfate 400 mg/mL Paste?
🧭 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 | — Not published for this NDC No photo available yet for this listing. |
| 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
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
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Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VARIBAR PUDDING is indicated for modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients 6 months of age and older. VARIBAR PUDDING 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 6 months of age and older ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For oral use only – administered by syringe or spoon ( 2.1 ) Adults: 5 mL Pediatric patients: 1-3 mL Multiple doses may be administered Maximum cumulative dose : 30 mL
2.1Recommended Dosing The recommended oral dose of VARIBAR PUDDING delivered by oral syringe or spoon: Adults 5 mL Pediatric patients 1-3 mL During a single modified barium swallow examination, multiple doses of VARIBAR PUDDING may be administered as appropriate, to assess the patient during multiple swallows and different radiographic views. The maximum cumulative dose is 30 mL oral. Once opened, write the discard after date on the immediate container label.
Discard any unused product after 21 days.
2.2Important Administration Instructions Advise patients to hydrate following the barium sulfate procedure. Advise patient at risk for constipation or delayed gastrointestinal transit to monitor for worsening of their condition after administration of barium sulfate and seek medical attention if worsening and advise using laxatives to enhance gastrointestinal transit.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Oral Paste: an off-white to lightly colored ready-to-use paste with a vanilla aroma for oral administration supplied in multiple-dose polyethylene tubes containing either 30 mL or 230 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v). Oral paste: barium sulfate (40% w/v) in a 30 mL or 230 mL multiple dose tube for oral administration ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VARIBAR PUDDING is contraindicated in patients with: - known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; - known obstruction of the GI tract; - high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent 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 hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of VARIBAR PUDDING.
VARIBAR PUDDING is contraindicated in patients with: Known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract ( 4 ) Conditions associated with high risk for GI perforation ( 4 ) Known obstruction of the GI tract ( 4 ) Patients with trachea-esophageal fistula ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of VARIBAR PUDDING ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions: Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available ( 5.1 ) Intra-abdominal leakage: May occur with conditions which increase the risk for perforation such as – carcinomas, GI fistula, Inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, diverticulitis, or severe stenosis or obstructing lesions of the GI tract ( 5.2 ) Obstruction: Patients should maintain adequate hydration in days following barium sulfate procedure to avoid obstruction or impaction by baroliths ( 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, and dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, food allergies, 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 Administration of VARIBAR PUDDING may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions and ailments that increase the risk of perforation such as known 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 gastrointestinal tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
The use of VARIBAR PUDDING is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .
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, with impaired gastrointestinal 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 after the barium sulfate procedure and consider the administration of laxatives.
5.4Aspiration Pneumonitis 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 PUDDING.
The use of VARIBAR PUDDING is contraindicated in patients with trachea-esophageal fistula [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration of VARIBAR PUDDING 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 complicat…
🤒 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 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 PUDDING 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 PUDDING is not absorbed systemically by the mother following oral administration and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to the drug. [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]
8.4Pediatric Use The efficacy of VARIBAR PUDDING in pediatric patients above 6 months of age is based on successful opacification of the pharynx during modified barium swallow examinations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients above 6 months of age are based on clinical experience [see Indications ( 1 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . VARIBAR PUDDING 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 )] . Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease should be monitored for bowel obstruction after use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of VARIBAR PUDDING did 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
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary VARIBAR PUDDING 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 )]
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The efficacy of VARIBAR PUDDING in pediatric patients above 6 months of age is based on successful opacification of the pharynx during modified barium swallow examinations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients above 6 months of age are based on clinical experience [see Indications ( 1 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . VARIBAR PUDDING 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 )] . Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease should be monitored for bowel obstruction after use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of VARIBAR PUDDING did 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 PUDDING) 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 small, pharmacologically insignificant amounts.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Due to its high atomic number, barium (the active ingredient in VARIBAR PUDDING) is opaque to x-rays and therefore acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1How Supplied VARIBAR PUDDING is an off-white to lightly colored ready-to-use paste with a vanilla aroma for oral administration supplied in multiple-dose polyethylene tubes containing either 30 mL or 230 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v). Provided as: 24 X 30 mL tubes (NDC 32909-125-54); 12 X 230 mL tubes (NDC 32909-125-22)
16.2Storage and Handling Store at USP controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from freezing. Once opened, VARIBAR PUDDING 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).
16.1How Supplied VARIBAR PUDDING is an off-white to lightly colored ready-to-use paste with a vanilla aroma for oral administration supplied in multiple-dose polyethylene tubes containing either 30 mL or 230 mL of barium sulfate (40% w/v). Provided as: 24 X 30 mL tubes (NDC 32909-125-54); 12 X 230 mL tubes (NDC 32909-125-22)
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
16.2Storage and Handling Store at USP controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from freezing. Once opened, VARIBAR PUDDING 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 PUDDING (barium sulfate) is a radiographic contrast agent that is supplied as a 40 % w/v ready to use paste with a vanilla aroma for oral administration. The active ingredient barium sulfate is designated chemically as BaSO4 with a molecular weight of 233.4 g/mol and the following chemical structure: VARIBAR PUDDING has a viscosity of 5000 cPs and contains the following excipients: artificial vanilla flavor, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, ethyl vanillin, glycerin, maltodextrin, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, xanthan gum, and xylitol. barium-sulfate-structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION After administration, advise patients to: Maintain adequate hydration. Seek medical attention for worsening of constipation or slow gastrointestinal passage. Seek medical attention for any delayed onset of hypersensitivity: rash, urticaria, or respiratory difficulty.
Rx only Manufactured for Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540 by EZEM Canada Inc Anjou (Quebec) Canada H1J 2Z4 VARIBAR ® is a registered trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc. Revised: May 2025 CL87D-05