Readi-Cat 2 Barium Sulfate 20 mg/mL Suspension
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏭 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:
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 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.
💡 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 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 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 506T60A25R
Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol derived from glucose. It serves as a sweetener, humectant, and bulking agent in medications to improve taste and help maintain moisture in 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.
10 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. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readi-Cat 2 Mochaccino Smoothie 20 mg/mL 32909-0747-03 | E-Z-EM | 12 bottles | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Readi-Cat 2 Banana Smoothie 20 mg/mL 32909-0742-03 | E-Z-EM | 12 bottles | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Readi-Cat 2 Berry Smoothie 20 mg/mL 32909-0741-03 | E-Z-EM | 12 bottles | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Readi-Cat 2 20 mg/mLthis 32909-0744-03 | E-Z-EM | 12 bottles | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Readi-Cat 2 Creamy Vanilla Smoothie 20 mg/mL 32909-0746-03 | E-Z-EM | 12 bottles | — | — | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32909-0744-03 You're viewing this | 12 BOTTLE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (32909-744-03) / 450 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC | 2020-11-01 | Active |
🧭 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
Why is there no price listed?
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Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE READI-CAT 2 and READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIES are indicated for use in computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen to delineate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in adult and pediatric patients. READI-CAT 2 and READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE are radiographic contrast agents, indicated for use in computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen to delineate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in adult and pediatric patients ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For oral use only: Adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older: 450 mL to 900 mL (9 g to 18 g of barium sulfate, respectively) ( 2.1 ) Patients younger than 12 years of age: scale down dose based on relative GI volume ( 2.1 )
2.1Recommended Dosage Base dosing on individual needs and procedure to be performed. Adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older: 450 mL to 900 mL (9 g to 18 g of barium sulfate) Patients younger than 12 years of age: adjust dose based on relative GI volume
2.2Administration Instructions For oral use only Shake bottle vigorously for 30 seconds prior to oral administration Administer undiluted prior to scan Discard any unused suspension Advise patients to hydrate following the barium sulfate procedure
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Oral suspension: 9 grams of barium sulfate supplied as a suspension (2% w/v) in a single-dose HDPE plastic bottle. Oral Suspension: 9 grams barium sulfate (2% w/v) supplied in a single dose HDPE plastic bottle ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS READI-CAT 2 products are contraindicated in patients: with known or suspected perforation of the GI tract with known obstruction of the GI tract at 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 pelvis at high risk of aspiration such as those with prior aspiration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, or obtundation known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of READI-CAT 2 or READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIES Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract ( 4 ) Known obstruction of the GI tract ( 4 ) Conditions associated with high risk of GI perforation or aspiration ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of READI-CAT 2 products ( 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 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: Caution is recommended in patients with history of food aspiration and in patients with known swallowing disorders ( 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 READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Administration of READI-CAT 2 products may result in leakage of barium from 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, and 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 READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in patients at high risk of aspiration [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 READI-CAT 2 products. Discontinue administration of READI-CAT 2 products immediately if aspiration is suspected.
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 suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.
5.6Risk with Hereditary Fructose Intolerance READI-CAT 2 contains sorbitol which may cause severe reactions if ingested…
🤒 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 USES IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary READI-CAT 2 products are not absorbed systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary READI-CAT 2 products are not absorbed systemically by the mother following oral administration, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to READI-CAT 2.
8.4Pediatric Use The efficacy of READI-CAT 2 in pediatric patients of all groups is based on successful opacification of the GI tract during radiographic procedures [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . READI-CAT 2 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 READI-CAT 2 products 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 READI-CAT 2 products) is opaque to x-rays and therefore acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Under physiological conditions, barium sulfate passes through the GI tract in an unchanged form and is absorbed only in pharmacologically insignificant amounts.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1How Supplied READI-CAT 2 and READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIES (barium sulfate) are supplied as suspensions (2 % w/v) in a unit dose in a single-dose HDPE plastic bottle containing 9 grams of barium sulfate in 450 mL. READI-CAT 2 products are provided in the following flavors as: READI-CAT 2: (Orange): 12 x 450 mL bottles (NDC 32909-744-03) READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE (Banana): 12 x 450 mL bottles (NDC 32909-742-03) READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE (Berry): 12 x 450 mL bottles (NDC 32909-741-03) READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE (Creamy Vanilla): 12 x 450 mL bottles (NDC 32909-746-03) READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE (Mochaccino): 12 x 450 mL bottles (NDC 32909-747-03)
16.2Storage and Handling Store at USP controlled room temperature, 20 to 25°C (68 to 77° F)
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION READI-CAT 2 and READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE (barium sulfate) are radiographic contrast agents supplied as a suspension (2% w/v) for oral administration. The active ingredient barium sulfate is designated chemically as BaSO 4 with a molecular weight of 233.4 g/mol, a density of 4.5 g/cm 3 , and the following chemical structure: READI-CAT 2 products contain excipients including: benzoic acid, citric acid, potassium sorbate, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol solution, xanthan gum, and purified water.
READI-CAT 2 products also contain natural and artificial flavorings including: banana, blueberry, orange, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors. barium-sulfate-suspensions-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. Manufactured by EZEM Canada Inc Anjou (Quebec) Canada H1J 2Z4 For Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540 Revised September 2024 CL10E8-02