Barium sulfate User Reviews & Ratings

• Berry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2021

Smoothie Readi-Cat 2 (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "Earlier this week I had an abdominal CT without negative incident after prep with the Reddi-Cat Berry Smoothie. After reading the online patient reviews of barium sulfate (in general) prior to the exam, I was anticipating nausea and/or gastro issues and nearly cancelled the appointment due to the anxiety the reviews caused. I am so glad I did not cancel, as the Berry Smoothie was so good that if I did not know it was barium sulfate, I could easily have thought I was drinking a greek yogurt or kefir berry smoothie! I completed the preparation on a timely basis, completed the exam without issues, and the entire process was smooth and pleasant. I am leaving this review with the hope of encouraging others who may be unnecessarily concerned. The berry smoothie was very good!"

• Gumby
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2020

For Computed Tomography "I've had plenty of CTs with IV contrast before, but not oral contrast, so I decided to look up what to expect. Mistake. The internet hyped this up as being sludgy cement that tastes awful, and that I should expect to immediately fight the urge to vomit or soil myself. I had the Vanilla Silq flavor/brand, cold, and it was almost indistinguishable from a vanilla Ensure, save for the knowledge it was mildly radioactive but unlikely to grant superpowers. Everyone reacts differently, but most people who had their expectations met at Chili's don't post reviews about it, so you won't find a lot of "everything went fine and normal and I'm going about my day" posts about barium sulfate. You'll see the nasty and unfortunate stuff though. Anyway, worst milkshake I've ever had but had no real fallout from it - no nausea or diarrhea, but time will tell about constipation - and would recommend drinking this as infrequently as your doctor will let you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

For Computed Tomography "This poison gave me non stop diarrhea for 12 Damn days. I couldn;t leave my house. They need to put a big WARNING this JUNK. It caused severe bowel inflammation and non stop trips to the bathroom, many hardly in time. It's awful. 12 days living in a nightmare . No warning given to me. No warning on the container it came in., WHY NOT?"

• Giggl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Computed Tomography "I had the oral and IV contrast and was told I could go to work after the CT scan. I asked about side effects but was told about the major ones not the vomiting and diarrhea. I went to work and got very sick. It was so embarrassing. I had to rush home and almost kicked my house door down getting to the bathroom. The nausea, diarrhea, weakness, tingling in my body was so scary. I was in the bathroom every 5 minutes. That was on Tuesday now here it is Thursday and I am still nausea and can taste the medication in my mouth. My stomach still bubbles up when I eat anything. This is a weight loss plan I didn't sign up for. This experience made me feel worse than what I originally went in for. Never again will I do something like that without doing my research first."

• Mar
• July 12, 2021

Readi-Cat 2 (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "One bottle last night before 8. Terrible heartburn (Tums which let me keep the medication down) & upset stomach til 12:30 when the bowels began to move. I had to do Lamaze breathing techniques to get through some of the pain; pain is very similar to a lactose attack. That lasted til 3:30 and it was total liquid. My stomach felt and continues to feel very bloated. (5 pm). I drank another bottle before my appointment plus another 6-8 ounces immediately prior to scan. The IV was not an issue and scan was very quick and easy. I have felt queasy all day and only eating pretzels and water. All day my insides have sounded like rushing water and a wicked thunder storm or fire works. I just keep pushing the water. I don’t want to eat anything. Apparently not all people have this reaction. I am lactose intolerant but there is no lactose listed as an ingredient. However, I might ask about taking Lactaid and Beano next time. My scan came out well. I just wish I’d been prepared for this."

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2012

Readi-Cat (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "I drank Readi-Cat (barium sulfate) for an abdominal CT scan. I gave it a nine only because of the taste. It was thick, and had the consistency of vegetable oil with a citrus flavor. I experienced some very mild heartburn and nausea while drinking it, but that went away very quickly. The following morning, I had one bout of diarrhea, which was listed as a side effect. Other than that, I didn't experience any of the listed possible side effects. Overall a much better experience than I was anticipating!"

• Suzie
• December 20, 2021

For Computed Tomography "I anticipated being ill after drinking the barium sulfate for my Cat scan. My mistake was reading people's reviews. I was nervous for days that I would be either vomiting or have diarrhea. BUT I HAD HARDLY ANY PROBLEM. Here is what I did. I refrigerated the drinks, ate lightly and blandly throughout the day. I did not eat for 2 hours before taking the drink at night. I had the vanilla drink (any other flavor would have been overwhelming). At 10 pm, while standing, I drank slowly. It took about 15 mins. I then sat straight up for an hour. I went to bed, thinking that at some point perhaps I would feel sick. Turns out, I slept perfectly for 7 hours. Then one hour before my morning exam, I drank the 2nd bottle, again standing up, slowly drinking for 15 mins. Finally, a little cramping and a minor bout of diarrhea. I left for the Catscan, worried that I was going to have more diarrhea, but I did not. If you had no problem, please comment too so others won't worry!"

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2012

Readi-Cat 2 (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "Terrible. Developed rash all over within minutes of drinking a cup of Readi-cat 2. Test was postponed and I was sent home. It took hours for the rash to clear. Thanks to a nurse who noticed the rash and stopped the procedure."

• Dorot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2018

For Computed Tomography "Drank 2 bottles, one last night and one this morning an hour before a CT of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Vanilla flavor wasn't awful and I didn't have any bad reaction other than some gas, feelings of constipation, and tiredness. Was instructed to drink plenty of water to flush it all out of my system. Drank it chilled and that seemed to help with the taste. Still had iodine through an IV too so hopefully the imaging will accurate and clear."

• Gr8shpr
• August 9, 2018

Readi-Cat 2 (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "Here I lay Thursday having drunk two bottles of Ready-CAT2 oral (1 Sunday and 1 early Monday morning). I think I am having a reaction to the READY-CAT2 .After drinking one bottle, I felt very full, somewhat nauseous and just rather bad. (Achy joints, intestinal tightness). I called the imaging place the next morning (Monday) and was told to drink the 2nd bottle anyway. I have been having problems with IBS -C and here it is Wednesday 2 am. I was so dizzy and sweaty during the night and now I am dizzy and shaky too. I have not managed to get the READY-CAT Smoothie out of my system and it feels like I swallowed concrete. I will call both PCP, GI and Imaging place when they open. My suggestion to others might be to discuss taking READY-CAT Smoothie with the doctor for guidance before taking it, especially if you are already constipated. The vanilla smoothie tastes good but has sorbitol in it. I am obviously sensitive to something in this and know sorbitol is probably one."

• AAVA
• January 13, 2018

Readi-Cat (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "I had the banana flavor and it was a BIG improvement from the old days of just drinking chalk! However, it was thick and at times unpleasant. I had to gag down 2 large servings, plus they administered an iodine IV during the CT scan. About 45 minutes after the procedure, it all hit and I was in the bathroom for the next several hours. Not sure if it was the barium or iodine, but this was one of the common side effects and worth it to find out what's going on inside me or for prevention!"

• Diddi
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

For Computed Tomography "I made it threw the first bottle pretty good. The taste wasnt bad at all (had the berry flavor) but the consistency is just gross. About 10 min later had a huge hit of diarrhea. After half of the second bottle i must have looked white like a ghost as everybody asked me if i was okay and i felt super sick to my stomach. It was hard to keep it down. After the scan i threw up about 8 times and had diarrhea ALL day long. Couldnt drive myself home, husband had to pick me up. I felt so weak. Also having a lot of gas and a huge headache. I am sure its needed but i hope i never have to do this again."

• lagbear
• May 5, 2018

Readi-Cat (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "Had this for a abdominal CT. Was like a orange creamsickle, but by no means "good" just better than expected. No heartburn, or cramps thus so far, 9 hrs past taking it. I do have a metallic taste in mouth, but not sure if it's the readicat, or iodine I had as an injected contrast as well. May just be nerves. In all, it was not bad."

• Amanda...
• August 10, 2016

For Computed Tomography "The taste of the mochacinno smoothie was very tolerable. Tasted like watered down chocolate milk but with enough flavor. I was to drink 2 450ml bottles. One before bed and one 45 mins before my scheduled ct scan. First dose went down very smoothly but caused alot of gas. Second dose was fine until about half way through where it just wasnt appetizing anymore. Second dose caused some loose stool about 30 minutes after and then evolved into pretty significant diarrhea. Definitely take the whole day off after your scan. Overall not as bad as i though it would be. Definitely drink lots of water for the following 24 hours after your scan."

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2019

For Computed Tomography "No no no no! So I guess I got the orange flavor. And this was the worst thing I’ve ever had to drink in my life. The flavor wasn’t bad. But the consistency was horrible. Just too thick for me to take at once. I sat there with my Powerade and crackers trying to get it down. I spit it out twice because I was on the verge of throwing up. I’m not a dramatic person by any means, but I wish there was an easier way to prep for a CT. I get to take another bottle in the morning. Not looking forward to it"

• Jane
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Computed Tomography "Horrible taste. The flavor of artificial sweeteners was overwhelming. I can't tolerate artificial sweeteners. A couple of hours after drinking I had explosive diarrhea. It was terrible my stomach was cramping and I barely made it to the bathroom on several occasions. I won't drink it again."

• Fran...
• January 16, 2018

For Computed Tomography "I took the Vanilla Flavored and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Drank one bottle 3 hours prior to the scan, another 1/2 bottle an hour before the scan, a 1/2 bottle 30 minutes prior to the scan and another cup immediately prior to the scan. I had been expecting diarrhea, and was surprised to find it made me constipated. I kept drinking water, however, and finally went about 3-4 hours later. If it all helps to find out the problem, it’s definitely worth it!"

• Mimi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2014

Smoothie Readi-Cat 2 (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "I consumed the Berry Smoothie Readi-Cat as directed prior to a CT scan. When I was leaving, the technician handed me a bottle of water, and told me to be sure to drink enough liquids. He did not explain why. I failed to consume much water following the exam; I was busy around town doing errands and it slipped my mind. Later, I have found that there have been residual effects of some joint inflammation, that is apparent in my right knee joint area in particular. I suspect that this product has the potential to contribute to inflammation. I'm not sure if it is the barium sulfate in particular, although I had a CT scan a few years ago and don't remember this side effect. It could be the agents used to flavor it, or to keep it in suspension."

• willy...
• June 29, 2016

For Computed Tomography "No problems drinking 28 ounces and half an hour later drinking second 28 ounces, both vanilla flavored. About 3 1/2 hours after procedure, diarrhea started and, oh my, it continued for 4 hours, almost non-stop. Not fun! I might as well have been preparing for a colonoscopy."

• Glitter
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2016

Volumen (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "I took the first dose at 7:55am.I had kept both bottles in the refrigerator as instructed. The taste was not as awful as anticipated but there was so much of it that it took nearly 15 minutes to finish. I felt bloated & uncomfortable. I took the second dose at 8:20 am & had much more difficulty getting it down. Finally tossed about 4 ounces down the drain.I really thought I was going to throw it all up.I was given a cup with another half bottle of Volumen to drink as soon as I got to the clinic.That was warm & tasted worse. After waiting for 10 minutes I was taken to the room for the CT Enterography & given the second half of the bottle to drink.I was already having to urinate every 5 minutes by then but got through it.Had diarrhea all day"

• Brenda
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

For Computed Tomography "The taste of barium sulfate was unpleasant but bearable. The following day I was so constipated that my husband considered calling 911. It felt like a metal pipe rupturing my anus. My husband had to administer mineral oil enema up my rectum in order to relieve myself. I am a newlywed—how humiliating "

• JanayJ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2022

For Computed Tomography "After reading reviews I was scared. SCARED TO DEATH SCARED. I even canceled my appointment 2x. I got the banana flavor and it's like drinking banana water with a small splash of milk in it. That's the best I can describe it. It wasn't terrible. I made sure to shake well and to drink it as cold as possible. Also I used a wide straw bigger straw than they gave me so it was faster to drink. I found it really wasn't that hard to drink it. I felt a slight bit of nausea in the beginning but honestly I'm going to chuck that up to my nerves. It subsided quickly as soon as I was distracted. I can however feel "bubbles" or a mild kicking like (for us moms out there) sensation that has lasted for hours. No other issues besides I feel gassy. But haven't "gone" or ran to the bathroom. I also had the iodine IV done with this . I really wish I'd done so instead of being so frightened by the reviews. It is really not that bad so far, but I guess we will see about tonight and tomorrow."

• Amanda
• April 23, 2022

For Computed Tomography "Do not take this test unless you absolutely need to. I was constipated right after. I felt like I couldn't belch or pas gas. I ran to the bathroom a lot only to pass small tiny stools. Have been on several different laxatives. Then I was only getting tiny loose bowel movements. I ended up going to ER they did an xray and CT and both looked ok blood work looked ok they took urine. It is day 7. I am on day 2 of my period now not bleeding hardly any in my pad only when I wipe yesterday I had severe cramps all day. I feel so full I can barely eat. I am bloated. It doesn't feel right. Don't do the test."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2013

For Computed Tomography "About 15 minutes after drinking the second bottle the diarrhea started. It was pretty severe and made it difficult to get through the CT Scan. It was followed by nausea and some weakness. It started early in the morning and is lasting well into the night."

• Bille...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2017

Readi-Cat (barium sulfate) for Computed Tomography "Orange flavor wasn't bad but a little orange food coloring might have made the illusion a bit more convincing. Medium thick but went down without much problem. Technician assured me it was light years better than the chalky mix they used to use. Then got an injection of an unnamed diuretic and urination every 5 minutes began. Not sure if it was completely the diuretic or the barium was a contributor but it continued right up to PET time. I warned them so they procured a plastic urinal and wrapped an diaper around me on the table. Neither got used during the 15 minute scan but it took a lot of clenched sphincter action to prevent a mess. Ten seconds off the table the urinal got used."