Barium sulfate and Gas: What Users Say

• Dor...
• 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 be accurate and clear."

• Did...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

For Computed Tomography "I made it through the first bottle pretty good. The taste wasn't bad at all (had the berry flavor), but the consistency is just gross. About 10 minutes later, I 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. Couldn't drive myself home, my husband had to pick me up. I felt so weak. Also having a lot of gas and a huge headache. I am sure it's needed, but I hope I never have to do this again."

• Ama...
• August 10, 2016

For Computed Tomography "The taste of the mochaccino 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 a lot of gas. Second dose was fine until about halfway through, where it just wasn't 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 thought it would be. Definitely drink lots of water for the following 24 hours after your scan."

• LBT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2022

Barium sulfate for Computed Tomography "I was scheduled for an abdominal CT with contrast. I had to drink two containers of SilQ Barium. One container 2 hours before, 1/2 an hour later, and the remaining 30 minutes before my exam. After reading the reviews above, I was expecting worse than what I actually experienced. I had the vanilla flavor, the only complaint I have is that it is really sweet due to saccharin sweetener. The texture was fine, sort of like melted vanilla ice cream, but not that good. After the procedure, I had some gassiness, but that is all. No problems, no diarrhea, no cramping. Some said they 'chugged' it down, but I just drank it normally over 10 minutes."

• Jan...
• 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 run 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."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2024

For Computed Tomography "7:30 am I went to complete my GI checkup. I believe the whole procedure is a bit different in China. We don't have to take extra doses the night before the test, and we take much fewer portions (200-250 cc, a full paper cup in total). It was hard to swallow at first, but tolerable. I drank half of the cup before the test and took the few sips left during the test. I experienced a gassy, stretchy feeling afterward, and the gas persisted for a few hours. I did feel so nauseous that I ate nothing but a hard candy for breakfast. Fortunately, I didn't get diarrhea as expected. It's important to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. So, don't cancel your appointment for concern over those side effects. They do happen but are still rare. I'm glad that the test has revealed the cause of my upset stomach. The outcomes sure outweigh these weaknesses."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

For Computed Tomography "Chose the mochaccino flavor, and it wasn't bad at all, aside from a strange sensation in the throat after swallowing. Smaller sips worked best for me. I got a bit nauseated at the amount that needed to be consumed, but I got it all down without too much of an issue. It did cause me to have diarrhea three times during the course of the first bottle. Second bottle, one more trip to the restroom. Then just a LOT of gas that slowly started to build up. Came home, felt tired, and took a nap, and have been extremely gassy all night. Otherwise, it was not a bad experience. Not nearly as nasty as that Clenpiq stuff you drink for colon prep. Don't recommend making any plans for 24 hours after consumption in case you have tummy issues as a result as well."