Barium sulfate Compared to Alternatives

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.

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.

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!

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.