Gastrografin Dosage

General

This medium is not to be used for the preparation of solutions for parenteral administration. Oral or rectal administration only. Discard any unused portion after procedure.

The routine preparatory measures employed for barium studies are also appropriate for this agent.

For pediatric and severely cachectic patients the maintenance of an intravenous fluid line may be advisable.

Radiographic Examination of Segments of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Oral Administration: Adult oral dosage may range from 30 to 90 mL (11 to 33 g iodine), depending on the nature of the examination and the size of the patient. For infants and children less than 5 years of age, 30 mL (11 g iodine) are usually adequate; for children 5 to 10 years of age, the suggested dose is 60 mL (22 g iodine). These pediatric doses may be diluted 1:1, if desired, with water, carbonated beverage, milk, or mineral oil. When used in infants, the solution may be given in a nursing bottle. Pediatric doses may also be used in dehydrated and/or debilitated adult patients. A 1:1 dilution is also recommended when the contrast medium is used in elderly cachectic individuals.

For very young (under 10 kg) and debilitated children the dose should be diluted: 1 part Gastrografin (Diatrizoate Meglumine and Diatrizoate Sodium Solution) in 3 parts water is recommended.

For Enemas or Enterostomy Instillations: Gastrografin should be diluted when it is used for enemas and enterostomy instillations. When used as an enema, the suggested dilution for adults is 240 mL (88 g iodine) in 1,000 mL of tap water. For children under 5 years of age, a 1:5 dilution in tap water is suggested; for children over 5 years of age, 90 mL (33 g iodine) in 500 mL of tap water is a suitable dilution.

Tomography (Body Imaging)

A usual adult dose is 240 mL of a dilute Gastrografin solution prepared by diluting 25 mL (9.17 g iodine) to one liter with tap water. Less dilute solutions [up to 77 mL (28.26 g iodine) diluted to one liter with tap water] may be used when indicated. The dose is administered orally about 15 to 30 minutes prior to imaging in order to permit the contrast medium to reach the pelvic loops.