Barium Chloride Dihydrate
Barium Chloride, Dihydrate is a barium salt compound used primarily as a radiographic contrast agent for gastrointestinal imaging procedures. It is a water-soluble, crystalline substance that appears in certain specialized clinical and laboratory applications where barium's radiopaque properties are utilized.
A barium-based contrast agent primarily used in specialized radiographic imaging of the gastrointestinal tract.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1311064
- Generic
- Barium Chloride, Dihydrate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
do not use during pregnancy due to known teratogenic potential and fetal toxicity
fetal ultrasound and monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
do not use during pregnancy unless absolutely essential for diagnosis
fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
avoid use - may induce uterine contractions and affect fetal development
fetal and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
barium chloride passes into breast milk - do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 48 hours after exposure
monitor infant for signs of barium toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 12avoid in pediatric patients
not recommended for use in children due to increased sensitivity to barium toxicity and developmental concerns
cardiac and neurological monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid completely
barium is primarily renally excreted - contraindicated in patients with reduced renal function
renal function monitoring, serum barium levels if available
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid if possible
use with extreme caution - hepatic dysfunction may alter metabolism and excretion
liver function tests and clinical monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65reduce dose and increase monitoring intervals
use with extreme caution in elderly patients - higher risk of adverse effects due to age-related decline in organ function
cardiac monitoring, renal function assessment, and neurological assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Chemical formula
Molecular formula of Barium Chloride Dihydrate
Medical use
Primary medical application
Toxicity classification
Safety and toxicity information
Primary applications
Industrial applications
Specialized radiographic imaging studies requiring contrast enhancement, particularly in research and specialized diagnostic applications involving the gastrointestinal system.
Provides radiopacity due to barium's high atomic number, which absorbs X-rays and creates contrast against soft tissues during imaging procedures.
This is a laboratory chemical with specific handling requirements. Soluble barium compounds are toxic if ingested. Must be prepared and administered only by qualified personnel in appropriate medical or research settings. Not to be confused with barium sulfate, which is the standard oral contrast agent for routine GI studies.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy