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Sitzmarks

Generic name: barium sulfate

What is Sitzmarks used for?

  • Sitzmarks is used before an x-ray or an alike test.

Before taking Sitzmarks, tell your doctor:

  • If you are allergic to this medicine (Sitzmarks); any part of this medicine (Sitzmarks); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have had any of these health problems: Blockage, hole, bleeding, injury, burn, or blood flow problems in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract; slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract; or a problem called toxic megacolon.
  • If you have had a recent hole in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, GI surgery, or radiation to the pelvic area.
  • If you have trouble swallowing or have inhaled food, liquids, saliva, or vomit into your lungs.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (Sitzmarks).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (Sitzmarks) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sitzmarks?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (Sitzmarks). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic reactions have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
  • This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than this medicine (Sitzmarks).
  • You may need to avoid using laxatives, enemas, or suppositories for some time before using this medicine (Sitzmarks). Follow what your doctor has told you.
  • To prevent constipation or bowel block from this medicine (Sitzmarks), your doctor may have you use a laxative like milk of magnesia or lactulose after using this medicine (Sitzmarks). Follow what your doctor has told you.
  • Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids after using this medicine (Sitzmarks) unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (Sitzmarks) with care. You could have more side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Sitzmarks best taken?

Use this medicine (Sitzmarks) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • Be sure you know how to take this medicine (Sitzmarks). Talk with your doctor if you have questions.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Sitzmarks that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
  • Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.

What are some other side effects of Sitzmarks?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Sitzmarks?

  • Most of the time, this medicine (Sitzmarks) will be given in a hospital or doctor's office. If stored at home, follow how to store as you were told by the doctor.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (Sitzmarks), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine (Sitzmarks) or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine (Sitzmarks). It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine (Sitzmarks). This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine (Sitzmarks).

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health. Last updated April 5, 2023.