Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- Radiographic Contrast Agent [EPC], X-Ray Contrast Activity [MoA]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- Brand names
- E-Z-Paste
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
INDICATIONS AND USAGE For use in single contrast radiography of the esophagus, pharynx, hypopharynx and for cardiac series.
About this medicine
DESCRIPTION E-Z-PASTE ® Barium Sulfate Esophageal Cream (60% w/w) is a barium sulfate cream for oral administration. Each 100 g contains 60 g barium sulfate. Barium sulfate, due to its high molecular density is opaque to x-rays and, therefore, acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies. The active ingredient is barium sulfate and its structural formula is BaSO 4 . Barium sulfate occurs as a fine, white, odorless, tasteless, bulky powder which is free from grittiness. Its aqueous suspensions are neutral to litmus. It is practically insoluble in water, solutions of acids and alkalies, and organic solvents. Inactive Ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, ethyl vanillin, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium citrate, and sorbitol solution.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS This product should not be used in patients with known gastric or intestinal perforation or hypersensitivity to barium sulfate products.
Warnings
WARNINGS Rarely, severe allergic reactions of an anaphylactoid nature, have been reported following administration of barium sulfate contrast agents. Appropriately trained personnel and facilities should be available for emergency treatment of severe reactions and should remain available for at least 30 to 60 minutes following administration, since delayed reactions can occur.
Reported side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, accompanying the use of barium sulfate formulations are infrequent and usually mild. Severe reactions (approximately 1 in 1,000,000) and fatalities (approximately 1 in 10,000,000) have occurred. Procedural complications are rare, but may include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, granuloma formation, intravasation, embolization and peritonitis following intestinal perforation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes, and fatalities. It is of the utmost importance to be completely prepared to treat any such occurrence.
Interactions with other medicines
Drug Interactions The presence of barium sulfate formulations in the GI tract may alter the absorption of therapeutic agents taken concomitantly. In order to minimize any potential change in absorption, the separate administration of barium sulfate from that of other agents should be considered.
If too much is taken
OVERDOSAGE On rare occasions following repeated administration, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation may occur. These are transitory in nature and are not considered serious. Symptoms may be treated according to currently accepted standards of medical care.
Storing it safely
Storage Store product at USP Controlled Room Temperature, 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). Protect from freezing.
Other ingredients
Inactive Ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, ethyl vanillin, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium citrate, and sorbitol solution.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 18 December 2025. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.