E-Z-CAT DRY
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for E-Z-CAT DRY (E-Z-CAT DRY).
E-Z-CAT DRY is a barium sulfate suspension used as a radiographic contrast agent. It does not have a pharmacological mechanism of action; it acts by coating the gastrointestinal tract to enhance imaging.
| Metabolism | Not metabolized; excreted unchanged in feces. |
| Excretion | Renal: approximately 100% excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours; biliary/fecal: negligible (<1%). |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life: 1–2 hours; clinically, the short half-life allows rapid clearance of contrast agent. |
| Protein binding | Negligible (<5%); not significantly bound to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2–0.3 L/kg, confined mainly to extracellular fluid; minimal tissue penetration. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: negligible systemic absorption (<1%); remains in GI tract; Rectal: similarly negligible systemic absorption. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 20–30 minutes for visualization of esophageal/gastric mucosa; Rectal: 30–60 minutes for colonic opacification. |
| Duration of Action | Oral: 1–2 hours for gastric distention; Rectal: 1–2 hours for colonic opacification; note: prolonged retention may impair image quality. |
Oral: 1.5-3.0 mL/kg body weight (maximum 300 mL) of 1.5-2.0% barium sulfate suspension, administered as a single dose for upper GI studies; for CT colonography, 300-500 mL of 1.5-2.0% solution orally 12-24 hours prior to procedure.
| Dosage form | FOR SUSPENSION |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required for renal impairment as barium sulfate is not systemically absorbed. |
| Liver impairment | No dose adjustment required for hepatic impairment as barium sulfate is not systemically absorbed. |
| Pediatric use | Upper GI studies: 1.5-3.0 mL/kg (maximum 300 mL) of 1.5-2.0% barium sulfate suspension; CT colonography: 10-20 mL/kg (maximum 500 mL) of 1.5-2.0% solution orally 12-24 hours prior. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment; use with caution in patients with swallowing difficulties or decreased GI motility to reduce aspiration risk. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for E-Z-CAT DRY (E-Z-CAT DRY).
| Breastfeeding | It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing woman. M/P ratio: unknown. |
| Teratogenic Risk | No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of fetal harm was observed. However, because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. First trimester: insufficient data to assess risk. Second and third trimester: no known teratogenic effects. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
["Known or suspected gastrointestinal perforation","Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of aspiration and respiratory distress if aspirated into lungs","Risk of bowel perforation or obstruction in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal disorders","Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal vital signs and for signs of allergic reaction (e.g., urticaria, respiratory distress). Assess fetal heart rate if clinically indicated, especially during second and third trimesters. Monitor maternal renal function if intravenous administration is considered. |
| Fertility Effects | No studies on fertility have been conducted. No known effects on male or female fertility. |