Bracco’s focused line of oral contrast solutions is engineered for computed tomography (CT) procedures, supporting the diagnostic needs of radiologists with formulations that are consistent, palatable, and easy to administer. Whether you’re performing abdominal and pelvic scans or preparing for colonography, Bracco’s contrast agents help enhance anatomical detail, reduce interpretation uncertainty, and improve patient compliance. A commitment to clinical safety and workflow efficiency in busy imaging environments backs each product.
READI-CAT 2 is a ready-to-use, low-viscosity barium sulfate suspension formulated for use in CT of the abdomen and pelvis. It offers reliable opacification of the gastrointestinal tract while minimizing image artifacts, helping radiologists distinguish bowel loops from surrounding structures with clarity. Its easy-to-administer formulation ensures smooth preparation and consistent patient outcomes.
READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE is a pre-mixed, low-viscosity barium sulfate suspension that offers a palatable formula with a wide range of flavor choices for your patients: Banana, Berry, Creamy Vanilla, Mochaccino, and Orange.
TAGITOL V is a low-volume, high-attenuation barium sulfate contrast agent indicated for use in CT colonography. It effectively tags residual stool and fluid in the colon, aiding radiologists in differentiating between true lesions and residual material. Its targeted application improves the specificity of virtual colonoscopy and supports more accurate interpretation of results.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE | IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
For Oral Administration. This product should not be used in patients with known or suspected perforation of the GI tract, known obstruction of the GI tract, high risk of aspiration, or hypersensitivity to barium sulfate products. Rarely, severe allergic reactions of anaphylactoid nature have been reported following administration of barium sulfate contrast agents.
READI-CAT® 2 (barium sulfate) oral suspension
READI-CAT® 2 SMOOTHIE (barium sulfate) oral suspension
INDICATION
READI-CAT® 2 and READI-CAT® 2 SMOOTHIE (barium sulfate) oral suspension are indicated for use in computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen to delineate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in adult and pediatric patients.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
READI-CAT 2 products are contraindicated in patients:
- with known or suspected perforation of the GI tract
- with known obstruction of the GI tract
- at high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent prior GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to pelvis
- at high risk of aspiration such as those with prior aspiration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, or obtundation
- known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of READI-CAT 2 or READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIES
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors, and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions including hypotension, bronchospasm, and other respiratory impairments, dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.
Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage The use of READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract. Administration of READI-CAT 2 products may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, taking medications that delay GI motility, and constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly are at higher risk for obstruction or baroliths. To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration following a barium sulfate procedure.
Aspiration Pneumonitis The use of READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in patients at high risk of aspiration. Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis. In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure with a small, ingested volume of READI-CAT 2 products. Discontinue administration of READI-CAT 2 products immediately if aspiration is suspected.
Systemic Embolization Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the large bowel and enter the circulation as a "barium embolus" leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia, and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.
Risk with Hereditary Fructose Intolerance READI-CAT 2 contains sorbitol which may cause severe reactions if ingested by patients with hereditary fructose intolerance, such as vomiting, hypoglycemia, jaundice, hemorrhage, hepatomegaly, hyperuricemia, and kidney failure. Before administration of READI-CAT 2 assess patients for a history of hereditary fructose intolerance and avoid use in these patients.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most Common Adverse Events include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for READI-CAT® 2 products.
READI-CAT 2 is manufactured for Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540 by E-Z-EM Canada Inc.
READI-CAT is a registered trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc.
TAGITOL™ V (barium sulfate) oral suspension
INDICATION
TAGITOL™ V (barium sulfate) oral suspension is indicated for use in adult patients for use in computed tomography (CT) colonography as a fecal tagging agent.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
TAGITOL V is contraindicated in patients with:
- known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
- known obstruction of the GI tract
- high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis
- high risk of aspiration such as those with prior aspiration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, or obtundation
- known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of TAGITOL V.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors, and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension, bronchospasm, and other respiratory impairments, dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.
Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage The use of TAGITOL V is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract and may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions that increase the risk of perforation such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the gastrointestinal tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired gastrointestinal motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, on medications that delay GI motility, constipation, cystic fibrosis, Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly are at higher risk for developing obstruction or barolith. Patients should maintain adequate hydration to reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction.
Aspiration Pneumonitis The use of TAGITOL V is contraindicated in patients at high risk of aspiration. Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis.
Systemic Embolization Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the large bowel and enter the circulation as a "barium embolus" leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia, and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration, monitor patients for potential intravasation.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions include Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for TAGITOL™ V (barium sulfate) oral suspension.
TAGITOL V is manufactured by E-Z-EM Canada Inc., for E-Z-EM, Inc., a subsidiary of Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540.
TAGITOL is a trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc.