2.1 Recommended Dosing and Administration Instructions

• The recommended dose of reconstituted VARIBAR THIN LIQUID administered orally by infant bottle, syringe, spoon, or cup is:
  • Adults: 5 mL
  • Pediatric patients 6 months and older: 1 mL to 3 mL
  • Pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age: 0.5 mL to 1 mL
• During a single modified barium swallow examination, multiple doses of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID may be administered, to assess the patient during multiple swallows and different radiographic views.
• The maximum cumulative dose is 80 mL.
• For oral use only
• Advise patients to hydrate following the barium sulfate procedure.

2.2 Instructions for Reconstitution

The VARIBAR THIN LIQUID powder must be reconstituted prior to administration by a healthcare provider according to the following instructions:

• Add water to the fill line on the bottle label
• Replace the lid securely
• Invert the bottle and tap with fingers to mix the powder into the water
• Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Let stand for 5 minutes
• Refill with water to the fill line on the bottle label and reshake thoroughly.
• Once reconstituted, write the discard after date on the immediate container label. After reconstitution, store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36ºF to 46ºF) for up to 72 hours.
• Reconstitution yields approximately 300 mL of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID oral suspension containing 0.4 grams of barium sulfate per mL (40% w/v) and should be homogeneous and white to lightly colored.

5.1 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, and dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, food allergies, 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.

5.2 Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage

The use of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see Contraindications (4)]. Administration of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID 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.

5.3 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 the following conditions are at higher risk for developing obstruction or baroliths: 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, constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5)]. To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration after the barium sulfate procedure.

5.4 Aspiration Pneumonitis

The use of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID is contraindicated in patients with trachea-esophageal fistula [see Contraindications (4)]. 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 VARIBAR THIN LIQUID. Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID if aspiration is suspected, and monitor for development of aspiration pneumonitis.

5.5 Systemic Embolization

Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the GI tract 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 a barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

VARIBAR THIN LIQUID is not absorbed systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

VARIBAR THIN LIQUID is not absorbed systemically by the mother following oral administration, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to the drug.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The efficacy of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID in pediatric patients is based on successful opacification of the pharynx during modified barium swallow examinations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients are based on clinical experience.

VARIBAR THIN LIQUID is contraindicated in pediatric patients with trachea-esophageal fistula. [see Contraindications (4)]. Pediatric patients with a history of asthma or food allergies may be at increased risk for development of hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Monitor patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease for bowel obstruction after use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of VARIBAR THIN LIQUID did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Due to its high atomic number, barium (the active ingredient in VARIBAR THIN LIQUID) is opaque to x-rays and therefore acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Barium sulfate is biologically inert and has no known pharmacological effects.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Under physiological conditions, barium sulfate passes through the gastrointestinal tract in an unchanged form and is absorbed only in small, pharmacologically insignificant amounts.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of barium sulfate or potential effects on fertility.