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Brand name: Gastrografin TM

Active ingredients: amidotrizoic acid

What it is used for

Gastrografin is a contrast medium for examination of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be administered orally and as enema and is primarily indicated in cases in which the use barium sulfate is unsatisfactory, undesirable or contraindicated. Among these are: - suspected partial or complete stenosis - acute haemorrhage - threatening perforation (peptic ulcer, diverticulum) - other acute conditions which are likely to require surgery - after resection of the stomach or the intestine (danger of perforation or leak) - megacolon - visualisation of a foreign body or tumour before endoscopy - visualisation of gastrointestinal fistula. In addition to these conditions Gastrografin can generally be used for the same purposes as barium sulfate with the exception of the visualisation of mucosal diseases. Due to the insufficient coating properties of Gastrografin, barium sulfate should be used for single or double contrast techniques. In combination with barium sulfate, Gastrografin has considerably improved routine investigation of the gastrointestinal tract both from a diagnostic and from an organisational point of view - the latter by speeding up the examination. It is unsuitable only for the diagnosis of enteritis. Further indications: a) early diagnosis of a radiologically undetectable perforation or anastomotic defect in the oesophagus or gastrointestinal tract. b) Treatment of meconium ileus. c) Computerised tomography in the abdominal region. The danger of false diagnosis is significantly reduced if the intestine is opacified with Gastrografin, especially for differential diagnoses in the minor pelvis. Gastrografin facilitates delimitation of the intestine from neighbouring organs and permits an assessment of changes in the shape of the pancreas.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Protect from X rays
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

A clear colourless liquid

Do I need a prescription?

We are unable to tell you if you need a prescription for this medicine. You can ask your pharmacist.This medicine is Not Scheduled.

Download leaflet

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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