Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is an inert and insoluble white powder with high density. Barium belongs chemically to the group of heavy metals. Mixed with water and additional ingredients (e.g., sweetening agents), barium sulfate is the preferred positive contrast agent for abdominal x-ray and computed tomography examinations. The extremely low solubility of barium sulfate protects patients from absorbing harmful amounts of the metal (water soluble metal compounds are often highly toxic). The high density in x-ray examinations is related to the high atomic number, since large nuclei absorb x-rays much better than smaller nuclei.
Barium sulfate agents for opacification of the gastrointestinal tract are not absorbed or metabolized and are resistant to dilution. These contrast agents are opaque white suspensions and usually swallowed or administered as an enema. They provide better delineation of mucosal details and are less expensive than water-soluble iodinated contrast media. The elimination rate is a function of gastrointestinal transit time. After GI application, it leaves the body with the feces.

Contraindications of barium sulfate products in case of known or suspected:

Baro-Cat® is a barium sulfate suspension for use as an aid for computed tomography of the gastrointestinal tract. The contrast medium contains additional pineapple-banana flavor suspending agents, simethicone, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sorbitol, artificial sweetener and water.
Individual technique will determine the suspension quantity and specific procedure used. For computed tomography of the upper gastrointestinal tract should the patient drink 300 mL Baro-Cat® approximately 2 hours before and an additional 300 mL approximately 15 minutes prior to the CT scan. For total bowel opacification the patient should drink additional 300 mL the night before the examination. If rapid transit is desired, administer the suspension chilled. Rectally administered the contrast agent should be at room temperature to body temperature.

Baryons are a group of elementary particles. The heavier particles such as protons and neutrons belong to these baryons. Usually a baryon is made of three quarks; the more exotic ones consist out of four quarks and one anti-quark. [Don't Panic]

High-level programming languages, designed in 1964, Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

In June 2006 Bayer AG has bought the majority of shares of Schering AG. As a result of this take-over Schering AG has been renamed in December 2006 in Bayer Schering Pharma AG. The Bayer Schering Pharma AG is part of the Bayer HealthCare AG, which represents the pharmaceutical part of the Bayer Group.
Berlex Laboratories (USA) and Berlex Canada Inc., former affiliates of Schering AG, have been integrated into Bayer HealthCare and operate as a specialty pharmaceuticals business that also sells MRI contrast agents, under the name Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, which is a subsidiary of Bayer Schering Pharma AG.