There are several ways to examine the patient’s gastrointestinal tract, and the use of Gastrografin is one of the available mediums. Gastrografin is a brand name for such contrast agents as diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium (Almafreji et al., 2020). This solution is effective for oral and rectal administration when barium sulfate suspension may potentially cause some perforation harms (Jensen & Peppers, 2006). This radiopaque contrast technique is used to examine the stomach, colon, and small intestine and clarify if a person needs surgery with the next 24 hours (Almafreji et al., 2020). In addition, it may also be applied along with another contrast agent as contrast enhancement in computed tomography to improve imaging quality.
Due to the osmotic action of diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium, iodine dilution may provoke certain side effects. Diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, and allergic reactions could bother patients during or soon after the procedure (Jensen & Peppers, 2006). However, all these consequences are temporary and mild, and if the patient gets worse, it is important to search for other reasons. It is recommended to take diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium in the evening and make the body rest, avoiding unnecessary movements and load.
References
Almafreji, I., Chinaka, U., Hussain, A., Lynch, M., & Cottrell, R. (2020). Role of gastrografin in patients with small bowel obstruction. Cureus, 12(8). Web.
Jensen, S. C., & Peppers, M. P. (2006). Pharmacology and drug administration for imaging technologists (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.