Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

EXERCISE NO. 19

PREPARATION OF BARIUM SULFATE ENEMA

I. Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to
1. Identify the ingredients based on their physical characteristics and describe
their function in the preparation
2. Compound Barium Sulfate Enema using appropriate method of preparation
3. Select appropriate container for the product
4. Prepare the label for the product accurately and neatly
5. Comply with the standards and regulations set by CGCP

II. Discussion:
Enemas are also known as “Clysters”. It was derived from both Latin word
clyster and from Greek word klystēr meaning “to wash out”. These are oily or aqueous
rectal injections used to evacuate the bowel, influence the general system by absorption
or to affect locally the seat of the disease. These should be warmed to body
temperature prior to administration and are usually given in large volumes by injecting
through the rectum slowly. The patient should lie on one side during administration and
remains in that position for 30 minutes.

Barium sulfate is used in roentgenography for the purpose of making the

intestinal tract opaque to the x-ray so that it may be photographed. In this case, the
liquid contains a metallic substance (barium) that coats the lining of the colon. Normally,
an X-ray produces a poor image of soft tissues, but the barium coating results in a
relatively clear silhouette of the colon. It is warmed to body temperature prior
administration and injected into the rectum from a height of 3 to 6 feet. Examination is
made with a fluoroscope while the injection is passing into the rectum.

III. Materials
Acacia powder Beaker
Barium sulfate Graduated cylinder
Purified water Mettler balance
Starch Mortar and pestle

IV. Formula
Barium sulfate.....................................................120 g
Acacia mucilage.................................................100 g
Starch enema, qs. ad.........................................500 mL

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Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

V. Compounding Procedure
1. Reduce the formula to 15 mL and calculate the amount of each of ingredients
needed.
2. Prepare acacia mucilage by following the procedure in preparation number 19.
3. Prepare starch enema by weighing 15 g starch and mix it with 100 mL of cold
water and add sufficient amount of boiling water to make 500 mL.
4. By triturating, place acacia mucilage in the mortar.
5. Continue triturating by mixing barium sulfate portion by portion.
6. Add starch enema to make the required volume.
7. Place in an appropriate container.
8. Label the container.

VI. Questions:
1. What is enema?
2. What special device is used to administer an enema?
3. How is barium sulfate enema administered?

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Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

Name: ________________________________ Date: ______________________

Year and Section: _______________________ Rating: ____________________

EXERCISE NO. 19

PREPARATION OF BARIUM SULFATE ENEMA

Synonym/Latin Name:
Use of Preparation:
Method of Preparation:
Appropriate Container:
Storage Condition:

Formula for 15 mL:

Ingredients Quantity Use in Formula

Calculations:

Answers to Question:
1. What is enema?

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Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

2. What special device is used to administer an enema?

3. How is barium sulfate enema administered?

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Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

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