What is E-Z-HD? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Oct 7, 2023

E-Z-HD overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Volumen, E-Z-Disk, E-Z-HD, E-Z-Paste, Liquid E-Z-Paque, Readi-Cat 2, Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie, Tagitol V, Varibar, Varibar Pudding, Entero VU, E-Z-Cat Dry

Generic Names:

  • E-Z-Hd

Uses:

  • Used to help view images of the body during a medical test or imaging procedure.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Diagnostic Agent, Radiological Contrast Media

Forms:

  • Tablet, Cream, Liquid, Paste

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is E-Z-HD used for?

E-Z-HD is a non-ionic iodinated contrast media medication that is prescribed before a double contrast X-ray examination to allow the upper gastrointestinal tract to be seen. When taken, E-Z-HD would make the organs visible on X-ray procedures.

What form(s) does E-Z-HD come in?

  • Tablet

  • Cream

  • Liquid

  • Paste

What are common E-Z-HD dosages?

  • Bottle 1 suspension reconstituted

How to take E-Z-HD

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You will swallow the barium liquid or paste just before your scan or procedure.

  • Drink plenty of liquids after the test to help clear the barium from your body and to keep you hydrated. Barium may cause severe constipation.

  • Follow all instructions you are given for your scan or procedure. Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything the night before your test. Barium will work better if your stomach and bowels are empty.

What to do if you miss a dose of E-Z-HD

E-Z-HD contraindications - Who shouldn't take E-Z-HD?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to barium.

E-Z-HD warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, cancer, heart disease, trouble swallowing, an allergy to other contrast agents, or a history of fructose intolerance (genetic disease). Tell your doctor about any digestion problems, including bleeding, ulcer, blockage, narrowing, diverticulitis, or recent surgery, trauma, or radiation treatment on the hip area.

  • This medicine may cause constipation, which could be severe.

  • Fever, chills, cough, fast heartbeat, shallow breathing

  • Sudden, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting with fever

  • Trouble swallowing

E-Z-HD interactions & what to avoid when taking E-Z-HD

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, cancer, heart disease, trouble swallowing, or an allergy to other contrast agents. Tell your doctor about any digestion problems, including bleeding, ulcer, blockage, narrowing, diverticulitis, or recent surgery, trauma, or radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may cause constipation, which could be severe.

E-Z-HD side effects - How does E-Z-HD make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Fever, chills, cough, fast heartbeat, shallow breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Sudden, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting with fever

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