Bismuth Subsalicylate

Bismuth Subsalicylate is indicated for-

• upset stomach
• indigestion
• heartburn
• nausea and
• diarrhea.

Antacid action: Bismuth Subsalicylate coats ulcer surface, protecting it from acid and pepsin. It stimulates mucus and bicarbonate secretion and also reacts with HCl, produces bismuth oxychloride and salicylic acid thus reduces HCl.

Anti-diarrheal action: It stimulates absorption of water and electrolytes across the intestinal wall. In infectious diarrhea it binds with toxin produced by E.coli, disrupts cell, causing lysis of H.pylori and prevents adhesion of H.pylori in the cell wall of intestine.

Anti-inflammatory action: When hydrolyzed to salicylic acid, it inhibits prostaglandin G/H synthase ½. Thus reduces inflammation and Coats the irritated tissue to retard the expulsion of fluid.

Adult (>16): 30 ml in dosing cup provided or 6x5 ml spoonful
Children (10-14 years): 15 mL (3 teaspoons)
Children (5-9 years): 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons)
Children (3-4 years): 5 mL (1 teaspoon)
Children under 3 years: Ask a doctor.
Use in the elderly: No special precaution is needed.
Patient is suffering from renal insufficiency: caution should be taken.

Repeat dose every ½ to 1 hour if needed. Not more than 8 doses to be taken in 24 hours.

Bismuth Subsalicylate Contains salicylates therefore care should be exercised if receiving drugs to thin the blood (anticoagulant therapy) or oral therapy for diabetes or treatment for gout or arthritis.

Bismuth Subsalicylate should not be used by patients hypersensitive to Aspirin or other salicylates or any ingredient in this formulation. Keep all medicines out of reach and sight of children.

Black stool and black tongue is common with use of Bismuth Subsalicylate. Bismuth Subsalicylate should not be used if symptoms are severe or persist for more than 2 days. Do not exceed the recommended dose, shake the bottle before use. For oral use only.

There are no adequate data concerning the use of Bismuth Subsalicylate in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition and postnatal development. The potential risk for humans is unknown. Bismuth Subsalicylate should not be used during lactation unless clearly necessary.

Do not take with aspirin or other salicylates. Caution should be exercised by patients taking medicines for anti-coagulation (thinning of the blood), diabetes or gout.

Bismuth intoxication may present as an acute encephalopathy with confusion, myoclonic movements, tremor, dysarthria and walking and standing disorders. Bismuth intoxication may also cause gastrointestinal disturbances, skin reactions, discoloration of mucous membranes, and renal dysfunction as a result of acute tubular necrosis. Treatment includes gastric lavage, purgation and hydration. Chelating agents may be effective in the early stages following ingestion and haemodialysis may be necessary. Overdose of Bismuth Subsalicylate may also give symptoms of salicylate intoxification e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, sweating, nausea, headache. If symptoms occur, use of Bismuth Subsalicylate  should be discontinued. Management of overdose is the same as that for salicylate overdose.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.