Bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate

File:Bismuth subsalicylate.png
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-hydroxy-2H,4H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxa-2-bismacyclohexan-4-one
Clinical data
Routes of administration	Oral
Identifiers
CAS Number	14882-18-9
ATC code	none
PubChem	CID 16682734
ChemSpider	17215772
Chemical data
Formula	C7H5BiO4
Molar mass	362.093 g/mol[[]]
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Bismuth subsalicylate, with a chemical formula C₇H₅BiO₄, is a drug used to treat nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Commonly known as pink bismuth, it is the active ingredient in popular medications such as Pepto-Bismol and modern (since 2003) Kaopectate.

Pharmacology

As a derivative of salicylic acid, bismuth salicylate displays anti-inflammatory action and also acts as an antacid.

How It Works

• Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and (modern) Kaopectate) is used as an antidiarrheal and to treat some other gastro-intestinal diseases (oligodynamic effect).
  The means by which this appears to work is still not well-documented. It is thought to be some combination of:
  • Retarding the expulsion of fluids into the digestive system by irritated tissues, by "coating" them.
  • Reducing inflammation/irritation of stomach and intestinal lining
  • Killing some bacteria that cause diarrhea

Adverse effects and contraindications

There are some adverse effects. It can cause a black tongue and black stools in some users of the drug, when it combines with trace amounts of sulfur in saliva and the gastrointestinal tract to form bismuth sulfide. This discoloration is temporary and harmless.

Some of the risks of salicylism can apply to the use of bismuth subsalicylate.

Children should not take medication with bismuth subsalicylate while recovering from influenza or chicken pox, as epidemiologic evidence points to an association between the use of salicylate-containing medications during certain viral infections and the onset of Reye's syndrome. For the same reason, it is typically recommended that nursing mothers not use medication containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol) because small amounts of the medication are excreted in breast milk and pose a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome to nursing children.

References

es:Salicilato de bismuto pl:Zasadowy salicylan bizmutawy