Drug Groups

approved

Description

Bismuth subsalicylate is the active ingredient in the popular medication Pepto-Bismol that is used to treat nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. It is also the main ingredient of Kaopectate. It displays anti-inflammatory action (due to salicylic acid) and also acts as an antacid and mild antibiotic.

Indication

Used to treat nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Pharmacology

Bismuth subsalicylate displays anti-inflammatory action (due to salicylic acid) and also acts as an antacid and mild antibiotic. It can also cause a black tongue and black stools in some users of the drug, when it combines with trace amounts of sulfur in their saliva and gastrointestinal tract. This discoloration is temporary and harmless.

Biotransformation

Based on in vitro dissociation data and in vivo animal data, bismuth subsalicylate is believed to be largely hydrolyzed in the stomach to bismuth oxychloride and salicylic acid. In the small intestine, nondissociated bismuth subsalicylate reacts with other anions (bicarbonate and phosphate) to form insoluble bismuth salts. In the colon, nondissociated bismuth subsalicylate and other bismuth salts react with hydrogen sulfide to produce bismuth sulfide, a highly insoluble black salt responsible for the darkening of the stools.

Absorption

Following oral administration, absorption of the salicylate component from the small intestine is generally rapid and complete (>90%).

References

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