Bismuth Subsalicylate

Indications

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Dyspepsia Diarrhea Nausea and Vomiting

Pink-Bismol is used to relieve upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Antacid action: Bismuth Subsalicylate coats the ulcer surface and protects it from acid and pepsin. It stimulates mucus and bicarbonate secretion. It also reacts with HCl to produce bismuth oxychloride and salicylic acid, which together reduce HCl.

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

Anti-inflammatory action: When it is hydrolyzed to salicylic acid, Bismuth Subsalicylate inhibits prostaglandin G/H synthase ½. This reduces inflammation. It also coats the irritated tissue to slow the expulsion of fluid.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable data on using bismuth subsalicylate during pregnancy, and animal studies haven't clearly shown how it affects pregnancy, the developing baby, delivery, or development after birth. Because of this, its risk to humans isn't known.

Breastfeeding: It's best to avoid bismuth subsalicylate while breastfeeding unless your doctor determines it's genuinely needed.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: For adults over 16, the dose is 30 ml, measured in the dosing cup that comes with the medicine, or 6 spoonfuls of 5 ml each. Children aged 10 to 14 years should take 15 mL (3 teaspoons), and children aged 5 to 9 years should take 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons). For children aged 3 to 4 years, the dose is 5 mL (1 teaspoon). Children under 3 years should not be given it without asking a doctor first. Older people don't need any special precaution. If the patient has renal insufficiency, caution should be taken. The dose can be repeated every ½ to 1 hour if needed. However, no more than 8 doses should be taken in 24 hours.