What is Bismuth subsalicylate? Uses and dosages

Bismuth subsalicylate is an active ingredient commonly found in gastrointestinal prescriptions. What is the use of bismuth subsalicylate and what is a reasonable dose of bismuth subsalicylate?

Bismuth subsalicylate is the name of an active medicinal ingredient, belonging to the salicylate group. Bismuth works by slowing the growth of bacteria that cause diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate is prescribed by the doctor based on the age and ability to respond to treatment of each patient. Bismuth is usually available as a 262.4 mg chewable tablet.

Uses of bismuth subsalicylate are to treat or aid in the treatment of stomach discomfort caused by occasional heartburn and nausea. The drug also works to treat diarrhea or prevent diarrhea when traveling (often due to inappropriate food in the tourist area).
Bismuth subsalicylate is used under the direction of a doctor in combination with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Do not arbitrarily use Bismuth subsalicylate to treat diarrhea with “fever”, bloody diarrhea or diarrhea with mucus in the stool, because Bismuth subsalicylate will make the condition worse. It is best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if unusual symptoms appear.
Do not arbitrarily use Bismuth subsalicylate to treat stomach ulcers because it is a salicylate, which can cause serious bleeding when used alone in patients with ulcers.

Dosage of bismuth subsalicylate for adults:
Treatment of indigestion: dose 524 mg, taken after 30-60 minutes, do not use bismuth subsalicylate more than 8 doses in 24 hours. Helicobacter pylori infection: dose 524 mg, orally 4 times a day. Traveler's diarrhea: 524 mg as needed, do not exceed 8 doses in 24 hours. Diarrhea: 524 mg as needed, not more than 8 doses in 24 hours. Dosage of bismuth subsalicylate for children:
Diarrhea — chronic:
Age 2–24 months: dose 44 mg every 4 hours Age 24–48 months: dose 87 mg every 4 hours; Age 48–70 months: 175 mg every 4 hours. Unexplained diarrhea:
Age under 3 years: Bismuth subsalicylate is not recommended. Ages 3–6 years: 87 mg dose 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed, Children 6–9 years: 175 mg dose 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed, Ages 9–12 years: 262 mg dose after 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed. Helicobacter pylori infection: The pediatric dose for this condition has not been established.

Severe diarrhea, loss of a lot of water or blood Confusion, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears Difficulty concentrating, wanting to pass out, convulsions. Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat Mild constipation or diarrhea Vision problems, pain sensation deep in the eyes Nausea, epigastric pain, itching, loss of appetite, trouble swallowing Dark urine Clay-colored stools Jaundice or pale skin Metallic taste in the mouth Itching or vaginal discharge Swelling of the tongue, black or hairy tongue. This is not all the side effects of bismuth subsalicylate that can be encountered and not everyone using the drug will experience side effects, so it is necessary to monitor the body's response to the drug to promptly notify the doctor.

Take as directed on the drug label or as directed by the treating doctor, do not arbitrarily increase the dose or use the drug for longer than the prescribed dose. There are many brand names for the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate, so read the instructions for each product carefully because the content of the drug can vary. The dosage form is a chewable tablet that needs to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. For the liquid dosage form, it is necessary to shake the bottle well before use and measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device, do not use a regular rice spoon because it is inaccurate. Bismuth subsalicylate has the potential to interact with other drugs (tetracycline antibiotic, chloroquine antimalarial ..), Bismuth interferes with the absorption of these drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the dosing instructions of the doctor / pharmacist about the dosing interval for each different type, to prevent adverse drug interactions. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Report your illness to your doctor when it gets worse (eg, taking Bismuth for diarrhea but diarrhea persists for more than 2 days).

Store at room temperature, away from direct light. Do not store in the bathroom or keep the medicine in the freezer compartment. Store medication out of reach of children and household pets.