bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate is a small molecule antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory agent used for the symptomatic treatment of nausea, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea), heartburn, and gas in adults and children over 12 years old. It is also used as part of combination therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer disease. Its mechanism involves several actions: it stimulates absorption of fluids and electrolytes by the intestinal wall (antisecretory action), reduces inflammation via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis through cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition (from its salicylate component), inhibits bacterial adhesion to mucosal cells, exhibits bactericidal activity against various gastrointestinal pathogens including H. pylori and E. coli, reduces gastric hypermotility, and provides weak antacid effects. The drug hydrolyzes in the gut to bismuth oxychloride/bismuth hydroxide (bactericidal) and salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory). It was first approved by the FDA in 1939[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

Pepto-BismolKaopectateBismatrolDiotameKapectolinKola-PectinPeptic ReliefBismarexStomach ReliefPink BismuthKaopectate Anti-Diarrheal Upset Stomach RelieverPepto-Bismol Maximum StrengthMaalox Total Relief