Bismuth Subsalicylate Uses

Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea) and indigestion (stomach upset) caused by overindulgence in foods and drinks, resulting in heartburn, gas, bloating, fullness, belching, and nausea. 

There may be other uses of bismuth subsalicylate—for example, bismuth subsalicylate is used in the quadruple therapy regimen for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori) along with a proton pump inhibitor and metronidazole and tetracycline antibiotics. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Bismuth Subsalicylate Mechanism of Action

Bismuth subsalicylate hydrolyzes in the stomach to form salicylic acid and bismuth oxychloride. It reduces intestinal secretion and fluid and electrolyte loss from the gastrointestinal tract, has an anti-inflammatory effect on gastric epithelial cells, and has bactericidal and antimicrobial activity on gut microbes and enteric bacteria (it kills bacteria and other common enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea).

Bismuth Subsalicylate Doses

The typical dosing of bismuth subsalicylate in adults and children 12 years of age and older is as follows: 

• Liquid: Take 30 mL every 30 minutes or 60 mL every 60 minutes as needed until diarrhea stops, but not for more than 2 days. The maximum dose is 240 mL in 24 hours. 
• Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Capsule, and Caplet: Take 2 tablets every 30 minutes or 4 tablets every 60 minutes as needed until diarrhea stops, but not for more than 2 days. Take 2 tablets every 30 minutes for indigestion. The maximum dose is 16 tablets in 24 hours.

Check with your child’s doctor for the appropriate dose in pediatric patients.