MedPath

Bismuth subsalicylate

Generic Name
Bismuth subsalicylate
Brand Names
Diphen, Kaopectate Reformulated Aug 2006, Kola-pectin, Pepto-bismol, Percy Medicine
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C7H5BiO4
CAS Number
14882-18-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
62TEY51RR1

Overview

Bismuth subsalicylate is an antacid and anti-diarrheal agent. Exhibiting antibacterial and gastroprotective properties, bismuth subsalicylate is an insoluble salt of salicylic acid linked to trivalent bismuth cation. Each molecule of bismuth subsalicylate contains 58% bismuth and 42% salicylate by weight. Bismuth subsalicylate has been around for over 100 years: it was originally developed in 1901 for hygienic use and sanitation for cholera infection. Bismuth subsalicylate was first approved by the FDA in 1939 and is now mainly used to relieve nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is an active ingredient found in Pepto-Bismol, a common over-the-counter medication that is used to temporarily treat discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Bismuth subsalicylate is a component of HELIDAC Therapy (bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline), which is a treatment regimen indicated for the eradication of H. pylori for treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease.

Indication

Bismuth subsalicylate is indicated to temporarily relieve diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea, and upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink, including heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching, and fullness. Bismuth subsalicylate is a component of HELIDAC Therapy (bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline), which is a treatment regimen indicated for the eradication of H. pylori for treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease.

Associated Conditions

  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspepsia
  • Flatulence
  • Heartburn
  • Helicobacter Pylori Infection
  • Nausea
  • Traveler's Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Belching
  • Gastrointestinal fullness

FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Kramer Laboratories
55505-198
ORAL
262 mg in 15 mL
4/17/2025
Walgreens
0363-0025
ORAL
525 mg in 30 mL
5/7/2025
Kramer Laboratories
55505-206
ORAL
262 mg in 1 1
4/17/2025
Safecor Health, LLC
48433-127
ORAL
262 mg in 1 1
6/7/2025
ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-1286
ORAL
525 mg in 30 mL
5/12/2025
Procter & Gamble Manufactura S de RL de CV
58933-002
ORAL
262 mg in 1 1
3/19/2025
Kramer Laboratories
55505-197
ORAL
262 mg in 1 1
4/17/2025
Best Choice (Valu Merchandisers Company)
63941-736
ORAL
525 mg in 30 mL
6/18/2025

EMA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Authorization Holder
Status
Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
Approval Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
Bismuth Subsalicylate Dispersible Tablets
国药准字H20041438
化学药品
片剂
6/22/2020
Bismuth Subsalicylate Dispersible Tablets
国药准字H20070207
化学药品
片剂
6/22/2020

PPB Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Registration No.
Company
Licence No.
Strength
Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
ARTG ID
Sponsor
Registration Type
Status
Registration Date
No TGA approvals found for this drug.

Help Us Improve

Your feedback helps us provide better drug information and insights.

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath