Bismuth Salts

Bismuth Salts: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Bismuth is a gastric cytoprotectant with activity against spiral bacteria.
• Bismuth chelate is effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers in humans, with direct toxic effects on gastric Helicobacter pylori and by stimulating mucosal prostaglandin and bicarbonate secretion.
• It is often used in conjunction with an acid-blocking drug.
• Bismuth subsalicylate has a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
• Bismuth subsalicylate should be used with great caution in cats because of its subsalicylate content.

Uses of Bismuth salts

• Gastric ulceration and diarrhea
• As part of combination therapy for gastric Helicobacter infections.

Dose of Bismuth salts in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

All uses: 17.5 mg/ml suspension: 0.25–1 ml/kg p.o. q4–8h.

Cats:

All uses: 17.5 mg/ml suspension: 0.25–1 ml/kg p.o. q4–8h; use with caution

Side Effects of Bismuth salts in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid long-term use as absorbed bismuth is neurotoxic.
• Bismuth chelate is contraindicated in renal impairment.
• Bismuth may cause grey/ green/black discoloration of the feces.

Contraindications of Bismuth salts in Dogs and Cats

• Use bismuth subsalicylate with caution in cats.

Some Notes:

• Absorption of tetracyclines is reduced by bismuth.