Bismuth Subcitrate
Synonym :
BSS
Mechanism :
It is a gastric ulcer healing drug used in combination with other drugs such as ranitidine in the treatment of peptic ulcers. It forms a protective coat over the gastric mucosa and the ulcer base. It also has an inhibitory effect on H. Pylori.
Indication :
- Symptomatic treatment of mild, non-specific diarrhea including traveller’s diarrhea, chronic infantile diarrhea.
- Adjunctive treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated antral gastritis.
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to bismuth; history of GI bleeding or coagulopathy.
Dosing :
10 mg/kg/day PO in 2 divided doses half hour before meals.
Adverse Effect :
Darkening of tongue or stools, nausea, vomiting, bone and joint toxicity, fatal encephalopathy in patients with renal impairment or if given over prolonged periods.
Interaction :
It decreases absorption of tetracycline: Increases toxicity of aspirin (due to absorption of salicylates), warfarin, hypoglycemics.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.