Background

• Bismuth (Bi) is a chemical element whose atomic number is 83. Bismuth-containing compounds include cosmetics (bismuth oxychloride) and certain drugs. Bismuth is also used in some medical procedures. Bismuth has been used for approximately a hundred years for stomach and intestinal conditions and was the first drug shown to affect the progression of peptic ulcer disease. The historical use of bismuth has been discussed in various reviews.
• Although the element bismuth has been used since at least the 18th Century, most bismuth-containing products available on the market now are multi-ingredient products or are used in combination with other drugs. These multi-ingredient products will be only briefly discussed in this monograph.
• Examples of bismuth products used in medicine include bismuth subnitrate, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto-Bismol®, Kaopectate®), bismuth subgallate (e.g., Devrom®), colloidal bismuth subcitrate (e.g., De-Nol®), and ranitidine bismuth subcitrate.
• Some preliminary evidence suggests that bismuth carbomer enemas may reduce pouchitis (inflammation in the pouch) that may occur after colon removal. Bismuth subnitrate has been used for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, typically in combination with antibiotics, with limited evidence of benefit. Bismuth subgallate has been studied for controlling odor after an ileostomy (a hole surgically constructed in the abdomen to eliminate waste).

References

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