Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate is an over-the-counter drug used to treat temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, reducing inflammation, and exhibiting antimicrobial activity against pathogens causing diarrhea. Due to containing salicylate, it carries a risk of Reye's syndrome and is generally contraindicated in children and teenagers recovering from viral infections.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults and children 12 years and older: 524 mg every 30 to 60 minutes as needed, or 1048 mg every 60 minutes as needed. Do not exceed 4192 mg (8 standard doses) in 24 hours. Use in children under 12 is not recommended without consulting a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Contraindicated
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated due to high risk of salicylate toxicity and Reye's syndrome.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Contraindicated
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in infants and toddlers.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Contraindicated
- Tracking Notes
- Do not administer. Consult a pediatrician for alternative therapies.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Contraindicated
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid use. Children under 12 years should not take this medication due to Reye's syndrome risk.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Contraindicated
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid use. Consult a physician for safe antidiarrheal options.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Do not use | Contraindicated | Strictly contraindicated due to high risk of salicylate toxicity and Reye's syndrome. |
| 5-7 kg | Do not use | Contraindicated | Strictly contraindicated in infants and toddlers. |
| 8-10 kg | Do not use | Contraindicated | Do not administer. Consult a pediatrician for alternative therapies. |
| 11-15 kg | Do not use | Contraindicated | Avoid use. Children under 12 years should not take this medication due to Reye's syndrome risk. |
| 16-20 kg | Do not use | Contraindicated | Avoid use. Consult a physician for safe antidiarrheal options. |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief of diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and upset stomach.
Generic Name
Bismuth SubsalicylateBranded Drug Names
Bismuth Subsalicylate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.