Abstract
Pepto-Bismol, which contains bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) as the active ingredient, has been marketed in the United States for more than 80 years. In the gastrointestinal tract, BSS is converted to salicylic acid and insoluble bismuth salts. The salicylate portion of BSS is extensively absorbed (greater than 90%) and excreted in urine. The maximal daily dose of Pepto-Bismol (4.2 g of BSS) results in peak concentrations of salicylate in plasma considerably below the level of salicylate toxicity. In contrast, little bismuth from BSS is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (less than .005%). Extended dosing of Pepto-Bismol (3.14 g of BSS/d) for up to 6 weeks produced a mean concentration of bismuth in blood of 16.1 +/- 7.9 ng/g, considerably below concentrations in blood that have been reported to cause neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity studies in animals and human safety data indicate that Pepto-Bismol can be used safely for its acute indications and for up to 3-4 weeks of extended dosing.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
