Soothe (bismuth subsalicylate)

Bismuth Salts Oral Suspension, Oral (FINAL DOSE FORM); Oral Tablet; Oral Tablet,Chewable

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Bismuth subsalicylate is an antidiarrheal agent and antidyspepsia agent; bismuth subgallate is an internal deodorant.

Bismuth subcitrate potassium and bismuth subsalicylate are antiulcer agents (used as part of multiple-drug regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection).

Bismuth subsalicylate may protect gastric mucosa, bind to ulcer base and mucosa, bind bile acids, and decrease endogenous prostaglandin and bicarbonate secretion.

Bismuth subsalicylate reduces number of bowel movements, aids in firming stool, normalizes fluid movement via antisecretory mechanisms, binds bacterial toxins, and exhibits antimicrobial activity in patients with diarrhea.

Mechanism of antibacterial action of bismuth salts not fully elucidated.

Bismuth salts may exert bactericidal action by complexing in bacterial wall and periplasmic space, inhibiting urease, catalase and lipase/phospholipase, ATP synthesis, and H. pylori adherence.

Multiple-drug regimen of bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride and the fixed-combination preparation containing bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride (Pylera(R)) active against most strains of H. pylori in vitro and in clinical infections.

Bismuth subgallate may reduce number of odor-producing anaerobic intestinal microbes and/or directly interact with sulfur-containing compounds; reduces flatulence odor but not flatulence itself.

Each 262.4-mg tablet of bismuth subsalicylate contains an amount of salicylate comparable to that in approximately 130 mg of aspirin.

USES: This medication is used to treat occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea. It is also used to treat diarrhea and help prevent travelers' diarrhea. It works by helping to slow the growth of bacteria that might be causing the diarrhea.

This product should not be used to self-treat diarrhea if you also have a fever or blood/mucus in the stools. These could be signs of a serious health condition. Consult your doctor promptly for proper evaluation and treatment if you have these symptoms.

This medication is used under a doctor's direction with other medication to treat stomach ulcers caused by a certain bacteria (Helicobacter pylori). Do not use this medication to self-treat ulcers. Bismuth subsalicylate is a salicylate.

Salicylates can cause serious bleeding problems when used alone in patients with ulcers. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients.

Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

Generic name: bismuth subsalicylate
Pronunciation: (BIZ-muth SUB-sa-LIS-i-late)
Drug class: Bismuth Salts
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Soothe:

  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspepsia

Also known as: Functional Dyspepsia.

Dosing

Bismuth salts are available as bismuth subgallate, bismuth subcitrate potassium, and bismuth subsalicylate; dosages are expressed in terms of the salts.

Bismuth subcitrate potassium is available in fixed combination with metronidazole and tetracycline hydrochloride (Pylera(R)); dosage of Pylera(R) is expressed as number of capsules.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

Helidac(R) Therapy (kit containing bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride) is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, patients with known allergy to aspirin or salicylates, and those with known hypersensitivity to any component of the kit.

Pylera(R) (fixed-combination capsule containing bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride) is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and those with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the capsule.

Adverse reactions

Bismuth: Transient and harmless darkening of the tongue and/or black stools, decreased peristalsis (with bismuth subgallate).

Helidac(R) Therapy: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, melena, upper respiratory infection.

Pylera(R): Stool abnormality, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, flu syndrome, taste perversion, asthenia, vaginitis, dizziness.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Diarrhea
K59.1ICD10CMFunctional diarrhea
P78.3ICD10CMNoninfective neonatal diarrhea
R19.7ICD10CMDiarrhea, unspecified
Dyspepsia
K30ICD10CMFunctional dyspepsia

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data