Introduction

Name

• Bismuth.

Class of drug

• Cytoprotectant.

Description

Physical properties

• Grayish-white with reddish tinge and bright metallic luster; soft and brittle.
• Superficially oxidized by air; frequently becoming iridescent.
• Melting point 271°C - contracts when melted.

Uses

Indications

• In man, bismuth chelate is effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers due to its direct toxic effects on gastricHelicobacter pylori Helicobacter spp and by stimulating prostaglandin or bicarbonate secretion.
• It is often used in conjunction with an H2 antagonist and appropriate antibacterial therapy.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• Absorption reduced by bismuth.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Based on Small Animal Formulary. Tennant, Bryn (1999) 3rd edn. Cheltenham: BSAVA.