Bismuth subsalicylate is a drug commonly used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal and stomach symptoms. Diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea are some of the most common conditions it may be used to treat. Other irritations, such as acid indigestion, may also be helped by taking products that contain bismuth subsalicylate. Pink bismuth is a generic name that is often used to refer to this product, and it is typically available under a number of brand names as well. It is also an active ingredient in other products that may be used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal problems.
Pink bismuth is often used to treat a wide variety of symptoms, most of which tend to involve some type of stomach or gastrointestinal discomfort. The ingestion of pink bismuth typically seems to offer some sort of relief to those suffering from a number of different symptoms including diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. Bismuth subsalicylate may have an antacid effect as well, which can be desirable when treating various stomach discomforts.
The mechanism by which bismuth subsalicylate works is not well understood, though there are a number of likely possibilities. Irritated tissues within the stomach can release excessive fluid into the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and other symptoms. Pink bismuth can have the effect of coating these irritated surfaces. This may ultimately reduce irritation, which can help prevent release of excess fluids. Bismuth subsalicylate may also kill certain bacteria and reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to the relief of other digestive issues.
In addition to treating a variety of symptoms, taking pink bismuth and other similar products can result in some common side effects. Bismuth may interact with sulfur in the mouth, creating the compound bismuth sulfide. This compound can turn the tongue or other mouth surfaces black or result in black stool. Both of these symptoms are typically temporary and relatively harmless. Additional side effects may be similar to those encountered in other products created from salicylic acid.
Like aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate is derived from salicylic acid. This means that it may display certain anti-inflammatory properties. It may potentially trigger a serious condition known as Reye's syndrome in children that are suffering from a fever or viral infection. This potentially serious syndrome may also be brought on if bismuth subsalicylate is administered to children that are recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox. Pink bismuth is typically not recommended for children under a certain age.
