Also indexed as: Bismatrol®, BSS, Pepto-Bismol®
Combination drugs: Bisma-Rex®, Helidac®, Moorland®, Roter®
Bismuth subsalicylate is a nonprescription drug used to relieve indigestion without constipation, nausea, and abdominal
cramps. It is also used to control diarrhea and
traveler’s diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate is used together with prescription antibiotics and stomach acid-blocking drugs to treat gastric and
duodenal ulcers associated with Helicobacter
pylori infection.
Safetychecker Summary
for Bismuth Subsalicylate
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
Salicylate-containing herbs* such as meadowsweet, poplar, willow,
and wintergreen
Sarsaparilla
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Herbs
Sarsaparilla
(Smilax spp.)
Sarsaparilla may increase the absorption of digitalis and bismuth, increasing the chance of
toxicity.1
Salicylate-containing herbs
Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar
(Populus tremuloides), willow (Salix
alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well.
Though similar to aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown
to have different actions in test tube studies.2 Furthermore, salicylates are
poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions
that aspirin might.3 No reports have been published of negative interactions
between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs.4
Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the
risk of causing problems appears to be low.
References:
1. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1.
Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 194–6.
2. Wichtl M, Bisset NG, eds. Herbal Drugs and
Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmBH Scientific Publishers.
3. Janssen PL, Katan MB, van Staveren WA, et al. Acetylsalicylate and
salicylates in foods. Cancer Lett 1997:114(1–2):163–4.
4. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. (1997) American
Herbal Product Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press,
1997, 154–5.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
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