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BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE
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 |
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 reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.
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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