Main content

    HealthWise KnowledgeBase

    Bismuth Subsalicylate

    Bismuth Subsalicylate



    Drug Information

    Bismuth subsalicylate is a nonprescription drug used to relieve Reference indigestion without constipation, nausea, and abdominal cramps. It is also used to control Reference diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate is used together with prescription antibiotics and stomach acid-blocking drugs to treat gastric and duodenal Reference ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

    Common brand names:

    Kaopectate, Maalox Total Stomach Relief, Pepto-Bismol

    Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

    Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions
    Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

    Replenish Depleted Nutrients

    • none

    Reduce Side Effects

    • none

    Support Medicine

    • none

    Reduces Effectiveness

    • none

    Potential Negative Interaction

    • Reference Sarsaparilla

      Sarsaparilla may increase the absorption of digitalis and bismuth, increasing the chance of toxicity.1

    • Reference Meadowsweet

      Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including Reference meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides), Reference willow (Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to Reference 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.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Poplar

      Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including Reference meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides), Reference willow (Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to Reference aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown to have different actions in test tube studies.5 Furthermore, salicylates are poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions that aspirin might.6 No reports have been published of negative interactions between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs.7 Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the risk of causing problems appears to be low.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference White Willow

      Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including Reference meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides), Reference willow (Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to Reference aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown to have different actions in test tube studies.8 Furthermore, salicylates are poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions that aspirin might.9 No reports have been published of negative interactions between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs.10 Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the risk of causing problems appears to be low.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Wintergreen

      Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including Reference meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides), Reference willow (Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to Reference aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown to have different actions in test tube studies.11 Furthermore, salicylates are poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions that aspirin might.12 No reports have been published of negative interactions between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs.13 Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the risk of causing problems appears to be low.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

    Explanation Required 

    • none

    The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

    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.

    5. Wichtl M, Bisset NG, eds. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmBH Scientific Publishers.

    6. Janssen PL, Katan MB, van Staveren WA, et al. Acetylsalicylate and salicylates in foods. Cancer Lett 1997:114(1–2):163–4.

    7. 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.

    8. Wichtl M, Bisset NG, eds. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmBH Scientific Publishers.

    9. Janssen PL, Katan MB, van Staveren WA, et al. Acetylsalicylate and salicylates in foods. Cancer Lett 1997:114(1–2):163–4.

    10. 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.

    11. Wichtl M, Bisset NG, eds. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmBH Scientific Publishers.

    12. Janssen PL, Katan MB, van Staveren WA, et al. Acetylsalicylate and salicylates in foods. Cancer Lett 1997:114(1–2):163–4.

    13. 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.

    Last Review: 11-07-2012

    LogoCpyrt.gif

    Copyright © 2012 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Aisle7.com

    Please read the Reference disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction.

    Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

    The information presented in Aisle7 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 June 2013.



    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


    Topic Contents