Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium
Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium is a gastrointestinal protective agent used to treat peptic ulcers, gastritis, and dyspepsia. It works by forming a protective coating over stomach and intestinal lining while also having antimicrobial effects against H. pylori bacteria. This medication is commonly used as part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication in patients with associated ulcers.
A stomach-protecting medication used for ulcers and H. pylori infections that coats and heals the gastrointestinal lining.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1294617
- Generic
- Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid prolonged use close to delivery
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
bismuth may be excreted in breast milk; consider temporary discontinuation
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 12 yearsnot recommended
avoid in children due to risk of bismuth encephalopathy
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose or extend interval
use with caution due to age-related renal decline; monitor renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid use
contraindicated in severe renal impairment due to reduced excretion
monitor bismuth levels if use is unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderate renal impairmentadjust dose based on renal function
use with caution; monitor renal function throughout treatment
regular monitoring of renal function and bismuth levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; monitor liver function
monitor hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for bismuth compounds
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of peptic (gastric and duodenal) ulcers, chronic gastritis, dyspepsia, and as part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication in patients with associated ulcers or MALT lymphoma.
Forms a protective complex with glycoproteins in damaged gastric mucosa, creating a coating over ulcers and erosions. Also stimulates mucus and bicarbonate secretion, reduces pepsin activity, and exhibits direct bactericidal activity against H. pylori bacteria.
Generally well-tolerated; may cause harmless black stools or tongue discoloration. Should be taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals or at bedtime). Long-term use should be avoided. May interfere with absorption of other medications; separate dosing by 2 hours. Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment. Not typically recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy