Bismuth Subsalicylate

Alternative Medicine The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Also indexed as:

Bismatrol, BSS, Pepto-Bismol

Combination List

Combination drug:

• Helidac

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.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Bismuth Subsalicylate

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	Salicylate-containing herbs* such as meadowsweet, poplar, willow, and wintergreen Sarsaparilla
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.

---

Last Review: 01-21-2009

Copyright © 2009 Aisle7  All rights reserved.  www.Aisle7.net

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 Aisle7.

Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs

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 February 2010.

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