Skip to main content

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Pepto-Bismol

Calculate dosage
Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Gastrointestinal

Routes

PO

Indications

Acute diarrheamild GI upset

Mechanism of Action

Bismuth has antimicrobial and antisecretory effects. Salicylate component has anti-inflammatory and antiprostaglandin activity in the GI tract.

Side effects & warnings

CONTRAINDICATED in cats (salicylate toxicity). Darkens stool (black). Contains salicylate — avoid with other NSAIDs. Interfere with abdominal radiographs (radiopaque).

Species with Bismuth Subsalicylate dosing data (1 dose rule)

Dog (Domestic)

Evidence levels across 1 dose rule

Moderate×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published primary source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (1 of 1 cited rule)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 1 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO0.25–2 ml/kgq4-8hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to access full drug details including mechanism of action, warnings, dose ranges, and frequency.

View Plans

More Gastrointestinal drugs

Calculate Dosage for Bismuth Subsalicylate