ABSTRACT
The various Bismuth (Bi) salts are derived from bismuth nitrate that is hydrolyzed to bismuth subnitrate. In solution, bismuth subnitrate reacts with soluble basic salts to form bismuth subcarbonate, subgallate, subsalicylate, or subcitrate. Water-soluble Bi salts, including bismuth subcitrate or sodium bismuth thyoglycollate, are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in man and laboratory animals. In France between 1962 and 1978 bismuth subgallate, bismuth subcarbonate, and bismuth subnitrate doses were extremely high, up to 20 g of elemental Bi per day. Nephrotoxicity occurred in a form of acute reversible renal failure after the use of bismuth trithiogly- collamate and dialylacetate. For monitoring bismuth absorption in patients who have repeated courses of treatment, it is advisable to measure plasma bismuth concentrations. Bi-containing drugs, after a long history in medical treatment for gastrointestinal complaints, have been reactivated for their efficacy in anti -Helicobacter pylori therapy.
