Drugs containing Bismuth Subsalicylate: Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength, Stomach Relief, Maalox Total Relief, Helidac, Pink Bismuth, Kaopectate Anti-Diarrheal Upset Stomach Reliever, Bismatrol, Bismarex, Show all 24 »Maximum Strength Stress, Peptic Relief, Stress Maximum Strength, Kola-Pectin DS, Childrens Kaopectate, Kapectolin (New Formula), Kao-Tin Bismuth Subsalicylate Formula, K-Pek, Pepto-Bismol InstaCool, Percy Medicine, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Pepto-Bismol Original Strength, Kaopectate Extra Strength, Soothe Caplets
Bismuth Subsalicylate Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Because of the possibility of absorption of salicylate from the breastmilk by the infant, alternate therapies are preferred.[1]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. No published information was found on the use of bismuth subsalicylate during breastfeeding. Infant salicylate intake is estimated to be less than 1% of the maternal dose when both drug and metabolite are considered.[2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
One case report of metabolic acidosis was caused by salicylate in a 16-day old breastfed infant whose mother was taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours for arthritis.[3] However, there was no measurement of salicylate in maternal serum or milk and it is unclear whether the infant had received any salicylate directly.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Lewis JH, Weingold AB., Committee of FDA-Related Matters American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912–23. [PubMed: 2864852]
2.
Levy G. Salicylate pharmacokinetics in the human neonate. In, Morselli PL, Garattini S, Sereni F, eds. Basic and therapeutic aspects of perinatal pharmacology 1975;Raven Press:New York:319-30.
3.
Clark JH, Wilson WG. A. 16-day-old breast-fed infant with metabolic acidosis caused by salicylate. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1981;20:53–4. [PubMed: 7449246]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Bismuth Subsalicylate
CAS Registry Number
14882-18-9
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Bismuth
Salicylates
Gastrointestinal Agents
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