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Pet Bismuth Subsalicylate: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Indigestion Guide
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Antidiarrheal and gastroprotectant used in the treatment of diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and helicobacteriosis in many animals.
Summary
Used For:
Treatment of diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and helicobacteriosis
Brands:
Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate
Species:
Dogs, cats, ferrets, cattle, swine, and horses
Other names:
Drug type:
Gastrointestinal
Prescription required:
No
Pregnancy and lactation:
Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.
Side effects:
Color change to stool, constipation
General description
Bismuth Subsalicylate is an antidiarrheal and gastroprotectant used in the treatment of diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion in dogs. It is also used as an adjunctive treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.
Uses
Diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, helicobacteriosis
How it works
Bismuth subsalicylate works by coating irritated tissues in the intestinal tract, helping to protect them from stomach acid. It also has antibacterial and antacid properties.
Dosage
DOGS: Liquid 17.5 mg/ml suspension: 0.25 – 2 mL/kg (4.4 – 35 mg/kg) PO 3 to 4 times per day
262 mg tablets given based on body weight (less than 5 kg (11 lb) = 0.25 tablet; 5 to 9.9 kg (11-21.8 lb)= 0.5 tablet; 10 to 24.9 kg (22-54.8 lb) = 1 tablet; greater than 25 kg = 2 tablets) every 12 hours
CATS: Use cautiously in cats; recommend not treating for more than 3 days.
Liquid 17.5 mg/ml suspension: 0.5 – 1 mL/kg (8.8 – 17.5 mg/kg) PO every 12 hours.
262 mg tablets; ¼ tablet/cat (total dose) PO twice daily
Horses: 60 – 120 milliliters per foal by mouth 2-4 times per day. NOTE: This dose equates to 21 – 42 mg/kg for a 50-kg foal (46.2-92.4 mg/lb for a 110-lb foal).
Diarrhea in cattle (labeled dose, not FDA approved): 180 – 300 mL/calf (NOT mL/ kg) PO every 2 to 3 hours
Diarrhea in calves (extra-label): 60 – 90 mL/calf (NOT mL/kg) PO 2 to 4 times per day
SWINE:
Diarrhea in baby pigs (extra-label): 2 – 5 mL/piglet (35 – 87.5 mg; total dose, NOT mg/kg) PO 2 to 4 times a day for 2 days
FERRETS: 7.5-17.5 mg/kg PO every 8 hours.
Forms
Oral Suspension: 17.5 and 35 milligrams per milliliter. Doses of liquids above are for the 17.5 milligram per milliliter suspension.
Storage information & handling
Tablets and liquid: store at room temperature protected from moisture and light. Storing liquid in refrigerator may help improve palatability. Shake well before use.
What results can I expect?
Resolution of diarrhea and gastrointestinal signs for which the medication was prescribed.
Missed Dosage
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once. Do not give other drugs within two hours of this drug unless veterinarian approves.
Overdose / acute toxicity
Overdose may cause salicylate toxicity which may cause:
- Gastric bleeding
- Hyperthermia
- Tachypnea
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Coma
- Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema
Side effects
May include:
- Color change of stool to a gray-black or greenish-black
- Constipation
Contraindications
*Avoid use in animals with a known hypersensitivity.
*Do not use in debilitated animals.
*Use cautiously in cats.
*Use with caution in animals with bleeding disorders.
*Do not use with aspirin since both contain salicylate.
Drug interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using bismuth subsalicylate with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. The following drugs may interact with bismuth subsalicylate:
*Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin)
*ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril)
*Aspirin
*Doxycycline
*Tetracycline
*Methotrexate
*Probenecid
*Omeprazole
*CLOPIDOGREL
*CORTICOSTEROIDS (eg, dexamethasone, prednis(ol)one)
*LOOP DIURETICS (eg, furosemide)
*NSAIDS (eg, carprofen, meloxicam, robenacoxib)
Precaution
Salicylates can be fatal to cats and should only be used under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Do not use with aspirin since both contain salicylate.
Do not give with milk.
Laboratory considerations
False urine glucose test results.
May interfere with abdominal radiologic examinations.
Sources
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook
VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.