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Bismuth Subsalicylate

GI protectant / Antidiarrheal
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog
Brands
2 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Provides a protective coating on GI mucosa, reduces inflammation via salicylate component, has mild antibacterial activity, and inhibits prostaglandin and chloride secretion

At a glance

Class
GI protectant / Antidiarrheal
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Acute non-specific diarrhea, mild GI upset
Dose
0.25–2 mL/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
TID to QID
Max dose
30 mL/dose; 120 mL/day
Duration: 1–3 days

Formulations

🧴

Oral suspension — 1

Strength
262mg/15mL
💊

Chewable tablet — 1

Strength
262mg

Storage

Below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Use in cats
    Cats are sensitive to salicylates — DO NOT USE in cats
  • Active GI bleeding
    Increased risk of salicylate toxicity
    aspirinNSAIDs

Use with caution

  • Concurrent anticoagulant therapy
    Salicylate component may enhance anticoagulant effect

Adverse effects

Common
Dark/black stools (normal)
Mild constipation
Serious
Salicylate toxicity at high doses
GI bleeding

Monitoring parameters

Stool consistencySigns of salicylate toxicity (vomiting, depression)Duration of use

Interactions

Major — 2

Warfarin
major
Salicylate component of bismuth subsalicylate inhibits platelet function and may displace warfarin from protein binding, greatly increasing hemorrhage risk.
Management: Avoid in patients on warfarin. Use non-salicylate GI protectant (omeprazole, sucralfate) instead.
Meloxicam
major
Salicylate component acts as a second NSAID — additive COX inhibition causing GI ulceration and renal injury.
Management: Do not combine bismuth subsalicylate with any NSAID. The salicylate content is clinically significant.

Moderate — 1

Doxycycline
moderate
Bismuth chelates tetracyclines in the GI tract, reducing doxycycline absorption.
Management: Separate by 2 hours.

Brands

International

Pepto-Bismol
Procter & Gamble
Corrective Suspension
Various

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Bismuth Subsalicylate?
Bismuth Subsalicylate is a gi protectant / antidiarrheal used in pets. Provides a protective coating on GI mucosa, reduces inflammation via salicylate component, has mild antibacterial activity, and inhibits prostaglandin and chloride secretion
›What is Bismuth Subsalicylate used for in pets?
Bismuth Subsalicylate is used in veterinary medicine for: Acute non-specific diarrhea, mild GI upset.
›What is the Bismuth Subsalicylate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bismuth Subsalicylate is typically dosed as follows — Acute non-specific diarrhea, mild GI upset: 0.25–2 mL/kg PO TID to QID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Bismuth Subsalicylate?
Common: Dark/black stools (normal), Mild constipation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Salicylate toxicity at high doses, GI bleeding.
›Does Bismuth Subsalicylate need a prescription?
Bismuth Subsalicylate is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Bismuth Subsalicylate not be used?
Do not use Bismuth Subsalicylate if: Use in cats; Active GI bleeding.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →