# Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium (CAS 57644-54-9): Complete Guide to This H. pylori Treatment Agent
## What is Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium?
Bismuth subcitrate potassium, also known as colloidal bismuth subcitrate or bismuth subcitrate potassium (BSC), is a colloidal bismuth compound with the approximate molecular formula KBi3(C6H5O7)2. This white to off-white powder is poorly soluble in water but forms colloidal suspensions when dispersed. As a pharmaceutical-grade bismuth compound, it has been used extensively in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly those involving Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.
Bismuth subcitrate potassium differs from other bismuth compounds in its colloidal nature, which contributes to its unique mechanism of action. When ingested, it forms a protective coating over the gastric mucosa, shielding it from acid and promoting healing of ulcers. This compound has been a cornerstone in H. pylori eradication therapy for decades.
The drug is classified as a food additive and pharmaceutical intermediate, commonly available in pharmaceutical-grade purity for use in clinical settings and research applications.
## What Are the Benefits of Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium?
### H. pylori Eradication
One of the most significant benefits of bismuth subcitrate potassium is its effectiveness against Helicobacter pylori:
– Antibacterial Activity: Bismuth compounds directly inhibit H. pylori growth and adhesion to gastric cells
– Synergy with Antibiotics: Enhances the effectiveness of metronidazole and tetracycline when used in combination therapy
– Reduced Resistance: Helps overcome antibiotic resistance in H. pylori strains
– Triple and Quadruple Therapy: Forms the backbone of standard H. pylori treatment regimens
### Gastroprotective Effects
Bismuth subcitrate potassium provides comprehensive gastric protection:
– Mucosal Coating: Forms a protective layer over gastric ulcers and erosions
– Stimulates Mucus Secretion: Increases gastric mucus production for enhanced protection
– Promotes Healing: Accelerates the healing of peptic ulcers
– Acid Buffering: Provides mild acid-neutralizing effects
### Anti-inflammatory Properties
– Reduces gastric inflammation associated with H. pylori infection
– Inhibits inflammatory mediators in the gastric mucosa
– Helps restore normal gastric mucosal architecture
## What Are the Uses of Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium?
In clinical practice, bismuth subcitrate potassium is primarily used for:
– H. pylori Infection Treatment: As part of standard eradication therapy regimens
– Peptic Ulcer Disease: Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers
– Gastritis Management: Managing various forms of gastritis, including H. pylori-associated gastritis
– Functional Dyspepsia: Symptom relief in non-ulcer dyspepsia
Bismuth subcitrate potassium is most effective when combined with antibiotics:
| Therapy Type | Components | Typical Duration |
|————|———————|—————|
| Triple Therapy | Bismuth subcitrate + Metronidazole + Tetracycline | 14 days |
| Quadruple Therapy | Bismuth subcitrate + Metronidazole + Tetracycline + PPI | 10-14 days |
| Sequential Therapy | PPI + Amoxicillin, then PPI + Bismuth + Antibiotics | 10 days |
### Mechanism of Action
Bismuth subcitrate potassium exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms:
1. Direct Antimicrobial Action: Inhibits bacterial enzyme systems and damages bacterial cell walls
2. Anti-adhesion Properties: Prevents H. pylori from adhering to gastric epithelial cells
3. Protecive Coating: Forms a bismuth-protein complex over ulcer bases
4. Stimulates Prostaglandin Synthesis: Promotes mucosal protection and healing
## Safety and Side Effects
Bismuth subcitrate potassium is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild and reversible:
– Darkening of Stool: Harmless black discoloration of stool (most common)
– Darkening of Tongue: Temporary discoloration of the tongue
– Nausea: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some patients
– Verstopfung: Occasional constipation reported
– Neurotoxicity: With prolonged high-dose use, potential for neurological symptoms (rare, reversible upon discontinuation)
– Kidney Function: Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function
– Allergic Reactions: Rare hypersensitivity reactions
– Known hypersensitivity to bismuth compounds
– Severe renal impairment
– Pregnancy (unless specifically prescribed by a physician)
– Breastfeeding (bismuth passes into breast milk)
–: May reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics (space doses by 2 hours)
– May affect absorption of other medications
– Avoid concurrent use with other bismuth-containing compounds
## Chemical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|———-|——-|
| CAS-Nummer | 57644-54-9 |
| Chemical Name | Bismuth subcitrate potassium |
| Erscheinungsbild | White to off-white powder |
| Löslichkeit | Poorly soluble in water; forms colloidal suspension |
| Reinheit | Pharmaceutical grade (≥99%) |
| Lagerung | Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture |
| Haltbarkeitsdauer | 2-3 years when properly stored |
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How long does bismuth subcitrate potassium treatment last?
Standard H. pylori eradication therapy with bismuth subcitrate potassium typically lasts 10-14 days. Complete ulcer healing may require additional treatment after H. pylori eradication.
### Can bismuth subcitrate potassium be taken with food?
For optimal effect, bismuth subcitrate potassium is usually taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. However, follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions.
No, the dark discoloration of stool (and sometimes tongue) is a harmless side effect of bismuth compounds. It will resolve after stopping the medication.
Alcohol should be avoided during bismuth therapy, especially when combined with metronidazole. Alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and may reduce treatment efficacy.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
When sourcing bismuth subcitrate potassium for pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, or formulation purposes, our company offers distinct advantages:
– High Purity: Our bismuth subcitrate potassium meets pharmaceutical-grade specifications (≥99% purity)
– Quality Control: Every batch undergoes rigorous testing including HPLC, ICP-MS for heavy metals, and microbial analysis
– Certificate of Analysis (COA): Comprehensive COA provided with each shipment
– FDA Registered Facility: Manufactured in FDA-registered facilities following cGMP guidelines
– Factory Direct: No middleman, competitive factory pricing
– Bulk Discounts: Attractive discounts for large quantity orders
– Flexible Packaging: Available in various packaging options to meet your needs
– Stable Inventory: Regular stock availability for consistent supply
– Fast Shipping: Global delivery within 1-2 weeks
– Technical Support: Our team of chemists is available for technical assistance
– Custom Formulations: We can provide specific concentrations and formulations
– Technical Documentation: Comprehensive DMF (Drug Master File) support available
– OEM/ODM Services: Private label and custom manufacturing options
## Related Products
If you’re interested in bismuth subcitrate potassium, you may also find these related products useful:
– Bismuth Citrate – Another bismuth compound for gastrointestinal health
– Bismuth Subnitrate – Pharmaceutical-grade bismuth compound
– Bismuth Subsalicylate – Common over-the-counter bismuth product
– Metronidazole – Antibiotic commonly combined with bismuth in H. pylori therapy
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication or supplement.
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