What does it do?
Bismuth is used with other medicines to treat and prevent stomach and gut ulcers. It treats Helicobacter pylori infection that can cause these ulcers.
Before you start
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should you take it?
Take bismuth regularly as directed with a glass of water. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or two hours after food.
Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
What if you forget a dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with bismuth including:
- products containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc, such as antacids (e.g. Mylanta®) or multivitamins
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Black bowel motions |
This is harmless |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Bismuth is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. September 2023
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed