What is the Difference Between Bismuth Subsalicylate and Bismuth Subcitrate?

Bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth subcitrate are two forms of drugs used to treat diseases related to the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. The main difference between these two compounds lies in their chemical composition and structure:

• Bismuth Subsalicylate: This is a colloidal substance with the chemical formula C7H5BiO4, formed from the hydrolysis of bismuth salicylate. It is used to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infections.
• Bismuth Subcitrate: This is a bismuth salt of citrate ion with the chemical formula C12H14BiK3O14+4. It is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, but its exact mechanism of action is not well-known.

Some other differences between the two include:

• Molar Mass: The molar mass of bismuth subsalicylate is 362.09 g/mol, while the molar mass of bismuth subcitrate is 708.505 g/mol.
• Nature of the Compound: Bismuth subsalicylate is a colloidal substance, whereas bismuth subcitrate is a salt.

Both compounds have a similar side effect of darkening the tongue, which is harmless and reversible. They can be used in combination with other drugs, such as metronidazole and tetracycline, to treat stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Comparative Table: Bismuth Subsalicylate vs Bismuth Subcitrate

Here is a table comparing the differences between bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth subcitrate:

Bismuth subsalicylate is a colloidal substance with the chemical formula C7H5BiO4, and it is used to treat various stomach-related issues, such as diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and nausea. It can also be used to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infections.

Bismuth subcitrate is a bismuth salt of the citrate ion, and it is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The exact chemical formula for bismuth subcitrate is not provided in the search results.