Importance of Early Medical Intervention in Bismuth Subsalicylate Intoxication

Abstract

Bismuth (Bi) is a metallic element with an atomic number of 83 and a molecular weight of 208.9 daltons. It is found in two valencies (3+ and 5+). Bismuth salts are bismuth subsalicylate (BSS), ranitidin bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, bismuth vanadate, and bismuth subgallate. Bismuth salts, especially bismuth subcitrate and BSS, are commonly used for the treatment of peptic ulcer, functional dyspepsia, and chronic gastritis. Bismuth intoxication is an emergency situation that should be diagnosed and treated immediately. In databases, case reports about bismuth intoxication are quite rare and in these cases, encephalopathy, nephropathy, osteoarthropathy, gingivostomatitis, and colitis were observed. In our case, we aim to present the importance of a rapid treatment procedure for a patient who took 25 tablets of Bizmopen ® and 375 mg amitriptyline to commit suicide.