Bismuth preparations are widely used if necessary to relieve symptoms of heartburn and inflammation. This medicine is an amphora white powder having a crystalline structure. It is not soluble in water or alcohol, but it is very easily soluble in hydrochloric acid.
The main effect that bismuth preparations have is anti-inflammatory and astringent. For this reason, the medicine is prescribed exclusively inside, as an antacid and astringent in case of gastrointestinal upsets and diseases, for example, such as peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach, with various forms of colitis, enteritis.
The dosage for adults is from 0.25 to 0.5 grams, for children 0.1-0.3 grams. It is taken about 3 times a day, always half an hour before meals.
The main component of this medication is bismuth nitrate. As a rule, it is part of such drugs as Vicalin or Vicair. In addition to internal use, the medicine can be used for skin diseases that are inflammatory in nature, as a powder or ointments.
The above bismuth preparations are taken approximately one or two tablets after eating, washed down with a small amount of warm water. As a rule, the course of treatment is from one to three months.
Bismuth in medicine is in a special place. Not so long ago, these drugs were used as an antacid, which is indicated for high acidity and peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract. In the process of internal administration, bismuth preparations quickly neutralize hydrochloric acid and have a pronounced antacid therapeutic effect.
In the process of neutralizing hydrochloric acid, bismuth-containing preparations can cause the release of carbon dioxide. It has a small stimulating effect on some receptors of the gastric mucosa, thereby enhancing the secretion of gastrin, and secretion can also be slightly increased. In addition, when taking a large dose of the drug, the antacid can begin to be absorbed into the bloodstream and thereby cause certain disturbances in the acid-base balance. For this reason, at present, when there are safer bismuth preparations, the choice should be stopped precisely on them.
As for the treatment of problems associated with the formation of peptic ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract, the treatment can be complex. But the main and effective role in it is assigned to the described drugs. Since their main action is astringent and soft enveloping.
These drugs have been used for many years. They are able to suppress the activity of pepsin, prevent the diffusion of hydrogen ions, stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate and glycoproteins of the entire mucous membrane of the stomach. As for the action on the ulcer itself, the drug covers its surface, and also increases the production of mucus. All bismuth-containing drugs have an active antibacterial effect. As a rule, monotherapy with these drugs leads to the complete destruction of inflammation. The effect is further enhanced in combination with antibacterial drugs.
To drugs that have properties similar to bismuth-containing drugs, Omeprazole can also be attributed. It suppresses the phase of gastric secretion for a long time . The effect of this medication begins approximately two hours after administration. During treatment with taking the medicine one capsule per day, after 4 days a constant concentration in the blood is reached. After cancellation after about 5 days, the secretion of hydrochloric acid is fully restored. For more effective treatment, antibiotics are usually added.