bismuth subsalicylate

noun

bismuth sub·​sa·​lic·​y·​late -ˌsəb-sə-ˈli-sə-ˌlāt 

: a drug C₇H₅BiO₄ taken orally to relieve diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Iron is common, and there are a handful of others, but the most common is the over-the-counter medicine Pepto-Bismol, or any other brand of bismuth subsalicylate. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 14 Feb. 2023

Look for medicine that has bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for diarrhea, upset stomach, and acid reflux. —Lindsay Lee Wallace, SELF, 6 Feb. 2023

Instead of antibiotics, Blanton counsels people who want to be proactive to try taking daily Pepto-Bismol, which contains bismuth subsalicylate and can be up to 65 percent effective in preventing traveler’s diarrhea. —Washington Post, 5 May 2022

Note that, according to Dr. Lee, Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) shouldn't be taken by those who are pregnant or allergic to aspirin. —Kasandra Brabaw, Health.com, 28 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bismuth subsalicylate

noun

bismuth sub·​sa·​lic·​y·​late -ˌsəb-sə-ˈlis-ə-ˌlāt 

: an antidiarrheal drug C₇H₅BiO₄ also used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and nausea see pepto-bismol