The key difference between bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth Subcitrate is that bismuth subsalicylate (commercially known as pink bismuth) is a medication to treat temporary discomforts in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract whereas bismuth Subcitrate is a medication to treat stomach ulcers.
We use these drugs to treat diseases in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Bismuth subsalicylate (C7H5BiO4) is a colloidal substance. It forms from the hydrolysis of bismuth salicylate. Whereas, bismuth subcitrate (C12H14BiK3O14+4) is a bismuth salt of citrate ion.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Bismuth Subsalicylate
3. What is Bismuth Subcitrate
4. Side by Side Comparison – Bismuth Subsalicylate vs Bismuth Subcitrate in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Bismuth Subsalicylate?
Bismuth subsalicylate is a colloidal substance having the chemical formula C7H5BiO4 and molar mass 362.09 g/mol. It is an antacid. It is important as a medication used to treat temporary discomforts in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. We can obtain this compound from the hydrolysis of bismuth salicylate, which is a derivative of salicylic acid.
Figure 01: Chemical Structure of Bismuth Subsalicylate
The commercial grade name of this compound is pink bismuth. We can use this drug for disorders such as diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and nausea. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties. The side effects of this drug include darkening of the tongue. But it is temporary.
What is Bismuth Subcitrate?
Bismuth Subcitrate is a bismuth salt of citrate ion and has the chemical formula C12H14BiK3O14+4. Therefore, it is a derivative of citric acid. This molecule has two citrate ions in combination with one bismuth cation. Usually, there are three potassium ions as well.
The molar mass of this compound is 708.505 g/mol. It is water soluble. We can use it to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infections. However, the mechanism of action of this compound is not well-known. It shows the side effect of darkening of the tongue, but it is reversible and harmless.
What is the Difference Between Bismuth Subsalicylate and Bismuth Subcitrate?
Bismuth subsalicylate is a colloidal substance having the chemical formula C7H5BiO4. It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Moreover, It is a colloidal substance. Bismuth Subcitrate is a bismuth salt of citrate ion and has the chemical formula C12H14BiK3O14+4. It is a derivative of citric acid. In addition, it is a bismuth salt of citrate ion.
Furthermore, bismuth subsalicylate is a medication to treat temporary discomforts in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract whereas bismuth Subcitrate is a medication to treat stomach ulcers. This is the main difference between bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth Subcitrate.
Summary – Bismuth Subsalicylate vs Bismuth Subcitrate
There are many drugs and medications we use to treat disorders in our stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth Subcitrate are two such drugs. The difference between bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth Subcitrate is that bismuth subsalicylate is a medication to treat temporary discomforts in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract whereas bismuth Subcitrate is a medication to treat stomach ulcers.
Reference:
1. “Bismuth Subsalicylate.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 June 2018. Available here
2. s“Bismuth Subcitrate.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 June 2018. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.’Bismuth subsalicylate’By Edgar181 – Own work, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia