Recent experimental and clinical studies on the pharmacology of colloidal bismuth subcitrate

Recent experimental and clinical pharmacological studies on colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) are reviewed. CBS combines with mucus to produce a marked retardation of the movement of hydrogen ions. CBS has potent anti-ulcer and anti-erosive action in various experimental models in animals, and is able to stimulate the generation of gastric mucosal prostaglandins. CBS is thought to be a cytoprotective agent. The type of mucosal cell repair in the vicinity of the ulcer is favourably affected in man. CBS also exhibits anti-pepsin and bile acid-binding properties. Pyloric campylobacter are inhibited in vitro and in vivo. The recent pharmacological findings are discussed in the light of the clinical efficacy of CBS and new indications.