Is Bismuth Subsalicylate safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Bismuth Subsalicylate. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
One case report of metabolic acidosis was caused by salicylate in a 16-day old breastfed infant whose mother was taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours for arthritis.[ 3 ] However, there was no measurement of salicylate in maternal serum or milk and it is unclear whether the infant had received any salicylate directly.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. No published information was found on the use of bismuth subsalicylate during breastfeeding. Infant salicylate intake is estimated to be less than 1% of the maternal dose when both drug and metabolite are considered.[ 2 ] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.