Drug interactions
Bismuth subsalicylate + Timolol
Severity: Moderate
Bismuth subsalicylate and Timolol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Salicylate from bismuth subsalicylate may blunt the antihypertensive effect of oral timolol through reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis and fluid retention. The effect is mainly relevant with repeated use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bismuth subsalicylate and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Bismuth subsalicylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Salicylate inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, causing sodium and fluid retention that opposes the antihypertensive effect.
What to do
Limit bismuth subsalicylate to short courses and monitor blood pressure if used repeatedly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Bismuth subsalicylate
- Bismuth subsalicylate + Dichlorphenamide Major
- Bismuth subsalicylate + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Aspirin rectal + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bismuth subsalicylate with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bismuth subsalicylate and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Salicylate from bismuth subsalicylate may blunt the antihypertensive effect of oral timolol through reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis and fluid retention. The effect is mainly relevant with repeated use.
How serious is the interaction between Bismuth subsalicylate and Timolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit bismuth subsalicylate to short courses and monitor blood pressure if used repeatedly.
What other medicines interact with Bismuth subsalicylate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bismuth subsalicylate with, for example, Dichlorphenamide, Warfarin, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Bismuth subsalicylate page.
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