Essay

Performed by Irina Bolyubash, a fifth-year student of the 1st group of the Faculty of Pharmacy

Odessa National Medical University

Odessa – 2011

Bismuth (lat. Bismuthum) is a chemical element of group V of the periodic table of Mendeleev with atomic number 83. Bismuth is a brittle, fusible metal of silver-white color with a pink tint. It is resistant to oxygen and water and is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid. At room temperature, bismuth easily splits along cleavage planes and is ground into powder in a porcelain mortar. It has diamagnetic properties, poor thermal conductivity, a low melting point (271.4 °C), a high boiling point (1560 °C) and the ability to expand in volume upon solidification. When heated above 1000° C, it burns with a bluish flame to form Bi2O3 oxide. It is characterized by the predominance of metallic properties over non-metallic ones and can be considered as a metal. A rod of metal bismuth with a diameter of 2 mm breaks under a load of only 14 kilograms. At a temperature of 120-150 °C, bismuth becomes malleable; by hot pressing (at 240-250 °C) it can be used to make wire with a diameter of up to 0.1 mm, as well as plates with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm. After solidification, molten bismuth breaks the glass tube into which it was poured. In the periodic table, bismuth is the last stable (non-radioactive) element. But according to some data, 209Bi is weakly radioactive, its half-life is so long (about 2 * 1018 years) that this nuclide can be considered stable. This is about half a billion times the age of our planet...

origin of name

Bismuth has been known since the Middle Ages (first mentioned in written sources in 1450 as Wismutton or Bisemutum). The first information about bismuth appeared at the beginning of the 16th century. in the works of the mineralogist and metallurgist Georg Bauer (Agricola). However, until the 18th century it was considered a form of lead, tin or antimony. It was only in 1753 that the Frenchman Claude expressed the opinion that this was a separate element. This point of view was confirmed in 1793 by Pott, who described the properties of bismuth and established the independence of the element bismuth. It was finally discovered as an element in 1799 by the Swedish chemist T. Bergman.

There is a lot of debate about the origin of the word “bismuth”; there are many versions. Some scientists (the same Lippmann) believe that it is based on the German roots “wis” and “mat” (distorted weisse masse and weisse materia) - white metal (more precisely, white mass, white matter). Others believe that the name comes from the German words “wiese” (meadow) and “muten” (to mine), since this metal was mined in the meadows of Saxony, near Meissen, in ancient times. Still others claim that the Wiesen district in Germany was rich in bismuth ores - they say the metal owes its name to it. There is also an opinion that the word “bismuth” is nothing more than the Arabic “bi ismid”, that is, “similar to antimony”. It is difficult to give preference to any of these versions; for this reason, scientists have not yet fully decided on the origin of the name of the eighty-third element.

The current symbol for element number eighty-three, Bi, was first introduced into chemical nomenclature in 1819 by the eminent Swedish chemist Jens Jacob Berzelius.

The famous metallurgist and mineralogist of the Middle Ages, Georg Agricola, in his book “On Deposits and Mines in Old and New Times,” written in 1546, elevated bismuth to the rank of one of the main metals of the magnificent seven - gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, tin and mercury. However, bismuth finally gained “citizenship rights” only in the 18th century. This metal, perhaps more than any other chemical element, was lucky with its names: according to some scientists, more than 20 “pseudonyms” can be found in the literature of the 15th-18th centuries. bismuth and among them such expressive ones as demogorgon, glaura, nymph, glassy (brittle) tin, gray tin.At the beginning of the 19th century, bismuth in Russia was sometimes called bismuth and bismuth.

Being in nature

Bismuth is a less common element. Its clarke (content in the earth's crust by mass) is 2x10-5% and in this indicator it is close to silver. Bismuth occurs in nature in the form of numerous minerals, mainly of hydrothermal origin, the main of which are: bismuthin, native bismuth, bismite, tetradymite, etc. These minerals are dispersed and occur as impurities in lead-zinc, copper, molybdenum-cobalt and tin-tungsten ores (that’s why bismuth is mined as a by-product of processing polymetallic ores). The bismuth content in the earth's crust is 2×10−5% by mass, in sea water - 2×10−5 mg/l (71st place among all elements).

Deposits: Bismuth deposits are known in Germany, Mongolia, Bolivia, Australia, Peru and other countries.

World production, consumption and cost of bismuth

Bismuth is a fairly rare metal, and its global production/consumption barely exceeds 6,000 tons per year (5,800 to 6,400 tons per year).

Cost: Prices for bismuth with a purity of 99% in 2011 averaged 23-28 dollars/kg.

Biological role of bismuth

The biological role of bismuth has been poorly studied; scientists suggest that this element induces the synthesis of low molecular weight proteins, takes part in ossification processes, and forms intracellular inclusions in the epithelium of the renal tubules. The current level of knowledge does not allow us to speak definitely about any physiological role of bismuth in the human body. There are only assumptions, which include the fact that bismuth may have genotoxic and mutagenic properties.

Routes of entry of bismuth compounds into the body

The intake of the eighty-third element into the body with water or food is insignificant. The fact is that the absorption of bismuth entering the gastrointestinal tract is extremely small and amounts to about 5%. It seems much more likely that bismuth will enter the body with medications when taken orally or through the skin (for external use). In total, bismuth enters the human body with food, as well as with air, dust, cigarette smoke and water in an amount of 5-20 mcg/day.

Toxicity of bismuth compounds

After absorption, bismuth is found in the blood in the form of compounds with proteins, and also penetrates into red blood cells. Bismuth is distributed relatively evenly between organs and tissues. Some accumulation of bismuth may be observed in the liver, kidneys (up to 1 μg/g), spleen and bones. Bismuth is also found in the brain.

The toxic and lethal doses of this element for humans have not been determined. Chronic intake of bismuth in quantities of 1-1.5 grams per day is considered dangerous. This metal is classified as heavy, but it is a moderately toxic element. A number of sources even call bismuth “the most harmless” of all heavy metals. Being very close in its properties to lead, bismuth is much less toxic. In this regard, environmentalists are advocating for the gradual replacement of lead in industrial and production processes with bismuth.

Although bismuth belongs to the group of moderately toxic elements, this does not mean that it is completely safe. For example, soluble bismuth salts are poisonous and, in terms of the nature of their effects (albeit to a lesser extent), are similar to mercury salts. Bismuth salts used in medicine are virtually insoluble in water, are used in the form of colloidal solutions and do not have high toxicity. However, with prolonged or intensive use of drugs containing bismuth, complications may occur.

Occupational poisoning or skin diseases are almost never reported when working with bismuth; the carcinogenicity of this metal has also not been established. Usually, even huge doses of bismuth taken orally do not cause poisoning, which is explained by the difficulty of absorption of bismuth compounds. However, sometimes, for reasons not clearly established, poisoning occurs when taking bismuth preparations orally. Scientists suggest that this is due to excess lactic acid, which converts bismuth into a soluble compound and promotes its absorption.

Poisoning with bismuth compounds

Bismuth is a less common element. Natural sources of bismuth entering natural waters are the processes of leaching of bismuth-containing minerals. The source of entry into natural waters can also be wastewater from pharmaceutical and perfume production, and some glass industry enterprises.

The toxicity of bismuth when introduced into the blood is high - about 1 mg per kg of live weight - and varies depending on the speed of administration and the condition of the body. The introduction of bismuth under the skin also causes poisoning, but more slowly, and the doses for the toxic effect are much higher, especially when using insoluble compounds that only gradually dissolve. Bismuth poisoning can be acute or chronic. The first is observed both when bismuth is applied to large fresh wound surfaces, and also when soluble bismuth compounds are introduced into the blood, which do not precipitate protein and therefore do not cause embolism. However, chronic bismuth poisoning can lead to changes in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, a decrease in hemoglobin content in the blood and other disorders.

Leukocytes are responsible for transporting bismuth to various organs in the body. Captured by leukocytes and carried by the blood and lymph throughout the body, bismuth accumulates in the spleen, central nervous system and excretory organs (kidneys, liver, intestines, salivary glands). Traces of this element have been found in sweat, tears and breast milk. Bismuth that passes through the gastrointestinal tract is released as bismuth sulfide, turning the stool dark. Resorbed bismuth is excreted in the urine. The selection process is very long.

It has been established that poisoning with bismuth salts affects the kidneys, central nervous system, liver, skin and mucous membranes. As a result of the accumulation of bismuth in the kidneys, their damage may occur. When bismuth is released from the body by the sweat glands, there may be itching of the skin and the appearance of dermatoses. In humans, after taking a toxic dose, symptoms of poisoning appear several days later: first, pigmentation is detected in the mouth, and a black border (“bismuth border”) appears on the gums, caused by the deposition of bismuth sulphide. Then stomatitis develops, sometimes ulcerative, which can spread to the larynx and esophagus. As a result, nausea, vomiting, gastralgia, flatulence, diarrhea, and albuminuria appear. Next comes a decline in nutrition, emaciation and cachexia. Long-term use of bismuth preparations in large doses can cause symptoms of “bismuth” encephalopathy (especially in patients with impaired renal function).

During autopsies of those who died from bismuth poisoning, degenerative changes are found in the nervous tissue, mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, and parenchymal changes in the liver and kidneys. Cardiac activity suffers. Changes occur in the thyroid gland.

Methods for removing bismuth from the body in case of poisoning

In the early stages of poisoning, measures are taken to stop the intake of bismuth salts. To remove the unabsorbed portion of bismuth, the stomach is washed, laxatives are prescribed, and chelation therapy is performed. For kidney damage, hemodialysis is indicated.

Indicators of the elemental status of bismuth

The main manifestations of excess bismuth

Decreased memory, insomnia.

Signs of damage to the nervous system (sensitivity disturbances, stiffness of the neck muscles).

Weakness of cardiac activity, arrhythmias.

The appearance of a dark border around the gums, pigmentation of the mucous membrane of the gums and oral cavity.

Stomatitis, pharyngitis, difficulty swallowing.

Drooling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea.

Toxic hepatitis with fatty degeneration and cirrhosis.

Albuminuria, casts in the urine.

"Bismuth" dermatitis.

Loss of appetite, loss of strength, emaciation.

The effect of bismuth on water quality

Bismuth is a sedentary water migrant and its concentration in groundwater is about 20 μg/dm3, in sea waters - 0.02 μg/dm3. At such concentrations, bismuth does not have a negative effect on water quality, at least the World Health Organization does not have such data, and accordingly there are no WHO recommendations on the content of bismuth in water. The maximum permissible concentration in water (MPC) for bismuth is set by Russian SanPiN at the level of 0.1 mg/l or 100 μg/l. In practice, the maximum permissible concentration can only be exceeded in the area where bismuth-containing wastewater is discharged.

Water removal technology: Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, distillation.

Determination of bismuth ions

Qualitatively, bismuth is detected by the effect on its solutions of CS(NH2)2, KCNS (yellow coloration occurs in both cases), cinchonine with KI (orange), as well as by accelerating the reduction of Pb2+ salts with stannate Na2SnO2 (black precipitate). Also, qualitative determination can be determined using a thiourea solution; the formation of a lemon-yellow solution is observed; with oxine, an orange-red precipitate forms; by reaction with brucine and potassium bromide, yellow-green crystals are formed, collected in the form of spheroids, with cesium chloride and potassium iodide - Orange-red Cs crystals are formed, shaped like hexagons or six-rayed stars.

Bismuth is determined quantitatively: complexometrically in the presence of pyrocatechol violet, xylenol orange or other indicators; photometrically using CS(NH2)2 or its derivatives (for example, o-tolylthiocarbamide), dithizone, dinaphthylthiocarbazone and their derivatives.

To separate bismuth from accompanying elements, hydrolytic precipitation in the form of hydroxy salts is used. Bismuth can also be precipitated from solutions in the form of phosphate BiPO4*H2O, oxycarbonate (BiO)2CO3*0.5H2O, hydroxychromate Bi(OH)CrO4, etc. To separate bismuth, precipitation with cupferon, thionalide, 8-hydroxyquinoline, and extraction with amines from hydrochloric acid solution.

Application

Traditional consumers of bismuth are the metallurgical, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In recent decades, nuclear technology and electronics have been added to these.

The main use of bismuth is its use as a component of low-melting alloys. These alloys are used in automatic fire extinguishing systems, electrical fuses, and temperature control systems (such as boilers and boilers). Bismuth is also used in metallurgy as an additive to steel and aluminum to improve their plastic properties during subsequent machining, making them easier to process. High-speed amplifiers and switches, electrical fuses, safety plugs for steam boilers, and semiconductor refrigeration superprocessors are made from bismuth alloys. They also produce strong permanent magnets and high-speed amplifiers, switches and thermoelectric generators. And it helps tin recover from the “tin plague”: at low temperatures, this metal crumbles into powder.

From alloys with high casting properties, the smallest details are shaped. They are used to make models for casting complex parts, are also used for pouring metallographic sections, and “take part” in dental prosthetics.

In addition, among the metals, bismuth has the lowest (after mercury) thermal conductivity coefficient and therefore bismuth melt is used as a coolant and cooling agent in nuclear reactors. With the help of bismuth, the isotope polonium-210 is obtained, which serves as a source of energy on spacecraft.

Bismuth is also widely used in instrumentation and electronics, electrochemistry and organic chemistry (as a catalyst for many processes), in the production of plastics, acrylic polymers, pigments and fluxes used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, enamel and glazes, in the cosmetics industry, electronics, etc. .P. In the textile industry, bismuth vanadate is used as a pigment that gives fabrics a bright yellow color.

American scientists from the University of Michigan also obtained interesting results. They discovered that bismuth, “contaminated” with a small amount of tin or tellurium atoms, at temperatures of 0.03-0.06 K acquires superconductivity, while the pure metal is deprived of this property. By changing the impurity concentration, it is possible to slightly shift the conductivity threshold of bismuth in one direction or another.

Separately, it should be said about the use of bismuth in medicine. Already 150 years ago, some bismuth compounds were used as a disinfectant, drying, astringent and antiseptic agent, in particular for the treatment of syphilis and nonspecific inflammatory processes. The beneficial effects of some insoluble bismuth salts have long been known and are still used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (colitis, enteritis), as well as peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Thus, it was recently found that bismuth salts are practically the only active substance that can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, which cause peptic ulcers. Bismuth oxochloride is used in medicine as a radiocontrast agent and as a filler in the manufacture of blood vessels. Recent studies also show that preliminary use of bismuth-containing drugs can reduce the toxic effect of anticancer chemotherapy and, perhaps, such drugs may also be effective in the treatment of AIDS.

Interesting Facts

Bismuth in the solid state has a lower density than in the liquid state. Only a few substances have this property, including bismuth and water. When melting, bismuth decreases in volume (like ice), i.e. Solid bismuth is lighter than liquid.

Bismuth has another rare property: when it hardens, it expands significantly in volume (by 3.32% at 271°C). This property is used when it is necessary to produce cast products that are very precise and complex in shape. This property is also used in the production of alloys used in printing for the production of typographic fonts, as well as in precision engineering.

Pressure affects bismuth differently than "normal" metals. As pressure increases, the melting point of bismuth decreases, while that of most metals increases. This unusual property is believed to be a consequence of bismuth's ability to expand when hardened and become denser when melted.

Bismuth is the strongest diamagnet among all metals, and the effect of diamagnetism on it can be observed in simple laboratory conditions: if it is placed between the poles of an ordinary magnet, then it, trying to push off from both poles with equal force, will take a position at an equal distance from them. This is the so-called diamagnetic levitation.

The daily intake of bismuth into the body from food is 0.02 mg, and from air – 0.00001 mg.

The main bismuth tribromophenolate, or xeroform, has a pronounced antibacterial effect. In powder and ointment form, it is used to treat wounds, fistulas and burns. Included in Vishnevsky ointment. Basic bismuth nitrate BiONO3 (vicair, vikalin) has an astringent, antacid and moderate laxative effect.

The isotope 206Bi is used to treat lymphatic leukemia.

Bismuth nitrate BiNO3 5H2O is usually obtained by evaporating a solution of bismuth in nitric acid. This salt was known back in the 16th century. during the Renaissance and was very popular among Renaissance beauties. It was readily used as a cosmetic product (make-up, paints), which was also called Spanish white.

Bismuth oxochloride is used as a shine-forming agent in the production of cosmetics - nail polish, pearlescent lipstick, eye shadow, etc.

Among the compounds of bismuth with halogens, bismuth trichloride is of greatest interest. It is a white crystalline substance that can be obtained in a variety of ways, in particular by treating bismuth metal with aqua regia. BiCl3 has an unusual property: in the light it darkens intensely, but if it is then placed in the dark, it becomes discolored again.

Bismuth salts are used in the manufacture of paints for road signs that “flare up” when the beam of a car headlight falls on them.

It turns out that bismuth compounds have an anti-spirochetosis effect and the mechanism of their action is that bismuth ions, penetrating into spirochetes, bind the sulfhydryl groups (SH) of their enzymes. This leads to disruption of vital functions and death of spirochetes - the causative agents of syphilis. Such drugs are administered intramuscularly, since when taken orally, compounds containing bismuth are practically not absorbed from the digestive tract. True, with such an intake of bismuth into the body, there is a danger of damage to those organs in which bismuth ions accumulate. In addition, long-term (2 years) use of bismuth preparations for therapeutic purposes can lead to skin discoloration.

Bibliography

1. Glembotsky V. A., Sokolov E. S., Solozhenkin P. M. Bismuth: Enrichment of bismuth-containing ores, M, 2001.

2. Glinka N. L. General chemistry. – L.: Chemistry, 2004. – 702 p.

3. Zelikman A.N., Korshunov B.G. Metallurgy of rare metals. – M.: Metallurgy, 2002.

4. Knunyants I. L. (chief editor) Chemical encyclopedia: in 5 volumes - M, 2000. - T. 1. - P. 379-380. - 623 s. - 100,000 copies.

5. Nekrasov B.V. Fundamentals of general chemistry vol.1. – M.: Chemistry, 2006.

6. Determination of small concentrations of elements. Ed. Yu. Yu. Lurie. - M.: Nauka, 200.

7. Samsonov G.V., Abdusalyamova M.N., Chernogorenko V.B. Bismuth metallurgy, A.-A., 2010.

8. Fedorov P.I. Bismuthides, K., 2007.

9. Chemistry and technology of rare and trace elements. Part III. - M.: Higher School, 2001, - 320 p.

10. Chemistry: Reference publication / ed. W. Schröter, K.-H, Lautenschläger, H. Bibrak et al.: Trans. with him. – M.: Chemistry, 2003. – 648 p.

11. Yagodin G.A., Sinegribova O.A., Chekmarev A.M. Technology of rare metals in nuclear engineering. - M.: Atomizdat, 2010.

To prepare this work, materials from the site were used

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Bismuth preparations

Bismuth preparations are widely used to relieve heartburn. Basic bismuth nitrate (Bismuthi subnitras) is a mixture of BiNO3(OH), BiОNO and BiOOН, and is a white amorphous or fine-crystalline powder. Practically insoluble in water and alcohol, easily soluble in hydrochloric acid. It has a local astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. It is taken orally as an astringent and antacid for gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, enteritis, colitis).

Adults are prescribed the drug at 0.25-0.5 g, children - 0.1-0.3-0.5 g per dose 3-4 times a day (15-30 minutes before meals). Basic bismuth nitrate is one of the main components of combined antacid preparations. It is part of the tablets “Vikalin”, “Vicair”, etc., widely used for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. You can use it externally for inflammatory skin diseases (ointments, powders).

Vikalin - tablets containing bismuth nitrate - antacid, moderate laxative effect. Vikair (roter) is used in the same way as Vikalin: 1–2 tablets after meals, 1/2 glass of warm water 3 times a day, the course of treatment is 1–3 months.

A natural preparation of white clay - kaolin - is an aluminum silicate with a small admixture of calcium and magnesium silicates. A white powder that is mixed into a plastic mass in large quantities of water. It has an enveloping and adsorbing effect.

In addition to heartburn, kaolin is prescribed externally for skin diseases in the form of pastes, powders, and ointments. Adults take 20–100 g orally, children 5–10 g for various gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, enteritis, etc.) and for intoxication.

In a special place is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Previously, it was used very widely (like other alkalis) as an antacid for high acidity of gastric juice, gastric and duodenal ulcers. When taken orally, the drug quickly neutralizes the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice and has a pronounced antacid effect.

However, when hydrochloric acid is neutralized with sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide is released, which has a stimulating effect on the receptors of the gastric mucosa, enhances the release of gastrin and can cause a secondary increase in secretion. In addition, when using large doses, excess antacid can be absorbed into the blood and cause acid-base imbalance. Therefore, at the present time, when there are other effective and harmless drugs, your choice should be made on them.

Treatment of reflux esophagitis in hiatal hernias should be comprehensive, with the leading role in it given to diet therapy (cream, fermented baked milk, whipped egg whites, taking vegetable oils before meals, including sea buckthorn or rose hips). Enveloping and astringent agents (bismuth preparations, Almagel) are prescribed. For pain - papaverine, platyphylline, atropine

RECREATION AND TREATMENT IN SANATORIUMS - DISEASE PREVENTION

NEWS

The colloidal bismuth substrate (complex bismuth salt of citric acid) is the basis for the creation of the drugs Bismofalk, Ventrisol, De-nol, Pilorid.

Bismuth preparation for the treatment of stomach ulcers: Ventrisol

It is a preparation of bismuth. Ventrisol selectively envelops damaged areas (erosions, ulcers) of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. The drug protects the mucous membrane from the effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which promotes the healing of erosive and ulcerative defects, and also has a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori. The drug is practically not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which significantly reduces the number of side effects. After using Ventrisol, the period of remission of the disease is significantly prolonged. Available in the form of film-coated tablets containing 120 mg of bismuth.

Bismuth preparation for the treatment of stomach ulcers: De-nol

An original drug developed by the company for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. De-nol is used as a base drug in various treatment regimens for gastric ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori. The drug has a complex therapeutic effect - it has a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori, forms a protective layer on ulcerated areas of the mucous membrane and stimulates its regeneration. It has a more pronounced effect on Helicobacter pylori than other bismuth salts. Protects healthy mucous membranes. Existing Helicobacter pylori species are not resistant to De-nol. Combination treatment regimens with De-nol can overcome Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole. Treatment regimens based on De-nol are characterized by fewer side effects compared to other regimens. Available in 120 mg tablets.

Bismuth preparation for the treatment of stomach ulcers: Pilorid

A fundamentally new drug developed specifically for the treatment of diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori. It is a combined drug and has the anti-acid effect of ranitidine, anti-Helicobacter and cytoprotective effects of bismuth. After oral administration, the drug is rapidly absorbed. Pilorid prevents the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori species during treatment. Convenient to use - the drug is taken in the morning and evening, regardless of meals. Available in the form of film-coated tablets containing 400 mg of bismuth citrate.

Bismuth is a heavy metal, along with lead, antimony, and mercury. But due to the peculiarities of its chemical properties, it does not have a pronounced toxic effect compared to the above metals. Bismuth compounds were already used in medieval medicine to treat syphilis, stomatitis and other diseases.

In modern medicine, there are a huge number of medications based on bismuth compounds. The antiulcer properties of its compounds are used in the treatment of gastritis and stomach ulcers, diarrhea. Ointments based on bismuth compounds are used to treat dermatitis, erosions, ulcers, inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. The widespread use of bismuth compounds is based on the antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, astringent, and wound-healing properties of this metal.

However, an overdose of bismuth is dangerous to human health and life.

Causes of bismuth poisoning

Excessive intake of heavy metal occurs with uncontrolled and long-term use of bismuth-containing medications. In this case, a “bismuth border” is noted, which is an inflammatory process along the edges of the gums due to the deposition of bismuth salts. The color of the mucous membrane changes, it turns black. Intensive use of bismuth compounds for medical purposes in patients with kidney pathology leads to bismuth encephalopathy.

In production, bismuth is widely used in electrical engineering, the nuclear industry, and the chemical, metallurgical and pharmaceutical industries cannot do without it. Bismuth is used for the production of cosmetics, paints, and pigments. In production, cases of poisoning by metal compounds are extremely rare and are the result of non-compliance with safety requirements at work.

Mechanism and symptoms of bismuth poisoning

When a large amount of metal enters the body, it is captured by leukocytes and distributed to all tissues and organs. The metal is deposited in internal organs: liver, kidneys, spleen, nervous tissue. Bismuth is released from the body through the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the feces are colored dark due to bismuth sulfide.

The most common chronic poisoning with bismuth compounds is characterized by the following pathological manifestations:

• General signs: deterioration of memory and attention, loss of appetite, impotence, decreased immunity.
• Neurological manifestations: insomnia, irritability, nervousness, changes in the sensitivity of body parts, muscle tremors, spasms, convulsions.
• From the cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, changes in blood pressure.
• Changes in the digestive organs: nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, pain, diarrhea, toxic hepatitis.
• Skin manifestations: dermatitis, pigmentation of the oral mucosa, formation of a “bismuth border”.
• From the excretory system: renal failure, albuminuria.

Long-term use of bismuth-containing drugs in patients with kidney disease quickly leads to bismuth encephalopathy. The pathology is accompanied by headaches, fatigue, unmotivated aggression, decreased intelligence, asthenia, and the development of psychosis. The pathology may be accompanied by confusion, loss of balance, and visual hallucinations.

In acute poisoning with bismuth preparations, acute renal failure, neurological disorders, oliguria, anuria, acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea develop.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of poisoning is based on anamnesis (taking bismuth medications, working in production with bismuth-containing compounds), X-ray of the intestines, blood tests for poison content, etc.

First aid involves immediately stopping the entry of bismuth compounds into the body. In case of acute poisoning, wash the stomach. The patient can be given 2 tablets of activated carbon.

Treatment consists of chelation therapy. If necessary, gastric lavage is performed and laxatives are prescribed. If renal failure develops, hemodialysis is performed.

There are no specific antidotes for bismuth, but dimercaptol and unithiol have a good effect. Enterosorbents are used. When stomatitis develops, a 1% solution of lapis is prescribed.

Prevention of poisoning with bismuth compounds comes down primarily to strict dosage of medications and taking them under the supervision of a physician. Uncontrolled use of bismuth-containing drugs is unacceptable. In production, the best prevention of heavy metal poisoning is strict compliance with labor protection and safety requirements when working with toxic substances.

– one of the most common diseases of the abdominal organs. This disease can occur as a result of poor nutrition, bad habits, long-term use of medications, and even be inherited. Symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers include dyspepsia, abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating and sour belching. And one of the most effective means for treating these pathologies are drugs created on the basis of the substance bismuth tripotassium dicitrate, instructions for which should always be at hand.

Bismuth is the main substance of antiulcer drugs

Bismuth is a substance that belongs to the organotropic gastrointestinal agents, which is contained in medications that have antiulcer and antigastritis effects. These drugs are produced in the form of thin-coated tablets, and the most effective tablets are:

• Tribimol
• Ventrisol
• Pilocid
• Bisnall
• Trimo

The action of these drugs leads to the precipitation of insoluble bismuth oxychlorides and citrate in the stomach, which form compounds that completely cover the surface of the stomach or intestines damaged by the ulcer. And as a result, these compounds save the ulcer from the direct effects of bile, hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which leads to the death of the bacterium, which contributes to the development of the ulcer.

The pharmacological effects of medications make them effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers, promoting their speedy healing.

Such drugs help restore the protective function of the stomach and prevent the possibility of relapse of the ulcerative process in the stomach and duodenum. In addition, they stimulate the synthesis of substances entering the body and help improve the quality characteristics of gastric mucus, so that food is digested faster.

Bismuth is an active substance contained in tablets that helps eliminate the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and causes a complete cure from it.

Precaution in the use of products

Despite the many positive properties of products that contain the active substance, you should always consult a doctor before taking them. Because these drugs are strictly forbidden to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with increased sensitivity, as well as in case of kidney dysfunction.

In addition, you must be careful when taking these drugs, focusing on your own well-being, because they can cause nausea, constipation, vomiting, an allergic reaction or loose stools. And if you detect at least one side effect from taking the pills, you need to consult your doctor again in order to decide whether to continue such treatment.

It is also necessary to carefully monitor the dosage of the drug, because if it is exceeded, renal failure may occur. Therefore, if you accidentally take more tablets than you need, immediately take activated charcoal, use a laxative and consult a doctor to rinse your stomach.

If the overdose was too severe, symptomatic treatment or hemodialysis may also be necessary.

When consulting with your doctor about taking medications that contain bismuth, you should tell him or her about all the medications you are taking. After all, if you are taking any medications containing bismuth, Vicair or Vicaine, then together with this drug they will increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects.

But the effectiveness of the substance itself may decrease if milk, juices or fruits are consumed with it. Before taking medications, consult your doctor to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Use and dosage of drugs containing

Stomach ulcer - indications for prescribing drugs with bismuth

For children from 4 to 8 years old, the recommended absorption rate of this substance is 160 mg, which should be divided into 2 doses per day. Children from 8 to 12 years old can consume 240 mg per day, dividing it into two doses - morning and evening. But for persons aged 12 years and older, it is recommended to take 120 mg of the drug 4 times a day.

The course of medication usually lasts a month or 4 weeks. After this, it is necessary to take a break from using these drugs for 2 months, and if after this time a relapse of the pathology occurs, taking the tablets will need to be repeated.

In the case of acute or intestinal problems, taking the drug with bismuth can be combined with taking amoxicillin or metronidazole.

During the course of therapy, you must refrain from drinking strong drinks, and half an hour before and after taking the drug, you must also abstain from any food, so as not to reduce their effectiveness.

When taking tablets, you must carefully monitor the dosage of this substance. Medicines containing the active substance are an effective remedy in the fight against peptic ulcers and their symptoms. The main thing is to consult your doctor before starting treatment and carefully follow his instructions and advice.

The following video will tell you about the reasons for the development of stomach ulcers:

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