Site of bismuth absorption from bismuth subsalicylate: implications for treatment of colonic conditions.

Poorly absorbed bismuth preparations may benefit a variety of chronic colonic conditions including ulcerative colitis. Bismuth-induced neurotoxicity is a potential complication of the chronic use of these preparations, and a less-absorbable form of bismuth is needed. If bismuth absorption occurs primarily in the upper gut, a delayed-release bismuth preparation could reduce absorption.