Bismuth Subnitrate/ Iodoform Paste

South African indications:

• Prevention of infection
• Acute epistaxis 

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients in this combination product 
• Hypersensitivity to iodine 

Cautions

• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment
• Elderly 
• Hyperthyroidism 

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: pas

Prevention of infection and to assist healing following ear, nose and throat surgical procedures
Acute epistaxis 

• Topical (pas): The paste is evenly spread onto gauze and packed into the post-surgical cavity or nose

The gauze should not be placed into open wounds

See adult dosage 

Pregnancy

• Caution
• There is insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy, as with all agents it is not recommended that bismuth subnitrate/ iodoform is used in pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Caution
• No information available on safety during breastfeeding

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available 

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available 

Elderly

• Caution; no information available  

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC)

Drugs in Sport

• Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Central Nervous System Disorders 

• Encephalopathy 

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Erythematous rash

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity reactions 

No information available 

None routine

Bismuth subnitrate
Bismuth subnitrate has both an astringent and absorbent action.

Iodoform
Iodoform has a marked anaesthetic effect and antiseptic action due to the release of iodine.

Bismuth Subnitrate, Iodoform paste is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Paste 45g

• Bismuth Subnitrate and Iodoform paste (Medivision)