RESUMEN
The aim of the present study was the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of bismuth after application of different preparations of colloid bismuth subcitrate (CBS; CAS 57644-54-9). 6 healthy volunteers were recommended to take a solution containing 240 mg CBS b.d. before breakfast and before the evening meal for 2 weeks, whereas 6 other volunteers received tablets containing 120 mg CBS 2 b.d. In both groups resulting daily CBS dose was 480 mg. On day 7 and day 14, 24 h urine excretion of bismuth was found to be significantly lower after application of the solution as compared to the one after application of the tablet (day 7: solution 110 micrograms/day--table 872 micrograms/day; day 14: solution 133 micrograms/day--table 872 micrograms/day; p < 0.05). After a single dose of 240 mg of CBS plasma AUC amounted to 42.8 micrograms/ml.h and 4.2 micrograms/ml.h after application of the tablet and the solution, respectively. Our results demonstrate that systemic bismuth load is markedly lower after application of the CBS solution as compared to the CBS tablet.