bismuth subnitrate + iodoform at a glance
Medicine type
Antiseptic, astringent and absorbent surgical packing.
Licensed uses
Packing after ENT procedures and control of acute nosebleeds.
Important limitation
The licensed product is not recommended for placement into open wounds.
What is bismuth subnitrate + iodoform used for?
The licensed product is used for:
Antiseptic packing after ear, nose or throat surgery to protect the operative site from infection and support healing.
Packing the nasal cavity to reduce or stop bleeding during acute epistaxis.
How does bismuth subnitrate + iodoform work?
Iodoform releases iodine, providing local antiseptic and anaesthetic effects. Bismuth subnitrate is astringent and absorbent, helping to dry the packed area and reduce bleeding.
How to take bismuth subnitrate + iodoform
This product is not swallowed or self-applied. A healthcare professional packs the impregnated gauze into the relevant ENT or nasal cavity and decides when to remove it. It should not be placed into an open wound, and damaged pouches must not be used.
Do not pull out or reposition the packing unless instructed by the treating team.
Before use, tell the treating team about iodine, iodoform or bismuth allergy and any overactive thyroid.
bismuth subnitrate + iodoform side effects
Common or expected effects
- A red rash may develop where the gauze is applied. Its frequency is not stated, and it should usually settle after removal.
Get urgent medical advice
- Rare encephalopathy or systemic toxicity, with symptoms including headache, marked sleepiness, confusion, delirium, clumsiness, abnormal jerking movements or a rapid weak pulse.
- A severe allergic reaction causing swelling or breathing difficulty requires emergency help.
bismuth subnitrate + iodoform in pregnancy
Product-specific safety evidence is insufficient, and use during pregnancy is not recommended. The clinician should consider whether an alternative is suitable.
bismuth subnitrate + iodoform interactions
No medicine interactions are known. The paste is physically incompatible with oxidising agents and lead, silver or mercury salts.
Common questions about bismuth subnitrate + iodoform
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is bismuth subnitrate and iodoform an antibiotic?
No. It is a locally acting antiseptic packing rather than a systemic antibiotic.
Can it stop a nosebleed?
It is licensed for professional packing of the nasal cavity during an acute nosebleed to reduce or stop blood flow.
Can it be placed in an open wound?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.