Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Bismuth subnitrate, Iodoform may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
Possible side effects
: Hypersensitivity to iodine may produce an erythematous rash which should subside when the gauze is removed. Although rare, there are reports within the published literature of the development of encephalopathy associated with the application of BIPP, however, none of the cases reported have occurred following ENT procedures. Continued overleaf
100mm Measurement Verification Bar
5312-E
Frequently asked questions about Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze
What is the active substance in Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze?
The active substance in Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze is bismuth subnitrate, iodoform.
Are there equivalent medicines to Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Bismuth Subnitrate and Iodoform Paste Impregnated Gauze. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: bismuth subnitrate, iodoform
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
The paste is spread evenly onto a suitable length of sterile ribbon gauze. The impregnated gauze is then used in the following:ENT Surgical ProceduresAs an antiseptic gauze used to prevent infection and thus assists healing following ENT surgical procedures.It is not recommended that the gauze is placed into open woundsAcute EpistaxisTo pack the nasal cavity in order to stop/reduce the flow of blood.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
The paste is evenly spread onto a suitable length of sterile gauze and packed into the post surgical cavity or the nose.It is not recommended that the gauze is placed into open wounds.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to iodoform, iodine or bismuth.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Use in caution with patients suffering from hyperthyroidism
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Not Known
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
There is insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy, therefore, as with all drugs, it is not recommended the product is used in pregnancy.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not applicable
4.8. Undesirable effects
Hypersensitivity to iodine can result in an erythematous rash which subsides on removal of the gauze. Although rare, there are reports within the published literature of the development of encephalopathy associated with the application of BIPP, however none of the cases reported have occurred following ENT procedures.
4.9. Overdose
Severe iodine poisoning is characterised by headache, somnolence, delirium and rapid feeble pulse. General supportive procedures are needed. Over dosage is not usually a problem when the gauzes are used in small cavities associated with the middle ear and mastoid operations.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Bismuth Subnitrate & Iodoform Paste For Gauze. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.