Bismuth toxicity in man - I. Bismuth blood and urine levels in patients after administration of a bismuth protein complex (Bicitropeptide).

In the course of a double-blind clinical trial of treatment involving a bismuth protein complex (Bicitropeptide), an antacid and placebo, blood samples (33 patients) and urine samples (43 patients) were collected for bismuth analysis from patients on bismuth therapy at the beginning of the trial (week 0) and at weeks 3 and 6. Base line blood (2 - 11 ng/l) and urine (2 - 29 ng/l) values were not zero and appeared to have reached "saturation" values in many cases after 3 weeks (Blood : 4 - 33 ng/l and Urine 60 - 600 ng/l). After 6 weeks, blood values were 5 - 20 ng/l and urine values 63 - 780 ng/l. It is concluded that these blood and urine levels are not associated with significant toxicity in man.