Sccs o 147

SCCS/1499/12
Version S
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
SCCS
OPINION ON
Bismuth citrate
The SCCS adopted this opinion at its 4th plenary meeting
on 12 December 2013
SCCS/1499/12
Opinion on bismuth citrate

___________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Scientific Committees

Three independent non-food Scientific Committees provide the Commission with the
scientific advice it needs when preparing policy and proposals relating to consumer safety,
public health and the environment. The Committees also draw the Commission's attention
to the new or emerging problems which may pose an actual or potential threat.
They are: the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), the Scientific Committee
on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and
Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) and are made up of external experts.
In addition, the Commission relies upon the work of the European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Centre for Disease prevention
and Control (ECDC) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
SCCS
The Committee shall provide opinions on questions concerning all types of health and safety
risks (notably chemical, biological, mechanical and other physical risks) of non-food
consumer products (for example: cosmetic products and their ingredients, toys, textiles,
clothing, personal care and household products such as detergents, etc.) and services (for
example: tattooing, artificial sun tanning, etc.).
Scientific Committee members

Ulrike Bernauer, Qasim Chaudhry, Pieter-Jan Coenraads, Gisela Degen, Maria Dusinska,
David Gawkrodger, Werner Lilienblum, Andreas Luch, Manfred Metzler, Nancy Monteiro-
Rivière, Elsa Nielsen, Thomas Platzek, Suresh Chandra Rastogi, Christophe Rousselle, Jan
van Benthem
Contact
European Commission
Health & Consumers
Directorate C: Public Health
Unit C2 – Health Information/ Secretariat of the Scientific Committee
Office: HTC 03/073
L-2920 Luxembourg
SANCO-C2-SCCS@ec.europa.eu
©
European Union, 2013
ISSN 1831-4767 ISBN 978-92-79-30122-3
Doi: 10.2772/74214 ND-AQ-13-015-EN-N
The opinions of the Scientific Committees present the views of the independent scientists
who are members of the committees. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the
European Commission. The opinions are published by the European Commission in their
original language only.
http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/index_en.htm
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
SCCS Members
Dr. M. Dusinska
Prof. D. Gawkrodger
Dr. W. Lilienblum (rapporteur)
Prof. A. Luch
Prof. M. Metzler
Dr. E. Nielsen
Prof. T. Platzek (chairman)
Dr. S.C. Rastogi
Dr. C. Rousselle
Dr. J. van Benthem
External experts
Prof. M. Pilar Vinardell

Dr. I. White
Keywords: SCCS, scientific opinion, bismuth citrate, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS 813-93-4,
EC 212-390-1
Opinion to be cited as: SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on

bismuth citrate, 12 December 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 5
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE.................................................................................. 5
3. OPINION..................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Chemical and Physical Specifications....................................................... 6
3.1.1 Chemical identity .................................................................... 6

3.1.2 Physical form ......................................................................... 8
3.1.3 Molecular weight .................................................................... 8
3.1.4 Purity, composition and substance codes.................................... 9
3.1.5 Impurities / accompanying contaminants ................................... 9
3.1.6 Solubility ............................................................................... 9
3.1.7 Partition coefficient (Log Pow).................................................. 10
3.1.8 Additional physical and chemical specifications.......................... 10
3.1.9 Homogeneity and Stability ..................................................... 10
3.2 Function and uses .............................................................................. 11
3.3 Toxicological Evaluation ...................................................................... 12
3.3.1 Acute toxicity ....................................................................... 12

3.3.2 Irritation and corrosivity ........................................................ 14
3.3.3 Skin sensitisation.................................................................. 22
3.3.4 Dermal / percutaneous absorption........................................... 23
3.3.5 Repeated dose toxicity .......................................................... 25
3.3.6 Mutagenicity / Genotoxicity .................................................... 27
3.3.7 Carcinogenicity..................................................................... 33
3.3.8 Reproductive toxicity............................................................. 34
3.3.9 Toxicokinetics ...................................................................... 37
3.3.10 Photo-induced toxicity ........................................................... 45
3.3.11 Human data ......................................................................... 46
3.3.12 Special investigations ............................................................ 50
3.3.13 Safety evaluation (including calculation of the MoS)................... 50
3.3.14 Discussion ........................................................................... 50
4. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................ 58
5. MINORITY OPINION.................................................................................... 58
6. REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 59
Annex 1 ............................................................................................................ 65
Annex 2 ............................................................................................................ 72
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1. BACKGROUND
The chemical Bismuth Citrate (CAS 813-93-4) (EC 212-390-1) is a new substance in
connection with the hair dye strategy.
The first submission for this substance was received by end of January 2009.
The present submission I includes a complete dossier according to the hair dye strategy and
the applicant ask for its safety evaluation when used in non-oxidative , but progressive hair
dye formulation at a concentration up to 2.0% in the finished cosmetic product.
Progressive hair dyes work - according to the dossier - gradually, with colour build-up over
a period of two to three weeks of daily application. With such application, the hair gradually
darkens until the required shade is achieved. Thereafter, colour is maintained by up to 3
applications per week. The product is intended for use by middle-aged and older people,
principally men.
Bismuth preparations are commonly used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders,

including peptic ulcers and dyspepsia.
According to the current US Code of Federal Regulation1, bismuth citrate may be safely used
in cosmetics intended for colouring hair on the scalp, subject to the following restrictions:
- the amount of bismuth citrate in the cosmetic shall not be in excess of 0.5% (w/v);
- the cosmetic may not be used for colouring eyelashes, eyebrows or hair on parts of the
body other than the scalp.
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Does SCCS consider that the use of bismuth citrate as an hair dye substance in
cosmetic products is safe for the consumers when used in a concentration up to
maximum 2.0 % taken into account the provided scientific data?
2. Does SCCS have any other scientific concerns for the safe use of bismuth citrate in
finished cosmetic products?
1
21CFR73, 2110, April 1, page 375, 2002
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3. OPINION
Preamble
The quality of the dossier is poor and contains the following major shortcomings:
- Although a concentration of 2% of bismuth citrate in cosmetic formulations is applied for,

all of the studies submitted for local toxicity testing were performed with a concentration of
0.5%. In addition, supporting data for the concentration claimed was not provided.
- Data on identity and/or characterization of bismuth citrate in batches, lots, and

formulations was often missing or inadequate.
- Data on solubility and/or stability of bismuth citrate in solvents was missing, partly
conflicting or inadequate.
- The list of references was poorly sorted, titles of the pdf files were partly misleading (e.g.,
ref. 58), and several copies were only partly legible.
- The only certificate of analysis (CoA) provided was only partly legible.
3.1 Chemical and Physical Specifications
3.1.1 Chemical identity
3.1.1.1 Primary name and/or INCI name
Bismuth citrate
3.1.1.2 Chemical names
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid bismuth salt

Bismuth(3+) 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate
1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, bismuth(3+) salt (1:1)
3.1.1.3 Trade names and abbreviations
Bismuth citrate
Citric acid bismuth salt
Batches or Lots:
Bismuth Citrate BPC 40, 48 or 49(?) (CoA partly not readable, see 3.1.4), batch
97/90137/000, purity 99% based on based on 51.74% bismuth dry weight
Ref. 42, Ref. 43, Ref. 59
Bismuth Citrate, (internal laboratory No Haskell 26337; sponsor reported 99% purity, no
CoA) Ref. 41, Ref. 45
Bismuth Citrate, batch No. RM070 (purity based on Bi content 91%) Ref. 40
Formulations:
Formulations were claimed to contain the concentrations indicated of bismuth citrate
according to the dossier.
Grecian Formula 16 (0.5%) Ref. 32
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MKT 79 (0.5%) Ref. 20, Ref. 28, Ref. 34
MKT 92 (Liquid) (0.5%) Ref. 21

MKT 92, Bismuth Grecian Formula (liquid) (0.5%) Ref. 29, 35
MKT 109 (0.5%) Ref. 31, 37

MKT 109, Bismuth Grecian Formulation (liquid) Ref. 22
MKT 121 (0.5%) Ref. 38

MKT 121, (0.5% bismuth preparation, Batch: Q050048 (analysis result 2.037%), declared
in the dossier) Ref. 75
MKT 121, Bismuth Grecian Formulation (liquid) (0.5%) Ref. 23, 27, 75
MKT 122, MKT 123, MKT 124 (no information in the dossier and the study report as well)
Ref. 75
MKT 138 (0.5%) Ref. 30, Ref. 36

MKT 138 (bismuth hair cream) (0.5%) Ref. 24
MKT 394 (Bismuth citrate hair coloring preparation (0.5%), declared in the dossier)
Ref. 77
MKT 395 (0.5%) Ref. 77
Bismuth citrate hair coloring preparation MKT 395 (0.5%) (p. 27)
Bismuth citrate formulation: SCP 2716 Ref. 39

(according to the applicant’s dossier equivalent to RD4165=Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate
2%)
Grecian Liquid Formulation (with 2% bismuth citrate equivalent to 1.10% bismuth)

Batch No. RD4165 Ref. 40
1087, bismuth citrate (0.5%, formulation) Ref. 44

Bismuth citrate
97/90137/000 (purity 99%, based on 51.74% bismuth dry weight based on CoA (see 3.1.4)
Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%, batch No. RD4165 Ref. 40

Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%, batch #16B: SCP2717, RD4165 Ref. 74
Bismuth citrate hair colouring preparations containing 0.5% bismuth citrate: (p. 27)
R&D 1230#617, batch R8GO6D, liquid
R&D 1237#898, batch R8H03D, cream
R&D 1229#412, batch R8G05D Ref. 76
SCCS comment
Identity, purity and other characteristics of the test item bismuth citrate as batches or
bismuth citrate formulations were not described in several studies. Some of the required
information such as concentrations of bismuth citrate has been provided in the applicant’s
dossier but supporting material to the studies has not been provided.
In the formulations, information on the identity of bismuth citrate and/or transformation to
other bismuth species is required because bismuth citrate may be unstable under various
conditions and for instance different complex compounds of bismuth and citrate or bismuth
and thiol groups may be formed. Depending on the study type, information on the pH or the
vehicles of the formulations is needed.
No information on the compositions of the formulations was provided.
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3.1.1.4 CAS / EC number
CAS: 813-93-4
EC: 212-390-1
3.1.1.5 Structural formula
3.1.1.6 Empirical formula
Formula: BiC6H5O7
Comments on chemical identity

Bismuth citrate should be distinguished from different complex compounds of bismuth and
citrate such as:
- Bismuth subcitrate, a complex of citrate and bismuth at a molar ratio of 2:1,

commercially available as tri-potassium bismuth subcitrate (CAS 57644-54-9), molecular
formula C12H10BiK3O14. In particular, this substance is sometimes mixed up with bismuth
citrate in the open literature and also in the dossier (p. 11) and some of the studies
provided.
Synonyms reported: de-nol; de-noltab; bismuth subcitrate; duosol (ulcer treatment);
Bismuth citrate [basic]; Bismuth Potassium Citrate; Potassium bismuth dicitrate; Colloidal
Bismuth Subcitrate; Bismuth subcitrate potassium; Tripotassium dicitrato-bismuthate.
- Colloidal bismuth citrate or colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), a polyanionic

structure of [Bi(cit)2Bi]n2n−, which is commercially used in pharmaceutical preparations (see
Functions and Uses) (Ref. 1).
The reported bismuth content of CBS is 35.5% (Ref. 65, Tab.2); in another reference,
36.0% bismuth content was found (ref 63).
- Ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec® and Pylorid® GSK), a pharmaceutical preparation

consisting of colloidal bismuth subcitrate and ranitidine molecules encased in the crystal
latter.
3.1.2 Physical form
White powder
3.1.3 Molecular weight
Molecular weight: 398.10 g/mol

Bi 209, citrate 189
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3.1.4 Purity, composition and substance codes
The theoretical bismuth content is 52.50%.
In the dossier, for several studies, one Certificate of Analysis (CoA) of the test substance
was provided which was difficult to read: CoA — 3 May 2001, Bismuth Citrate BPC 48(?),
batch No 97/90137/000 (as specified in the dossier, apart from that not readable), expiry
date Sept 2007(?).
Purity: 99% (based on 51.74% bismuth dry weight)

Ref. 42 (CoA in Appendix A, pp. 163 f.)
Ref. 59, CoA in Appendix A, pp.34-35
SCCS comment
Any other information on purity and certificates of analysis were not provided.
3.1.5 Impurities / accompanying contaminants
No known impurities.
According to the above COA provided for various batches and lots in various studies:
lead <20 ppm

copper <50 ppm
silver <25 ppm
arsenic <0.5 ppm
SCCS comment
Any other information on impurity and COA (certificate of analysis) was not provided.
US. FDA requires according to good manufacturing practice:

Bismuth citrate, not less than 97 percent.
Mercury (as Hg), not more than 1 part per million.
Arsenic (as As), not more than 3 parts per million.
Lead (as Pb), not more than 20 parts per million.
Volatile matter, not more than 1 percent. Ref. 137
3.1.6 Solubility
Insoluble or sparingly soluble in water, alcohol and ether (general information)

Partly soluble in cold water –according to a supplier (ref. 138)
- Solubility in sodium citrate buffer (10 mM, pH 11) with a maximal solubility of 2 mg/ml
was reported (Ref. 43).
The “highest possible” (final) concentration of bismuth citrate reported in a cell culture
medium was 20 μg/ml (ref. 45). A final concentration of 50 μg/ml in vitro was also reported
in a culture medium (ref. 46).
- Solubility of 100 µg/ml in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) has been reported (Ref.
68).
- Solubility of up to 50% in DMSO has been reported (LLNA test, Ref. 33) whereas the
solubility in DMSO was described in another study report as “very limited” (Ref. 43).
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- According to ref. 52 and 54, 16 mg bismuth citrate were dissolved in 500 µl 1 M NH3 and
diluted with the culture medium up to 100 ml to obtain a 400 µM stock solution of bismuth
citrate (containing 5 mM NH3).
- Bismuth citrate was dissolved in physiological saline (37oC) to obtain a saturated solution
at about 170 mg/L (ref. 65).
SCCS comment
Water solubility has not been determined by EU Method A.8.
Solubility of bismuth citrate (100 µg Bismuth/ml) in receptor fluid for dermal absorption
study has not been documented (based on Bismuth analysis only, Ref. 40). However,
bismuth is considered the active ingredient systemically available.
In various solvents and at various pH values mentioned in the studies, data on solubility
and stability of bismuth citrate is needed.
3.1.7 Partition coefficient (Log Pow)
Log Pow: /
3.1.8 Additional physical and chemical specifications
Melting point: decomposition

Boiling point: not applicable
Flash point: not applicable
Vapour pressure: not relevant
Density: 3.5 g/cm³ (25 °C)
pH: not applicable
UV-Vis spectrum (200-800 nm): Bismuth Citrate solution shows absorption in the UV
region having maxima at 260 nm
3.1.9 Homogeneity and Stability
The substance has been reported to be light sensitive and has to be protected from light
during storage. Ref. 138
For the determination of homogeneity of test substance preparations in methylcellulose or

stability of the test substance during repeated dose studies, the preparations or the test
substance H-26337 (bismuth citrate) were dissolved in concentrated nitric acid and
hydrochloric acid and samples were diluted with nitric and hydrochloric acid (1% v/v) in de-
ionized water for ICP analysis of bismuth.
Ref. 42, Ref. 59
SCCS comment
It is assumed that the test substance bismuth citrate is not stable under the work-up
conditions using concentrated acids for ICP analysis. Only bismuth can be determined under
these conditions.
Documentation on the stability of the compound in sodium citrate pH 11, aqueous ammonia
and other solvents used in the safety studies on bismuth citrate is required.
Only the concentrations of the element bismuth have been determined by the method ICP-
AES (see SCCS comments on the respective studies). This method is not adequate to
determine the stability of the Bi citrate complex and/or the transformation to other Bi
species.
Stability of bismuth citrate in typical hair dye formulations was not demonstrated.
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General SCCS comments on physico-chemical characterisation
- No study concerning purity and impurity(ies) of bismuth citrate was provided. The
reported purity of bismuth citrate is 99% (based on 51.74% bismuth content). Thus,
about 1% impurities have not been identified.
- Water solubility of bismuth citrate was not determined by EU method A.8
- Log Pow of bismuth citrate was not provided.
- Homogeneity and stability of bismuth citrate in stock and test solutions were not
adequately demonstrated because only the element bismuth was analysed.
- Stability of bismuth citrate in typical hair dye formulations was not demonstrated.
3.2 Function and uses
Bismuth citrate has been in use as a progressive hair dye in the USA for some time and
Grecian Bismuth was launched in Europe in 2005 (approximately 6 million units sold) and in
Canada in 2008 (approximately 175,000 units sold). Bismuth citrate will be incorporated in
progressive hair dye formulations at a maximum concentration of 2.0%. In the USA up to
0.5% are permitted.
Progressive hair dyes work gradually, with colour build-up over a period of two to three
weeks of daily application. This hair dye changes the colour of hair from grey to darker
shades by reacting with the sulphur of hair keratin as well as oxidizing on the hair surface.
With such application, the hair gradually darkens until the required shade is achieved.
Thereafter, colour is maintained by up to 3 applications per week. This product is intended
for use by middle-aged and older people, principally men.
The principle of coloration from bismuth citrate has been described in section 1,
Background.
Bismuth is one of the medicinal drugs referenced in Pharmacopoeias, with bismuth

compounds used topically or orally for indications such as minor stomach-aches, ulcers and
venereal diseases for over 200 years.
Bismuth compounds have been used as antimicrobial agents for:
- syphilis (e.g. sodium/potassium bismuth tartrate, bismuth quinine iodide, iododbismol,
bismuth chloride)
- colitis (e.g. bismuth citrate, bismuth subnitrite),
- wound infection (e.g. bismuth oxide),
- quartan malaria (e.g. sodium bismuth thioglycolate),
- dyspepsia (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth subnitrate) and
- peptic ulcers (e.g. colloidal bismuth subcitrate, bismuth citrate, bismuth subnitrate).
Three bismuth compounds, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol ® Procter and Gamble),

colloidal bismuth citrate (De-Nol®, Gist-Brocade, Yamanouchi, Lizhudele®) and ranitidine
bismuth citrate (Tritec® and Pylorid® GSK) have been in extensive use worldwide to treat
gastrointestinal diseases, including those related to infection of Helicobacter Pylori which
causes gastric or duodenal ulcers (ref. 1).
Bismuth subgallate is no longer used as a topical treatment for eczema and other skin
complaints but bismuth subnitrate and carbonate are still used in surgical dressings (ref. 2,
ref. 3, ref. 4).
Currently, the major medicinal use of bismuth compounds is focussed on two fields:
antimicrobial and anticancer (ref. 1).
Occupational exposure to bismuth occurs in the manufacture of alloys, catalysts, and

ceramics, polymers for bone implants, cosmetics, semiconductors and X-ray contrast media,
in dental prosthetic devices or in medical devices (scanners, implants, sutures, catheters...)
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(ref.5 - 9). In cosmetics, exposure occurs to bismuth citrate, triphenyl bismuth or bismuth
oxychloride which is used as a pearlescent pigment or lubricating agent in formulations of
lipstick, nail polish, eye shadows and facial powders. Bismuth is included in hair dyes to add
colour and to deodorize (ref. 4).
3.3 Toxicological Evaluation
3.3.1 Acute toxicity
3.3.1.1 Acute oral toxicity
Acute oral toxicity studies were performed in rats by gavage, with prototype cosmetic
formulations containing bismuth citrate at 0.5%, as follows:
Study Product tested Results GLP Ref

compliance
Consumer Product MKT 79 LD50 > 40 g/kg bw Not stated 20
Testing bismuth Grecian Form.
7954-3, March 2, 1979 (liquid)
MBRL, Inc., MB 80- MKT 92 LD50 > 5.0 g/kg bw Yes 21
5044 A bismuth Grecian Form.
12/17/80 (liquid)
MBRL, Inc., MB 81- MKT 109 LD50 > 30 ml/kg bw Yes 22
08/04/81 (liquid)
MBRL, Inc., MB 81- MKT 121 LD50 > 14 g/kg bw Yes 23
08/04/81 (liquid)
MBRL, Inc., MB 81- MKT 138 LD50 > 5.5 g/kg bw Yes 24
5613 A bismuth hair cream
8/10/81
SCCS comment
MKT 79, MKT 92, MKT 109, MKT 121 and MKT 138 were characterized only as a liquid
formulation, partly with data on specific gravity.
With MKT 79, two deaths were observed at the highest dose (1 F, 1 M) 4 and 7 days after
treatment (Ref. 20). With the other formulations, no deaths were observed. Isolated
instances of diarrhea, ptosis, chromodacryorrhea and chromorhinorrhea were noted.
The studies (ref. 21-24) were claimed to comply with US GLP regulations of 1979 and 1980.
As no information is available in the study reports or accompanying documents on the
content of Bi citrate in the formulations, the acute oral toxicity of the studies cannot be
evaluated.
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A single oral dose of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 5.0 mg/kg colloidal bismuth citrate (CBS) was
administered to Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 weeks old, weighing 150-200g (21 animals per
group). Blood parameters were evaluated in weeks 12, 16 and 20 post dosing. Significant
decreases in RBC, Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC. PLT and WBC in all groups and time intervals
compared to controls indicated a CBS induced microcytic/hypocromic anemia. Results
indicated that the effects of CBS were not dependent on dose and time.
Ref. 25
SCCS comment
The study cannot be evaluated due to the lack of a dose-response relationship.
3.3.1.2 Acute dermal toxicity
One acute dermal toxicity study was conducted in 10 (6 male and 4 female) albino
rabbits with a bismuth Grecian Formula (0.5% bismuth citrate). The test product was
kept in occluded contact with intact and abraded skin for 24 h (about 10% of the body
surface was exposed). Abrasions were performed in two males and 3 females and were
sufficiently deep to remove the stratum corneum, but not deep enough to produce
bleeding. The results are summarized below:
Study Product tested Results GLP Ref

compliance
MBRL, Inc., MB 81- MKT 121 LD50 > 2 g/kg bw Yes 27
5433 B Bismuth Grecian
Aug 4, 1981 Formula
SCCS comment
Pre-guideline study. Four of the five animals with abraded skin exposed to the test item
showed reduced body weight after 14 days by about 8-15% whereas body weight increase
was observed in the majority of the animals with normal skin exposed. This may be a hint
that the test substance was absorbed by the animals with abraded skin in an amount that
caused body weight loss.
3.3.1.3 Acute inhalation toxicity
No data available
3.3.1.4 Acute intraperitoneal toxicity
Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) was administered by intraperitoneal injection to male

Sprague–Dawley rats, 8 wk old, weighing 150–200 g at 0, 100, 200, 400, 500, and 1000
µg/L (21 animals per group). Levels of serum enzymes were determined 24, 48, and 72 h
later. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase (CK) levels significantly increased after all CBS
treatments compared to controls without dependence on time and dose. All doses
significantly affected the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum after 72 h.
Ref. 26
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SCCS comment
Dosage related to bodyweight is unclear and there was no dose-response relationship. The
study cannot be used for risk assessment.
3.3.2 Irritation and corrosivity
3.3.2.1 Skin irritation
Guideline: /
Species/strain: Albino New Zealand Rabbits
Group size: 6 (both sexes)
Test substance: MKT 79
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
GLP: /
Study period: February 13, 1979 to March 2, 1979
0.5 ml of the test material was applied to clipped areas of intact and abraded skin.
Applications were made under occlusive patches (2" x 2" gauze, covered by adhesive tape).
Following application of the test material the entire trunk of each animal was covered with
an impermeable occlusive wrapping. The wrapping and test material were removed 2 hours
following application. The sites were individually examined and scored separately for
erythema and oedema at 24 and 72 hours. The mean scores for 24 and 72 hour grading
were averaged to determine final irritation indices.
Results
No irritation was observed under the conditions of the test.
Conclusion
Bismuth citrate is not an irritant to the rabbit skin under the study conditions.
Ref. 28
SCCS comment
Information on bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the study report. The concentration
of bismuth citrate claimed by the applicant was 0.5% (see preamble and 3.1.1.3).
Guideline: /
Group size: 6 (males)
Test substance: MKT 92 (Liquid)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
GLP: in compliance with FDA 1979
Study period: December 1980
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Six rabbits were dosed once dermally at one abraded and one intact site/animal. 0.5 ml was
applied to each site beneath 2.5 cm square gauze patches. The patches were secured with
adhesive tape and the trunks were wrapped with impervious material. The test material was
kept in contact with the skin for 24 hours.
Results
At 24 hours, erythema was slight at all 12 sites (mean score: 1.00) and oedema was slight
at 5/12 sites (mean score: 0.33/0.50 for intact/abraded skin, respectively). At 72 hours, all
sites were free from signs of dermal irritation. The primary Irritation Index was 0.71.
Conclusion
The test article is a non-irritant under the study conditions.
Ref. 29
SCCS comment
Information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the study report. The concentration
of bismuth citrate claimed by the applicant was 0.5% (see preamble and 3.1.1.3).The data
indicate that the test substance has a slight irritant potential to the skin of the rabbit under
the conditions of the experiment.
Guideline: /
Group size: 6 (males)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
Study period: October 1981
Six albino rabbits were dosed dermally with MKT 138. 0.5 ml of the test article was applied
to 1 intact and 1 abraded site on the clipped back. The sites were occluded for 24 hours.
The skin reactions were evaluated by the Draize technique at 24 and 72 hours after dosing.
The Primary Irritation Index was calculated.
Results
Erythema, generally slight at 24 hours, was minimal at 72 hours.
Oedema was generally slight at 24 hours and essentially absent at 72 hours.
At 24 hours, erythema was observed in all animals (mean score: 1.67/1.17 for
intact/abraded skin, respectively) and oedema in about half of the animals (mean score:
1.00/0.67 for intact/abraded skin, respectively). At 72 hours, erythema was still observed in
some animals (mean score: 0.50/0.17 for intact/abraded skin, respectively) and oedema in
one animal (mean score: 0.17 for abraded skin).
There appeared to be no difference between abraded and intact skin reactions.
Conclusions
The test article is a non-irritant.
Ref. 30
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SCCS comment
Bismuth citrate induces slight skin irritation under the study conditions.
Guideline: /
Group size: 6 (5 females, 1 male)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
Study period: June 1981
Six albino rabbits were dosed dermally with MKT 109. 0.5 ml of the test article was applied
to 1 intact and 1 abraded site on the clipped back. The sites were occluded for 24 hours.
The skin reactions were evaluated by the Draize technique at 24 and 72 hours after dosing.
The Primary Irritation Index was calculated.
Results
Slight Erythema (score 1) was observed in only one animal with intact skin at 24 hours, but
was absent at all other sites and time points.
No oedema was present. There appeared to be no difference between abraded and intact
skin reactions.
Conclusion
Ref. 31
SCCS comment
The test article is a non-irritant under the study conditions.
Guideline: /
Group size: 6
Test substance: Grecian Formula 16
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
GLP: /
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0.5 ml of the test material was applied to clipped areas of intact and abraded skin.
Applications were made under occlusive patches (1" x 1" gauze, covered by adhesive tape).
Following application of the test material the entire trunk of each animal was covered with
an impermeable occlusive wrapping. The wrapping and test material were removed 2 hours
following application. The sites were individually examined and scored separately for
erythema and oedema at 24 and 72 hours. The mean scores for 24 and 72 hour grading
were averaged to determine final irritation indices.
Results
All the animals presented slight erythema (score 1) at 24 and 72 hours. Oedema (score 1)
was observed in 3 animals at 24 hours.
Conclusion
Ref. 32
SCCS comment
The test article is a slight skin irritant under the study conditions.
Overall SCCS comments on skin irritation

Five different studies were performed between 1974 and 1981 with different formulations.
The applicant informs that all formulations contained 0.5% of bismuth citrate, but no
information of the test item concentration was reported in either of the studies.
A safety dossier has been submitted requesting approval for a 2% bismuth citrate
concentration in cosmetic formulations, but the formulations tested contained 0.5% of
bismuth citrate as claimed by the applicant.
Three studies were performed under GLP conditions according to FDA 1979 but were
conducted prior to the adoption of the OECD test guideline 404 (in 1981).
Slight erythema (with or without oedema) was observed with three of the five formulations.
The applicants classified the formulations as non-irritants; nevertheless the results indicate
that the formulations tested are slightly irritant to the skin.
3.3.2.2 Mucous membrane irritation / Eye irritation
Guideline: /
Group size: 9 (both sexes)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.5 ml
GLP: /
Study period: 13 February to 2 March 1979
Nine rabbits, mixed sex, received 0.1 ml single administration in the right eye, followed by
No Wash for 24 hours (3 rabbits), 4 seconds Wash (3 rabbits), and 30 seconds Wash (3
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rabbits). Material used as received. Readings facilitated by hand-held lenses were made 1,
2, 3 and up to 7 days after treatment.
Results
No signs of irritation were observed in any animals.
Conclusions
The test substance was not an ocular irritant to rabbit eyes under conditions of the test.
Ref. 34
SCCS comment
Guideline: /
Group size: 9 (6 males, 3 females)
Test substance: MKT 92 (Liquid)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.1 ml
Study period: December 1980
0.1 ml of the test article was placed once into the conjunctival sac of one eye of each of
nine rabbits. The lids were held together briefly to ensure adequate distribution of the test
article. The untreated eye of each rabbit served as a control. The treated eyes of three
animals remained unwashed. The treated eyes of three animals were washed at 4 seconds
with 20 ml of distilled water. The treated eyes of three animals were washed 30 seconds
after dosing with 20 ml of distilled water. The ocular reactions of the cornea, iris, and
conjunctiva were graded at 1, 2 and 3 days after dosing. At 24 hours, the eyes were
examined with sodium fluorescein. The eyes were graded by the Draize scoring system.
Results
No signs of irritation were observed in any animals.
Conclusions
The test substance was not an ocular irritant to rabbit eyes under conditions of the test.
Ref. 35
SCCS comment
Any information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the study report. The
concentration of bismuth citrate claimed by the applicant was 0.5% (see preamble and
3.1.1.3).
Guideline: /
Batch: /
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Purity: /
Vehicle:
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.1 ml
Nine healthy albino rabbits, free from evidence of ocular irritation were dosed with MKT 138.
0.1 ml was placed into the conjunctival sac of one eye of each rabbit. Three eyes remained
unwashed, three eyes were washed at 4 seconds and three eyes were washed at 30
seconds. The eyes were scored by the Draize technique on Days 1, 2 and 3.
Results
In all 3 animals with unwashed eyes conjunctival redness, chemosis and discharge (1
animal with score 2 for chemosis, otherwise score 1) were observed at 24 hours; signs of
conjunctival irritation (score 1) remained in two animals at 48 hours and in one animal at
72 hours. Conjunctival discharge (score 1) was observed at 24, 48 and 72 hours in 2/3
animals with their eyes washed after 4 seconds; no other signs of conjunctival irritation
were observed in these animals. In all 3 animals with eyes washed after 30 seconds,
conjunctival redness, chemosis and/or discharge (score 1) were observed at 24 and 48
hours; signs of conjunctival irritation (chemosis, score 1) remained in one animal at 72
hours. No corneal opacity or iritis were observed in any animal.
Conclusion
The test article does not appear to be irritating.
Ref. 36
SCCS comment
The SCCS considers MKT 138 as slightly irritant to the rabbit eyes because of signs of slight
conjunctival irritation in unwashed and washed eyes.
Guideline: /
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle:
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.1 ml
Study period: June 1981
0.1 ml of MKT 109 was placed into the conjunctival sac of one eye of each rabbit. Three
eyes remained unwashed, three eyes were washed at 4 seconds and three eyes were
washed at 30 seconds. The eyes were scored by the Draize technique on Days 1, 2 and 3.
Results
In 2 animals with unwashed eyes conjunctival redness, chemosis and/or discharge (score 1)
were observed at 24 hours; signs of conjunctival irritation (chemosis, score 1) remained in
one animal at 48 hours. No signs of conjunctival irritation were observed in animals with
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eyes washed after 4 and 30 seconds. No corneal opacity or iritis were observed in any
animal.
Conclusion
The test article appears to be a non-irritant in all eyes.
Ref. 37
SCCS comment
conjunctival irritation in unwashed eyes.
Guideline: /
Test substance: MKT 121 (0.5% bismuth citrate)
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: /
Dose volume: 0.1 ml
Study period: July 1981
0.1 ml of MKT 121 was instilled onto everted lower lid of the right eye of rabbits to assess
its ocular irritation potential. Three groups of three rabbits each were established. The
treated eyes of three animals remained unwashed. The treated eyes of three rabbits were
flushed for one minute with lukewarm water beginning 30 seconds after instillation of the
test article. The treated eyes of three animals were similarly washed beginning 4 seconds
after instillation. All eyes were scored for ocular irritation at 24, 48 and 72 hours and at 4
and 7 days.
Results
In all 3 animals with unwashed eyes conjunctival redness and chemosis (score 1) were
observed at 24 hours; signs of conjunctival irritation (score 1) remained in two animals at
48 and 72 hours, but not after 96 hours. Conjunctival redness and chemosis (score 1) was
observed at 24 hours in 1/3 animals with their eyes washed after 4 seconds; no other signs
of conjunctival irritation were observed in these animals. In all 3 animals with eyes washed
after 30 seconds, conjunctival redness (score 1) was observed at 24 hours; conjunctival
redness (score 1) remained in one animal at 48, 72 and 96 hours. No corneal opacity or
iritis were observed in any animal.
Conclusion
When instilled onto the rabbit eye, the test article produced no greater than transient
(reversible) grade 1 redness and chemosis.
Ref. 38
SCCS comment
conjunctival irritation in unwashed and washed eyes.
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Overall SCCS comments on eye irritation studies in vivo:
Five different studies were performed from 1979 to 1981 with different formulations. The
applicant informs that all formulations contained 0.5% of bismuth citrate, but no
information of the item concentration was reported in neither of the studies.
Three of the studies (using MKT 109, MKT 121 and MKT 138) showed slightly conjunctival
irritation in the eyes of rabbits under the study conditions.
Four studies were performed under GLP conditions according to FDA 1979 but were
conducted prior to the adoption of the OECD test guideline 405 (in 1981).
Any information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in all study reports.
A safety dossier has been submitted requesting approval for a 2% bismuth citrate
concentration in cosmetic formulations, but the formulations tested contained only 0.5% of
bismuth citrate, as claimed by the applicant.
In vitro eye irritation study
Guideline: /
Species/strain: Chorioallantoic membrane of White Leghorn eggs (14 days incubated)
Group size: 20
Test substance: SCP 2716
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: /
pH: /
Dose level: undiluted and 50% suspension in distilled water
Dose volume: 40 µl
GLP: in compliance
Study period: March 2005
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of twenty White Leghorn eggs, incubated for 14 days,
was dosed with 40 µl of SCP 2716. A total of two concentrations (undiluted and 50%
suspension in distilled water) were used, one per group. The dosed eggs were then
incubated for another 30 + 5 minutes after which the CAM was observed for signs of
vascular haemorrhage, capillary injection, or ghost vessels.
The percentage of CAM'S responding to each dilution was plotted on 3 cycle log-probit paper
and an RC50 (the calculated concentration theoretically producing a reaction in 50% of the
treated eggs) with 95% Confidence Limits. The irritation potential was determined based on
the calculated RC50, generally within the following thresholds:
RC50> 3.0% = Non-irritant
RC50> 1.0% <3.0% = Indeterminate
RC50< 1.0% = Irritant
Results
There are 30% positive responses (capillary injection) for the undiluted formulation and no
positive responses for the 50% diluted formulation
Conclusion
As RC50 is >100%, the formulation is not an eye irritant.
Ref. 39
SCCS comment
Any information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the study report.
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The information about the composition of the formulation tested (bismuth citrate
formulation: SCP 2716 (equivalent to RD4165=Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%) is only
present in the summary of the applicant but not in the study report (see preamble and
3.1.1.3).
The method does not adherea guideline and it is not validated. The criteria of identification
of eye irritation are not those normally used. The endpoint evaluated is based on the time of
haemorrhage, coagulation and lysis. In this study only the presence or absence of these
signs is considered. The accepted alternative method uses eggs incubated for 10 days
instead of 14 days because it is considered the maximal period not inducing pain to embryo.
Overall SCCS comments on both skin and eye irritation studies
No information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is available in the study reports. Documented
information on the identity and characterization of the test substance is mandatory in such
studies.
Due to these shortcomings, the conclusions from the studies on local irritation are not
considered valid. However, the test formulations already at 0.5% Bismuth citrate showed
skin and eye irritation potential.
3.3.3 Skin sensitisation
Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA)
Guideline: OECD 429

Species/strain: Mouse: Female CBA/J
Group size: 5 mice per group (two groups per concentration)
Test substance: Bismuth citrate
Batch: 97/90137/000
Purity: 99%
Vehicle: Dimethylsulfoxide
pH:
Concentration: 10%, 25%, 50%
Positive control: Chlorpromazine 1%
GLP: not in compliance (see comment)
Study period: August 2005
Separate groups of five healthy female CBA/J mice were treated with increasing
concentrations of Bismuth Citrate (two groups per concentration) by topical application to
the dorsum of each ear, once daily for three consecutive days. Five days following the initial
dose, and five hours prior to sacrifice, the mice were injected with the thymidine analog 5-
bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU), and at sacrifice the auricular lymph nodes were isolated
and single-cell suspensions of lymph node cells (LNC) were generated. For each animal, the
LNC suspension was analysed for BrdU incorporation and the total number of lymphocytes
(LNC) by flow cytometry. The amount of proliferating (#BrdU+) LNC was determined as a
measure of the proliferative response of the local lymph node. The stimulation index (SI)
was calculated by dividing the proliferative response of each test article group by the
proliferative response of the vehicle control group. Test articles that yielded a SI > 3 were
characterized as sensitizing substances.
For each test concentration or control group, one of the two paired groups of five mice was
irradiated with UVA 15-30 minutes after topical application of the test articles using a Honle
SOL-500 solar simulator with an H-1 filter to cut off UVB and UVC. The test article was not
wiped off the ear prior to UVA irradiation. The distance between the source and the mice
was adjusted to give an irradiance of between 1.7 and 3.5 mW/cm² and the period of
irradiation was adjusted to yield a total UVA dose of 10 J/cm² for 50 minutes.
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Results
The SI values for the test article, bismuth citrate, + UVA at 10%, 25% and 50% were all
below the threshold of 3.0 (i.e. 0.7, 0.8 and 1.5, respectively; and 1.3, 1.6 and 0.7,
respectively, without UVA), indicating the test article is not a photo-sensitiser.
Conclusion
Topical application of the test article bismuth citrate, Lot #97/90137/000, at 10%, 25% and
50%, with or without UVA, resulted in a stimulation index of less than 3 (SI < 3.0), and
therefore this test article is neither a dermal sensitiser nor a dermal photo-sensitiser in the
Photo-Local Lymph Node Assay.
Ref. 33
SCCS comment
GLP compliance: The QA statement is missing.
In this experiment, no appropriate positive control for sensitisation was used
(Chlorpromazine was normally used as a positive control in photosensitisation only).
The high solubility of Bi citrate in DMSO up to 50% is questionable as in the mutagenicity
tests the solubility was characterized in another study as “very limited” (Ref. 43). The
solubility of Bi citrate in DMSO requires clarification before the test can be accepted as valid.
Thus, sensitisation potential of Bismuth citrate cannot be excluded.
3.3.4 Dermal / percutaneous absorption
Guideline: OECD 428

Tissue: Dermatomed pig back skin (females) (thickness 500 ± 50 μm)
Group size: Number of animals unknown
Diffusion cells: 6 cells
Skin integrity: Transepidermal water loss measurement (Tewameter TM210)
Method: Franz type diffusion cells
Batch: RM070
Purity: Bi content was 47.64% (ICP analysis) corresponding to 91% purity
of the a.i. Bismuth citrate
Formulation: Grecian Liquid Formulation (with 2.1% bismuth citrate equivalent
to 1.10% bismuth)
Batch: RD4165
Dose applied: 10 µl (2 mg/cm2) formulation (corresponding to 105 µg/cm2 or 55
µg/cm2 bismuth, when assuming a density of 1.0 of the
formulation)
Receptor fluid: phosphate-buffered saline solution (with 1% w/w bovine serum
albumin and 0.04% w/w gentamicin sulphate)
Solubility receptor fluid: 100 µg bismuth/ml (determination of the bismuth content of the
Grecian Liquid Formulation in the receptor fluid)
Method of Analysis: Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) methodology
GLP: /
Study period: 2006
The tested formulation containing about 2% of Bismuth Citrate was applied to pig skin
membranes (skin thickness about 500 µm) mounted in Franz type diffusion cells at a target
dose of about 2 mg/cm2. After 24 hours, the diffusion cells were dismantled, the skin
surface wiped with a specific washing procedure and the receptor fluid collected. The
stratum corneum of the skin was then tape stripped 8 times using D-Squame adhesive
tapes. The epidermis was separated from the dermis by a heat procedure. In particular, the
skin compartments (stratum corneum, rest of epidermis and dermis) were extracted with a
solvent (1% HNO3 solution) in order to obtain acceptable recoveries of bismuth contained in
23
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each sample. The surface excess, the receptor fluid, tape strips, the epidermis and dermis
samples were analysed for their Bismuth content and a full mass balance calculated.
Results
After 24 hours, the average total amount of Bismuth recovered from the wash, tape strips,
epidermis, dermis and receptor fluid, represented an overall recovery of 96.42% ± 5.13 for
Grecian Liquid Formulation. The majority of the applied material was recovered in the
washing of skin surface (about 94%). The amount of Bismuth found in the Stratum
Corneum was about 1.09 µg/cm2. With regards to epidermis and dermis, the content of
Bismuth was 0.35 ± 0.10 and 0.07 ± 0.04 µg/cm2, respectively. Bismuth was also
analytically quantified in the receptor fluid and the amount found was 0.07 ± 0.05 µg/cm2.
Table 1: Individual results on percutaneous absorption of bismuth incorporated in a

Grecian bismuth liquid formulation (24h exposure)
Conclusion
The amount systemically available after percutaneous absorption of Bismuth contained in
the tested formulation (Grecian Bismuth Liquid Formulation) may be considered to be 0.49
± 0.08 µg/cm2 or 0.83 ± 0.13 % of the applied dose.
Ref. 40
SCCS comment
The study was not done under GLP.
The test substance was dissolved in aqueous ammonia (conc. of ammonia and pH of the
test material are not reported). Evidence for the stability of the test substance in aqueous
ammonia has not been provided.
Evidence for the solubility of bismuth citrate in the receptor fluid has not been provided as
only the bismuth content of the formulation was determined by ICP analysis.
The absorption data is referred to bismuth as element (ICP analysis). The absorption of the
test item bismuth citrate has not been determined. It is not clear whether bismuth citrate
and/or other bismuth species were absorbed.
Conflicting results were depicted in Annex 3 of the study (see table above). Assuming that
an absorption value of 0.07 µg/cm2 for dermis of sample FCB 12 was achieved, the mean
value of 0.07 for µg/cm2 for dermis is not correct and should read 0.085. The mean value of
the percutaneously absorbed dose should then read 0.50 µg bismuth/cm2 and this value
will be used for further calculations.
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Few cells have been used and the number of donors is unknown, then the Mean + 2 SD of
Bismuth (0.66 µg/cm2) corresponding to 1.26 µg/cm2 of Bismuth citrate could be used to
calculate the MoS.
3.3.5 Repeated dose toxicity
3.3.5.1 Repeated Dose (14 days) oral toxicity
Guideline: /
Species/strain: Crl: CD® (SD)IGS BR rats
Group size: 5 animals per dose and gender
Test substance: bismuth citrate (Haskell 26336, internal laboratory No)
Batch: /
Purity: purity reported by the sponsor was 99%.
Vehicle: test substance suspended in 0.5% methylcellulose in deionized water
Dose levels: 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day
Dose volume:
Route: oral
Administration: gavage
GLP: /
Study period: October 2004 (unpublished data: protocol date Sept 20, 2004)
Based on the reported results of a published developmental toxicity study in rats (Ref. 60),
dose levels of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day were selected for this range-finding study.
Results
No adverse effects were observed at any dose on body weight or nutritional
parameters, clinical observations, clinical pathology or gross pathology. Statistically
significant reductions in some clinical chemistry parameters were observed in all dose groups,
including BUN and potassium in males and bilirubin in females. None of these changes was
considered adverse, based on the direction and magnitude of change, but they may
have been related to exposure to the test substance. Black staining of the faeces was
noted in 1000 mg/kg bw/day males and females and in 300 mg/kg bw/day females. This
was considered to be a typical response to exposure to bismuth-containing compounds and
not adverse as it was not associated with any clinical or pathological effects.
Ref. 41
SCCS comment
Only the study plan and a rangefinder summary table are available. The test substance was
not adequately characterized (identity and purity not proved, no CoA). Differences in clinical
chemistry parameters between dosed and control groups were only qualitatively reported
(blood urea nitrogen, K+, bilirubin, creatinine, albumin reported to be lower in mid and high
dose groups than controls). The study is of limited value and cannot be used for risk
assessment.
3.3.5.2 Sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity (oral)
Guideline: OECD 408

Species/strain: Rats Crl:CD (IGS)BR (between 6 and 8 weeks of age at the study start)
Group size: 10 per sex per dose
Test substance: bismuth citrate
Batch: 97/90137/000
Purity: 99% (Bi content 51.74% according to CoA)
Vehicle: test substance suspended in 0.5% methylcellulose in de-ionized water
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Dose levels: 0, 30, 300, 1000 mg/kg bw/day

Dose volume: 5 mL/kg bw
Route: oral
GLP: in compliance
Study period: Experimental phase Nov 2004 to Jan 2005; study completion date July
18, 2005
Results
Test substance-related reductions in body weight, weight gain, and food efficiency were
observed in male and female rats dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw/day, compared to controls. No
effect on food consumption was observed at any dose. One high dose male was killed in
extremis on day 56, due to noisy breathing. All other rats survived to termination of the
study. Noisy breathing was also observed in several high dose male and female rats which
survived to the end of the study, which was attributed to test substance-related
histopathological changes of the nasal turbinate. Black staining of faeces was observed in all
rats dosed at 300 or 1000 mg/kg bw/day and was attributed to test substance exposure;
this was considered to be a typical, well-documented response to dosing with a bismuth
compound, and was therefore considered not adverse.
No ophthalmological lesions were attributed to test substance exposure and there were no
effects on any neurobehavioral parameters (forelimb or hindlimb grip strength, duration of
movement, number of movements, behavioural parameters evaluated in the functional
observational battery). No adverse, test substance-related effects were observed on
haematology, clinical chemistry or coagulation parameters.
A few changes were observed in high-dose male and female relative organ weights but were
considered to be related to reductions in body weight at that dose. Large caeca, filled with
dark ingesta, were observed during gross necropsy of all surviving males and females
treated at 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day, but no microscopic lesions were associated with this
observation. Inflammation of the nasal turbinate and/or maxillary sinus was also observed
in animals from these groups and was attributed to reflux of material (test substance and/or
gastric fluid) from the oesophagus or stomach. These lesions were considered to be
secondary to test substance effects on the gastrointestinal tract, and not direct effects on
nasal tissue. Mild degeneration/necrosis of renal tubular epithelium was observed in one
male and one female dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw/day, but this was not associated with any
effects on renal clinical chemistry.
The no observed effect level (NOEL) was considered to be 30 mg/kg bw/day in males and
females, based on effects at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day which included ingesta-filled
caeca and nasal histopathology changes at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day.
Conclusion
A NOEL of 30 mg/kg bw/day can be derived for this 90-day oral toxicity study.
Ref. 42
SCCS comment
The synonym bismuth subcitrate in the section Study information of the report (p. 10) is not
correct.
The purity of the test substance bismuth citrate has been determined based on the bismuth
content alone (see CoA).The citrate moiety of the substance has not been determined.
The stability of the test substance and its stability in the test formulations during study
conduct were determined by a work-up procedure with concentrated acids whereby the test
substance is destroyed. The analytical method ICP-AES is capable of determining Bi as an
element but not suited for the determination of the test item bismuth citrate and its
stability. Therefore, the stability of the test item in dosing formulations has not adequately
been proved.
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As the bismuth species systemically available is/are unknown and systemic bismuth is
considered the toxic agent, a NOAEL of 16 mg/kg bw/day for bismuth could be used for the
calculation of the MoS.
3.3.5.3 Chronic (> 12 months) toxicity
No data available
3.3.6 Mutagenicity / Genotoxicity
3.3.6.1 Mutagenicity / Genotoxicity in vitro
Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay
Guideline: /
Species/Strain: Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538
and Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4
Replicates: single cultures in a single experiment
Test substance: 1087, bismuth citrate formulation (0.5%) described as a “suspension of
yellow granules in a clear base”.
Hand-written amendment on the title page: “International formula #7,
0.5% bismuth citrate”.
Batch: /
Purity: /
Solvent: /
Concentrations: 0, 1, 10, 100 and 500 µl/plate without and with S9-mix
Treatment: direct plate incorporation with 48 - 72 h incubation, without and with
S9-mix
GLP: /
Study period: November - December 1975
1087 was investigated for the induction of gene mutations in Salmonella typhimurium and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ames test). Liver S9 fraction from Aroclor 1254-induced rats
was used as exogenous metabolic activation system. The experiment was performed with
the direct plate incorporation method. Negative and positive controls were included.
Results
The highest concentration (500 µl/plate) was slightly toxic to the cells.
A biologically relevant increase in revertant colonies was not found in any tester strain, for
any dose without and with S9 metabolic activation.
Conclusion
Under the experimental conditions used, the test item 1087 was not mutagenic in this gene
mutation test in bacteria.
Ref. 44
SCCS comment
The test was performed before the adoption of the OECD test guidelines. The protocol is
significantly different from the present standard protocol described in the respective OECD
test guideline. Vital information (characterization of the test item, batch nr, purity and
solvent) is incomplete or lacking. Under the test conditions, the identity and concentration
of the test compound is not clear: The information on the identity and concentration of the
a.i. (0.5%, free bismuth or bismuth citrate?) is hand-written and has been added later.
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It is not known to which Bismuth species (Bismuth ion or Bismuth citrate) bacteria were
exposed (if any due to the low solubility of bismuth citrate at physiological pH). The value of
this test is very limited.
Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay
Guideline: OECD 471 (1997)

Species/Strain: Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae WP2uvrA
Replicates: duplicate or triplicate cultures in two independent experiments
Batch: 97/90137/000
Purity: 99 % (based on 51.74% bismuth dry weight)
Solvent: sodium citrate buffer (10 mM, pH 11)
Concentrations: initial toxicity-mutation experiment: 0, 1, 3.3, 6.7, 10, 33, 67, 100 and
200 µg/plate without and with S9-mix
confirmatory mutagenicity test: 0, 10, 33, 67, 100 and 200 µg/plate
without and with S9-mix
Treatment: direct plate incorporation method with approximately 48 h incubation,
without and with S9-mix
GLP: in compliance
Study period: 10 May 2004 – 27 May 2004
Bismuth citrate was investigated for the induction of gene mutations in Salmonella
typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ames test). Liver S9 fraction from Aroclor
1254-induced rats was used as exogenous metabolic activation system. The experiment was
performed with the direct plate incorporation method. Toxicity was evaluated on the basis of
a clearing of the bacterial background lawn. Negative and positive controls were in
accordance with the OECD guideline.
Results
Toxic effects evident as a clearing of the bacterial background lawn were not observed up to
the highest concentration without and with S9-mix in all strains. A biologically relevant
increase in revertant colonies due to exposure to bismuth citrate was not found in both
experiments without and with S9-mix in any tester strain.
Conclusion
Under the experimental conditions used, the test item was not mutagenic in this gene
mutation test in bacteria.
Ref. 43
SCCS comment
In the study report, the synonym Bismuth subcitrate in the section ‘Study information’ of
the report (p. 7) is not correct. It should read Bismuth citrate.
The identity and purity of the test substance has been determined based on the Bi content
alone (see CoA). The citrate moiety of the test substance has not been determined.
Evidence that the test substance is stable in 10 mM sodium citrate, pH 11 has not been
provided. Analysis of the test substance has been performed by a work-up procedure with
concentrated acids whereby the test substance is destroyed. The analytical method ICP-AES
is capable of determining Bi as an element but not suited for the determination of the test
item bismuth citrate and its stability. Therefore, the stability of the test item in 10 mM
sodium citrate, pH 11 has not adequately been proven. Under these test conditions, the
identity of the test compound is not clear and may have changed (bismuth citrate or other
bismuth species). As toxicity at high concentrations was not reached, the required
maximum concentration of the test substance was not achieved. It is not clear whether
bismuth citrate or any other bismuth species formed has entered the bacteria because
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evidence that bismuth citrate (or another bismuth species formed) is soluble at high
concentrations used in the test system is missing. This evidence is important, as the
solubility of bismuth citrate and/or other bismuth species formed (e.g., bismuthyl ion BiO+)
is very low at physiological pH. The value of this test for risk assessment is very limited.
DNA Damage and Repair/Unscheduled DNA Synthesis in Mammalian Cells in vitro
Guideline: OECD 482 (1986)

Species/strain: primary hepatocytes from male Crl:CD® (SD) rats
Replicates: duplicate cultures in a single experiment
Batch: 97/90137/000
Concentrations: 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 µM
Treatment: /
GLP: in compliance
Study period: 20 July 2004 – 18 August 2004
Bismuth citrate was investigated in an in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test in
hepatocytes of male Crl:CD® (SD) rats. Test concentrations were based on the results of a
preliminary toxicity test measuring the release of LDH from damaged cells. A toxicity test
was also conducted in parallel with the UDS assay. The vehicle used was sodium citrate
buffer. Since this vehicle is not commonly used, 8 concentrations of bismuth citrate were
included in the UDS test.
In the main test, after an attachment period of 2 h, the hepatocytes were exposed to
bismuth citrate in the presence of 3H-thymidine. The number of silver grains above the
nucleus and the number of grains above two nuclear-sized cytoplastic areas adjacent to the
nucleus were counted. UDS is reported as the net nuclear grain count (nuclear grain count
minus the average cytoplasm grain count). Additionally, the percentage of cells in repair
(cells with ≥5 net nuclear grains) is reported. Unscheduled DNA synthesis was determined
on 2 slides in 50 randomly selected hepatocytes/slide. Negative and positive controls were
in accordance with the OECD guideline.
Results
In the preliminary toxicity test, cytotoxicity was indicated by released LDH. Measurements
of LDH release indicated relative cytotoxicity above 34% for cultures treated with 50 µM and
above. Microscopic evaluation of the cultures at termination of treatment indicated normal
cell morphology at all concentrations. Based on these results, the top concentration for use
in the UDS test was 50 µM.
In the concurrent toxicity assay parallel to the UDS test, precipitation was not observed.
Measurement of LDH release demonstrated relative cytotoxicities in all concentrations
tested. Microscopic evaluation of the cultures at termination of treatment indicated normal
cell morphology at all concentrations.
A biologically relevant increase in mean net nuclear grain count as compared to the
untreated control was not found in hepatocytes at any concentration tested. A biologically
relevant increase in the % of cells in repair was not found, either.
Conclusion
Under the experimental conditions reported, the test item did not induce DNA-damage
leading to unscheduled DNA synthesis in hepatocytes and, consequently, is not genotoxic in
this in vitro UDS test.
Ref. 46
SCCS comment
The exposure time of the primary rat hepatocytes to bismuth citrate is not reported.
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The identity and purity of the test substance has been determined based on the bismuth
content alone (see CoA).The citrate moiety has not been determined.
provided. Analysis of the test substance has been determined by a work-up procedure with
conc. acids whereby the test substance is destroyed. The analytical method ICP-AES is
capable of determining Bi as an element but not suited for the determination of the test
sodium citrate, pH 11 has not adequately been proven.
Under these test conditions, the identity of the test compound is not clear and may have
changed (bismuth citrate or other bismuth species). The value of this test is limited.
In vitro Mammalian Chromosome Aberration Test
Guideline: OECD 473 (1997), ICH (1996, 1997)

Species/strain: CHO K1 cells
Replicates: duplicate cultures in a single experiment
Batch: 97/90137/000
Concentrations: main experiment: 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 µg/ml without and with S9-mix
0, 1, 2.5 and 5 µg/ml with S9-mix
Treatment 4 h treatment without and with S9-mix; harvest time 20 h after the
start of treatment
20 h treatment without S9-mix; harvest time 20 h after start of
treatment.
GLP: in compliance
Study period: 3 August 2004 – 1 September 2004
Bismuth citrate has been investigated for the induction of chromosomal aberrations in CHO
cells both in the absence and presence of metabolic activation. Liver S9-fraction from
Aroclor 1254-induced rats was used as an exogenous metabolic activation system. Test
concentrations were based on the results of a preliminary toxicity assay on cell growth
inhibition relative to growth inhibition in the solvent control in order to determine the
cytotoxicity of bismuth citrate. CHO cells were exposed to 9 concentrations, ranging from
0.36 up to 20 μg/ml, the highest possible concentration, due to the solubility of bismuth
citrate. The experimental conditions in this preliminary toxicity assay were identical to those
of the main test.
In the main test, cells were treated for 4 h (without and with S9-mix) or 20 h (without S9-
mix) and harvested 20 h after the start of treatment. Approximately 2 h before harvest,
each culture was treated with colcemid (0.1 μg/ml culture medium) to block cells at
metaphase of mitosis. Chromosome (metaphase) preparations were stained with Giemsa
and examined microscopically for structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations. The
percentage of cells in metaphase (mitotic index) was determined per 1000 cells scored. A
concurrent cytotoxicity test determining total cell growth inhibition (%) relative to the
solvent control was conducted for all assays and testing conditions. Negative and positive
controls were in accordance with the OECD guideline.
Results
In the preliminary toxicity assay the pH and the osmolality of the highest concentration
were not significantly different from the values for the solvent control.
Substantial toxicity (at least a 50% reduction in relative cell growth) was observed at
concentrations ≥ 10 μg/ml in the 4 h exposure conditions and at concentrations > 5 μg/ml
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in the 20 h non-activated condition. Based on these findings, the top concentration chosen
for the chromosome aberration test was 5 μg/ml for all test conditions.
In the main test, sufficient relative growth inhibition (at least a 50% reduction) was
observed in the tests without S9-mix. With S9-mix a sufficient level of reduction was not
reached. However, in the test with S9-mix the mitotic index was approximately 63 %
reduced whereas without S9-mix the mitotic index was not different from the solvent
control. Apparently the exposure of the CHO cells to bismuth citrate was sufficient.
A biologically relevant increase in the number of cells with chromosomal aberrations was
not found at any of the concentrations evaluated, without and with S9-mix and both after 4
and 20 h exposure.
Conclusion
Under the experimental conditions used, the test item was not genotoxic (clastogenic) in
this chromosome aberration test in CHO cells.
Ref. 45
SCCS comment
The identity and purity of the test substance has been determined based on the bismuth
content alone (see CoA).The citrate moiety has not been determined.
provided. Analysis of the test substance has been performed by a work-up procedure with
capable of determining Bi as an element but not suited for the determination of the test
sodium citrate, pH 11 has not adequately been proven.
Under these test conditions, the identity of the test compound is not clear and may have
changed (bismuth citrate or other bismuth species.
It is not known to which Bismuth species (Bismuth ion or Bismuth citrate) cells are exposed.
The value of this test is limited.
3.3.6.2 Mutagenicity / Genotoxicity in vivo
Bone marrow chromosome aberration test in mice
Guideline: /
Species/strain: Swiss albino mice
Group size: 5 male mice/group
Test substance: bismuth trioxide
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: distilled water
Dose levels: 0, 400, 666.67 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day as a suspension in distilled
water
Route: orally, daily for 7, 14 or 21 days
Sacrifice times: at day 7, 14 or 21 of treatment
GLP: /
Study period: /
Bismuth trioxide has been investigated for the induction of chromosomal aberrations in
bone marrow cells of male mice. Male mice were exposed daily to oral doses of 0, 400,
666.67 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day. Approximately 1.5 h before death, each mouse was
treated i.p. with colchicine (4 mg/kg bw) to block cells at metaphase of mitosis. Bone
marrow preparations were stained with diluted Giemsa and examined microscopically for
chromosomal aberrations. To evaluate the effect of treatment on cellular proliferation,
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indicating to exposure of the target cells, the percentage of dividing cells per treatment
group was scored. Negative and positive controls were not included.
Results
The mitotic index was reduced by bismuth trioxide treatment indicating to exposure of the
target cells.
Independent of the treatment time, a dose dependent increase in the number of bone
marrow cells with chromosome aberrations was observed compared to the untreated control
group. A statistically significant trend test (ANOVA) was only found after 21 days of
treatment.
Conclusions
Under the experimental conditions used, bismuth trioxide induced an increase in the
number of bone marrow cells with chromosome aberrations and, consequently, is genotoxic
(clastogenic) in bone marrow cells of mice.
Ref. 58
SCCS comment
The data are from a publication in the open literature. Very little detail on the performance
of the test was reported. Batch number and purity are lacking. The test was not conducted
in compliance with GLP or OECD guidelines. The performance of the test does not comply
with the present standard requirements.
Bismuth trioxide is insoluble in aqueous media.
The test has only limited value and can only be used for confirmation purposes.
Sperm head abnormality test in mice
Guideline: /
Species/strain: Swiss albino mice
Group size: 5 male mice/group
Test substance: bismuth trioxide
Batch: /
Purity: /
Vehicle: distilled water
Dose levels: 0, 400, 666.67 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day as a suspension in distilled
water
Route: orally, daily for 7, 14 or 21 days
Sacrifice times: at day 7, 14 or 21 of treatment
GLP: /
Study period: /
Bismuth trioxide has been investigated for the induction of sperm head abnormalities in
sperm obtained from the epididymis of mice. The production of abnormal sperm heads is
considered to indicate changes in the genetic component controlling the process of
spermatogenesis. Male mice were exposed daily to oral doses of 0, 400, 666.67 and 1000
mg/kg bw/day. Epididymal sperm preparations were stained with diluted Giemsa and
examined microscopically for sperm head abnormalities. Negative and positive controls were
not included.
Results
A biologically relevant increase in the frequency of sperm head was not observed compared
to the untreated control group.
Conclusions
Under the experimental conditions used, bismuth trioxide is not genotoxic in this sperm
head abnormality test in mice.
Ref. 58
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SCCS comment
The data are from a publication in the open literature. Very little detail on the performance
of the test was reported. Batch number and purity are lacking. The test was not conducted
in compliance with GLP. The performance of the test does not comply with the present
standard requirements. Bismuth trioxide is insoluble in aqueous media. It is questionable
whether a sufficient internal dose was achieved for reaching the target organ. The test has
only very limited value.
3.3.7 Carcinogenicity
Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl)
BD rats, groups of 20 males and 20 females (100 days old at the start of the experiment)
were fed a diet containing 1, 2, or 5% BiOCl. A group of 30 males and 30 females served as
the untreated control. The daily intake of the mash was 50 g for the males and 40 g for the
females. After a feeding period of 2 years the treatment was terminated and surviving
animals were transferred to the basic diet and observed until their natural death. Body
weight was recorded monthly. At autopsy all important organs were examined and tissues
were fixed for histological investigations.
The mean survival varied from 810 to 890 days. The mean body weights of the test groups
did not differ significantly from those of the controls. No macroscopic or histological findings
could be attributed to the BiOCl treatment. One mammary carcinoma was found in the
control group. No malignant tumours were found in the groups treated with BiOCl.
Ref. 47
Bismuth subcarbonate (Bi2O3 . CO2 . H2O)
BD rats, a group of 20 males (100 g at start of experiment) were fed a diet containing 2%
bismuth subcarbonate. Mean survival was 753 days. No tumours attributable to bismuth
subcarbonate were found.
Ref. 50
Tris(dimethyldithiocarbamato)bismuth
(C57BL/6 X C3H/Anf)F1 and (C57BL/6 X AKR)F1 hybride mice received 10 mg/kg bw

Tris(dimethyldithiocarbamato)bismuth in 0.5% gelatine by gavage for 21 days. The
treatment started when the mice were 7 days old. After this treatment the mice received
34 ppm tris(dimethyldithiocarbamato)bismuth in the diet for 17 months. A large number of
different control groups involving more than 100 mice participated in the study.
No significant elevation of tumour incidence in any of the treated mice was found.
Ref. 51
Bismuth dextran
40 mice received subcutaneous injections with bismuth dextran. No tumours were found at
the site of injection.
Ref. 49
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SCCS comment
No carcinogenicity studies have been performed with bismuth citrate. Some bismuth
compounds have been studied in long term studies with rats and mice. These studies with
the exception of the study on bismuth oxychloride are old (from 1960 – 1969) and
incompletely reported. None of the studies reported tumour induction by bismuth
compounds.
3.3.8 Reproductive toxicity
3.3.8.1 Two generation reproduction toxicity
No data available
3.3.8.2 Other data on fertility and reproduction toxicity
No definitive studies on the effects of bismuth citrate administration on male or female

fertility and early embryonic development have been conducted and the literature search
did not identify any such studies of any bismuth salt. However, experimental studies on
bismuth citrate (ref. 52) and bismuth subnitrate (ref. 53, ref. 55, ref. 56, ref. 57) were
identified in the literature review:
The histochemical silver amplification technique auto-metallography (AMG) was used to

trace bismuth in the testis of Wistar rats after i.p. administration of bismuth subnitrate.
Groups of 4 male Wistar rats were treated with an overdose of 500 mg/kg bismuth
subnitrate intraperitoneally and allowed to survive for 2 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. A
group of four rats served as control and received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline.
The reason for choosing this high dose was that bismuth subnitrate is rather insoluble, and
very high doses of bismuth subnitrate are needed to get bismuth into the bloodstream,
compared to other bismuth compounds. In both treatment groups, in the seminiferous
tubules, bismuth was located in lysosomes of Sertoli cells. Leydig cells showed large
amounts of AMG-bismuth in their lysosomes pointing at a possible effect of bismuth on
testicular function and male reproductive capability.
Ref. 57
In a subsequent study, the authors used the same technique to trace bismuth in the testis
and pituitary glands of Wistar rats after i.p. treatment (500 mg/kg bw) with bismuth
subnitrate and survival for 2 weeks. Again, large amounts of bismuth AMG grains were
presentin the lysosomes of Leydig cells. Serum testosterone levels were reduced when
compared with controls. No histochemical traces of bismuth were found in the anterior lobe
of the pituitary gland. Compared with their corresponding controls, neither follicle-
stimulating hormone nor luteinizing hormone were affected. According to the authors, the
selective uptake of bismuth in Leydig cells, followed by decreased testosterone levels,
emphasizes a potential hazard of bismuth-provoked male reproductive impairment.
Ref. 56
Studies have demonstrated that bismuth overdose results in a lowered serum testosterone
level but the mechanisms involved are unknown. The effect of bismuth subnitrate was
therefore investigated on Leydig cells isolated from rats.
10 male Wistar rats were treated with one i.p. injection of 500 mg/kg bismuth subnitrate
and allowed to survive for 2 weeks. 10 rats served as control and received an
intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline. Under the experimental conditions applied, bismuth
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was observed in Leydig cells, with a subsequent reduction in serum testosterone levels.
Stereological procedures were used to estimate the number of Leydig cells in the right testis
from retained rats used in a previous study. The mean number of Leydig cells in the control
group was estimated to be 18.7 x 106, which was comparable to previous estimations. In
the group exposed to bismuth, the mean was 15.5 x 106. The observed 17% difference
between the two groups was statistically significant. The inter-individual variation was
largest in the bismuth-exposed group. Testis weight and body weight were not significantly
reduced after bismuth exposure. No signs of overt toxicity were observed but a reduction in
the number of Leydig cells in testes was demonstrated. These findings support the
hypothesis that bismuth has a direct toxic effect on rat Leydig cells under the experimental
conditions used and suggests a potential risk of bismuth to male reproduction.
Ref. 53
Recent studies suggest that bismuth accumulates in Leydig cells. In addition, a reduced
level of serum testosterone and a statistically significant reduction of Leydig cells have been
observed. It was therefore hypothesized that Bi has a direct toxic effect on rat Leydig cells.
A more recent study performed in Wistar rats injected intraperitioneally with 500 mg/kg of
bismuth subnitrate employed a combination of autometallography for bismuth tracing and
immunohistochemistry for macrophage localization. By use of this method for double
labelling of bismuth and ED-2 (a marker for testicular macrophages) it was shown that the
heavily bismuth-loaded cells in rat testis, originally interpreted as being Leydig cells, are
testis loaded macrophages. Consequently, the data suggest a modified hypothesis regarding
bismuth-induced interactions between testicular macrophages and Leydig cells.
Ref. 55
SCCS comment
The study data suggest that high internal doses of bismuth achieved by i.p. application may
lead to damage of Leydig cells and consequently serum testosterone levels may be reduced
compared with controls. The data shows a potential hazard to male reproduction at high
internal doses that may also be otherwise toxic. Any conclusions on risk assessment of male
fertility and reproduction with regards to bismuth citrate or other bismuth species formed
after dermal or oral absorption are not possible on the basis of such studies.
In vitro study
Effects of bismuth citrate on the viability and function of Leydig cells and testicular
macrophages isolated from rats were investigated. Bismuth citrate was dissolved in 500 µl 1
M aqueous ammonia and diluted with the culture medium up to 100 ml to obtain a 400 µM
stock solution of bismuth citrate (containing 5 mM NH3). No change in viability or secretion
of testosterone were observed in Leydig cells treated for 24 h with increasing doses of
bismuth citrate (1, 10, 100 µM). However, a significant effect on testicular macrophages
was observed under the experimental conditions applied. No influence on the production of
TNF-α, known to be inhibitory to Leydig cells and produced by macrophages when activated,
was noted.
Given the previously observed effects of bismuth on testosterone in vivo, it was concluded
that bismuth has no direct effect on Leydig cells but lowers testosterone levels by
destroying testicular macrophages, thereby interrupting their local paracrine influence on
Leydig cells through factors other than TNF- α.
Ref. 52
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SCCS comment
The stability of bismuth citrate in 1 M aqueous ammonia is not clear and the pH of the
bismuth citrate stock solution was not reported. The test item seems to exert similar effects
in vitro compared to bismuth subnitrate in vivo after high doses suggesting that bismuth
ions or unknown bismuth species formed in vitro or in vivo are the toxic agents. The
mechanism of action remains unclear.
3.3.8.3 Developmental Toxicity
The following study data were obtained from a summary of a scientific review (report not
available):
Passage of bismuth into amniotic fluid and the human foetus has been reported after intake
of bismuth containing drugs but information on effects upon foetal development appear
limited. In order to establish levels of bismuth which could be tolerated during pregnancy,
preliminary studies were performed in pregnant AHA rats and Dutch rabbits.
Bismuth citrate was formulated as solutions in aqueous ammonium hydroxide.
a) Rabbits: Dosages of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg were administered once daily by oral
gavage to 10 rabbits from Days 8-20 of pregnancy inclusive (day of mating is Day 1
of pregnancy). Plasma bismuth levels were determined on Days 8 and 20 of
pregnancy. On Day 30, the rabbits were subjected to autopsy and foetuses examined
for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. Maternal toxicity, manifest as a
marked reduction in bodyweight, was apparent in the rabbits (dose not reported). No
adverse effects upon pre- or post-implantation loss, numbers of viable foetuses or
foetal development were observed. Results obtained indicated that plasma bismuth
levels in the rabbits of up to 420ng/g were not linearly related to dose and that there
was evidence of accumulation.
b) Rats: Doses of 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg/day were administered on days 7-16 of
gestation. No effects on maternal toxicity, fetal toxicity, or postnatal development
were observed in rats at any dose. Rat post-natal development was also unaffected.
Maximum bismuth levels in rat plasma (495 ng/g) were similar to those of the
rabbits while there was evidence of a linear relationship to dose but with no obvious
accumulation.
Ref. 60
SCCS comment
The study cannot be evaluated as the study report is not available. In addition, stability of
bismuth citrate after dissolution in aqueous ammonium hydroxide is not reported.
Guideline: OECD 414 (22nd January, 2001)

Species/strain: Rat Crl:CD (SD)IGS BR
Group size: 22 mated females
Test substance: bismuth citrate
Batch: 97/90137/000
Purity: 99% according to the bismuth content of % (CoA from 1997)
Vehicle: 5% aqueous methylcellulose (Mn ca. 86,000)
Dose levels: 0, 100, 300, 1000 mg/kg/day
Dose volume: 5 ml/kg bw
Route: oral
Positive control: /
GLP statement: in compliance
Study period: Experimental phase Nov 2004
Doses were selected based on the above described developmental toxicity study in rats (ref.
60). Rats were dosed once daily during days 6-20 of gestation. Maternal clinical
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observations, body weights, and food consumption data were recorded until day 21 of
gestation when all dams were killed and subjected to caesarian section. Fetuses were
examined for external, visceral, and skeletal alterations. There were no deaths and no
treatment-related findings at gross necropsy of the dams. Clinical observations were limited
to dark feces at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day which were considered test substance-related
but not adverse. Maternal toxicity was observed at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day indicated
by statistically significant reductions in maternal body weights and/or weight gain. Transient
effects on food consumption were observed at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. There was no evidence
of maternal toxicity at 100 mg/kg bw/day. No developmental toxicity was observed at any
dose level. The mean number of implantation sites, resorptions, live fetuses, mean fetal
weight and sex ratio were comparable across all groups. There were no test substance-
related fetal abnormalities observed.
The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for maternal toxicity was identified as 100 mg/kg
bw/day, based on reductions in body weight /body weight gain at 300 and 1000 mg/kg
bw/day. The NOEL for developmental toxicity was 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Ref. 59
SCCS comment
The synonym Bismuth subcitrate in the “Study information” of the report (p. 7) is not
correct.
The purity of the test substance has been determined based on the Bismuth content alone
(see CoA). The citrate moiety has not been determined.
The stability of the test substance and its stability in the test formulations during study
conduct have been determined by a work-up procedure with conc. acids whereby the test
substance is destroyed. The analytical method ICP-AES is capable of determining Bismuth
as an element but is not suited for the determination of the test item bismuth citrate and its
stability. Therefore, the stability of the test item in dosing formulations has not adequately
been proven.
3.3.9 Toxicokinetics
3.3.9.1 Toxicokinetics in laboratory animals
Rats
Study 1
A pharmacokinetic study of “bismuth205/206 citrate” in the Wistar rat established a model
with two open compartments. The animals were either orally dosed by gavage or received
an intravenous injection into the caudal vein at the dose of 0.2 µCi/250 g of “bismuth
citrate” per animal. Blood samples were taken at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours after
dosing. In the nervous system, the highest concentration of bismuth was in the spina
medulla and a descending gradient was noted in the central nervous system. After
distribution, the concentrations of bismuth were highest in the kidney, followed by lung,
liver, gut and spleen.
Concentrations of a bismuth205/206 citrate-like substance in µg/g tissues for an injected

quantity of 0.2 µCi/250 g/animal:
1 hr 2 hr 4 hr 8 hr 16 hr 24 hr 48 hr
Lung i.v. 33 160 24 9 8 6 4
p.o. 1 1 1 1
Liver i.v. 72 73 70 68 15 14 8
p.o. - 1 6
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Spleen i.v. 30 39 41 35 23 18 10
p.o. 4 5 24 7 3 2 1
Kidney i.v. 163 216 181 176 141 133 41
p.o. 2 20 106 2 1
Duodenum i.v. 42 36 29 26 18 7 2
p.o. 14 12 17 8 1
Colon i.v. 44 45 32 27 16 10 4
p.o. 1 1 1 6 1 1
Brain i.v. 1.006 1.117 0.902 0.741 0.555 0.535 0.189
p.o. 0.671 0.500 0.496 0.266 0.183 0.126 0.073
Cerebellum i.v. 1.954 2.040 1.098 1.071 0.879 0.786 0.420
p.o. 0.892 0.855 0.802 0.750 0.610 0.407 0.327
Spine medulla i.v. 2.860 5.008 2.255 2.215 2.115 1.625 1.102
p.o. 5.788 1.055 1.243 1.784 1.433 1.215 0.783
Ref. 62
SCCS comment
The synthesis and purification of the radiolabelled bismuth substance was not described. A
soluble salt of “Bi citrate” was used (see introduction of the publication). It cannot be
excluded that a commercially available bismuth salt, Bi subcitrate, potentially the
potassium salt was used.
The study cannot be used for quantitative evaluation because of the unclear identity and
characterization of the Bi substance. Moreover, the copy of the publication provided was in
part not readable so that possible important information on toxicokinetic parameters such
as half-lives of the substance could not be retrieved.
Study 2
The bioavailability of 205bismuth from various labeled salts, most of them used in
pharmaceutical commercial oral preparations used in peptic ulcer therapy (basic bismuth
citrate – see SCCS comment, water soluble bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth
subcitrate, basic bismuth nitrate, salicylate, gallate and bismuth aluminate) was
studied in female Wistar rats. Synthesis of the labeled substances and their characteristics
were described (see table).
Intestinal absorption, determined in groups of 10 rats each and calculated from 205bismuth
whole body retention and accumulated 205bismuth urinary excretion, was generally low, but
significantly higher (0.26-0.33% of dose) from oral bismuth citrates (basic bismuth citrate,
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water soluble bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate) compared to basic bismuth
nitrate, salicylate, gallate, and bismuth aluminate (0.04-0.11% of dose). For all compounds,
more than 99% of the label was excreted in the feces. The low solubility of most bismuth
compounds (with the exception of bismuth citrates) at neutral pH has been suggested as
the main factor for low intestinal absorption. Solubility of the bismuth citrate compounds in
an artificial gastric juice was only about two-fold higher than the solubility of the water-
insoluble bismuth substances, whereas marked differences between both substance groups
were observed when using an artificial duodenal juice (see table).
The biological half-life and the tissue distribution of bismuth was studied following single
administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (20 mg, 150 µCi) to rats by gastric intubation.
Twenty days after oral application 0.008-0.017% of the radioactivity, i.e. 2-5% of the dose
absorbed was still retained in the body. Retained bismuth was mainly in the kidney,
followed by bone, red blood cells and the lung.
The 205Bi activity in blood was mainly attributed to the red cell fraction, whereas the serum
concentration was almost negligible. This might be of importance in view of the fact that the
safety of bismuth therapies has been often monitored by measuring the plasma
concentration.
Whole body retention, fecal and urinary excretions of 205bismuth was described as a three-
compartment model. Biological 205bismuth half-lives of 10, 36 and 295 h were found in the
rat. Ref. 63
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SCCS comment
“Basic bismuth citrate” in this study is the monohydrate of bismuth citrate, BiC6H7O8, MW
416, Bi content 50.2%.
“Water soluble bismuth citrate” in this study is probably not the potassium salt of bismuth
subcitrate (which has a molecular weight of 704,47 and a Bi content of 29.7%, not 37.5%
as in the table) (see 3.1.1.6).
According to this study, liver is apparently not a major organ of Bi retention in rats 20 days
after oral uptake, in contrast to humans (see next section, toxicokinetics in humans).
Study 3
After 15 days of twice daily oral gavage with bismuth subcitrate at 13.7 mg/kg bw/day to
eight rats, deposition of bismuth was found in all tissues studied, especially the kidney
(30.8 +/- 8.6 μg/g dry weight). Bismuth was detected in kidney, brain, lung and liver but
deposition was not influenced by gastric pH.
A similar pattern of distribution and tissue concentrations was found when bismuth
subcitrate was given with ranitidine hydrochloride 8.6 mg/kg bw/day to another eight rats.
However, this combination resulted in lower brain levels (3.1 +/- 1.3 µg/g dry weight) than
after administration of bismuth subcitrate alone (4.8 +/- 1.0 µg/g dry weight).
When six rats were given ranitidine bismuth citrate by gavage at 22.8 mg/kg bw/day for 15
days, kidney levels were lower (4.2 +/- 1.8 µg/g dry weight) compared to an equivalent
dosing with bismuth subcitrate, and brain levels were below detection limits. Blood levels
correlated poorly with deposition in organs. Bismuth could not be detected in any of the
organs examined at 30 days post-dosing but was found in the urine.
Ref. 64
SCCS comment
Bismuth subcitrate in combination with ranitidine hydrochloride or given as a ranitidine
bismuth citrate complex apparently reduces the absorption and/or the deposition of bismuth
in critical organs of the rat. However, this study is available only as a summary.
Study 4
Intestinal absorption of bismuth from bismuth subnitrate (BSN), bismuth subsalicylate
(BSS), colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), bismuth chloride (BiCl3) or bismuth citrate
(BCit) was investigated by use of an in vivo perfusion of rat small intestine in combination
with systemic blood sampling in female Wistar rats (200-220 g bw). The objective of the
study was to clarify whether the absorption of bismuth behaves differently compared with
oral intake and passage via the stomach.
Perfusate solutions in isotonic saline were prepared containing the equivalent of 1 g of
elemental Bi per liter for five Bi compounds: BSS (containing 56% elemental Bi), BSN (71%
Bi), CBS (35% Bi), BiCl3 (66% Bi), and BCit (51% Bi). The solutions were stirred and
heated at 37oC for 1 h directly before the experiment to allow the suspensions to reach
equilibrium. The perfusate solution of CBS, which forms an unstable colloidal solution, was
prepared directly before starting the experiment. Eight rats were perfused with CBS and
four with each of the other compounds. The isotonic Bi-containing medium was recirculated
at 37oC through the small intestine (duodenum, ileum, and jejunum; total length, about 1
m) at a perfusion rate of 10 ml/min. Osmolality was controlled to limit interference of water
and salt transport with the absorption of Bi. Samples of perfusate and blood were collected
directly before the experiment (t = 0) and for 60 min at 15-min intervals during the
experiment and analyzed by electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry (EAAS).
The dose dependency of Bi absorption was studied for CBS because it was the Bi compound
that was most easy to handle. BiCl3 was chosen as a reference compound, but because of
its low pH in isotonic saline (pH = 1.7), citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 6.3) was added. At least
two rats were perfused with each concentration.
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Results
The Bi concentrations in the perfusates prepared with CBS, BiCl3 and BCit were higher than
those in the perfusates prepared with BSN and BSS (see table 1). The initial pH of the BiCl3
perfusate was significantly lower (pH = 1.7 ± 0.1) than in all other perfusates, and the pH
in the BCit and BSS perfusates (pH = 4.3 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.6, respectively) was lower than
in the BSN and CBS perfusates (p < 0.001; pH = 6.6 ± 0.1 and 6.7 ± 0.3, respectively).
Osmolality and pH at the end of the perfusion were comparable between the compounds,
with the exception of BiCl3, which had a significantly lower pH (p < 0.001; pH = 3.4 ± 0.8)
and a higher osmolality compared with the other compounds at the end of the perfusion. In
all perfusates, pH increased during perfusion due to mixing of gastrointestinal fluids with the
unbuffered perfusate.
The absorption of Bi (BiB60) after 60 min was dependent on the type of compound in the
perfusate. Absorption was higher from CBS- and BCit-containing perfusates (see table 1)
than from BSN, BSS, and BiCl3. (Differences in the time course of absorption were also
observed between the two groups of substances.)
Dose dependency of Bi absorption: For both compounds studied (i.e., CBS and BiCl3 in
citrate buffer), the perfusate concentrations of Bi increased with the amount of Bi added to
the perfusate in a dose-dependent manner (see table 2).
Ref. 65, Ref. 91
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SCCS comment
The study data indicates that the intestinal absorption of bismuth compounds is dependent
on their water solubility (table 1) even if the solubility is low and also strongly depends on
the concentration of the bismuth compound in the perfusate (table 2), meaning that acute
toxic, up to lethal Bi concentrations in blood may be achieved in case of circumvention of
the gastric passage. Gastric passage after oral uptake may change the bismuth compound,
for instance by formation of insoluble BiOCl under the acidic conditions and presence of
hydrogen chloride in the stomach.
The authors recognized in their discussion that bismuth citrate may have been formed at
least in part in the BiCl3 solution after enhancing the pH by addition of citrate buffer.
However, no details have been reported.
For a detailed discussion of the study results and their implications for oral absorption of
bismuth compounds in rats and humans see Annex 2.
Study 5
The effect of liver disease on the distribution of bismuth in the body was studied in normal
and experimental cirrhotic rats to test the hypothesis that diseases of the liver could
predispose to bismuth accumulation and potential intoxication. Cirrhosis was induced in the
rats using a phenobarbitone and CCl4 regime. Normal rats used as a comparison group
received phenobarbitone alone in drinking water. Two weeks after the treatment, the
animals were given bismuth as an intramuscular injection at a dose of 630 µg/kg-bw twice a
week for a period of 70 d.
Excretion and tissue distribution of bismuth were investigated in animals administered
bismuth subcitrate by the intramuscular route for 70 days. Plasma bismuth in normal rats
reached an apparent steady state of 31.89 ± 4.15 µg/l by day 28–35. The plasma profile in
cirrhotic rats resembled that of normal rats until day 42 after which bismuth concentrations
became significantly elevated. At day 70 mean plasma bismuth concentration was 63.68 ±
9.68 µg/l in cirrhotic rats compared with 32.68 ± 4.24 µg/l in control rats (p < 0.05). Total
urinary excretion of cirrhotic animals closely paralleled that of controls; however, urinary
bismuth clearance was significantly reduced beyond 42 d, as was faecal excretion. In both
groups, deposition of bismuth was highest in the kidney, followed by liver and bone. Much
lower amounts were found in lungs, spleen, brain and heart. Bismuth concentration in the
liver, bone, spleen, lungs and heart of the cirrhotic rats was significantly higher (about 1.5-
3 fold), with no change in the kidney.
Ref. 66
SCCS comment
Determination of bismuth in plasma is a method of limited value for the assessment of the
internal load of bismuth as bismuth levels in whole blood are considerably higher (ref. 63).
Mice
The distribution of bismuth in the gastrointestinal tract and other organs was studied after
single oral exposure in BALBc/a female mice with bismuth citrate or ranitidine bismuth
citrate corresponding to bismuth concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 15 mg (i.e., 25-750
mg bismuth/kg for a 20 g mouse). Cryostat tissue sections from all animals were examined.
Cultured murine peritoneal macrophages were exposed to bismuth citrate at concentrations
of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 µM or pure medium for 24, 48 or 72
hours. The bismuth accumulation was examined over time.
Bismuth was absorbed and was present in gastrointestinal epithelial cells shortly after
exposure. Deposits of bismuth were found in lymph node macrophages, liver, spleen and
kidney as well as in macrophages in the gastrointestinal lamina propria for at least 9 weeks.
At the subcellular level, bismuth was found exclusively in lysosomes, primarily in
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macrophages and dendritic cells. Lysosomal accumulation was shown to be time and dose
dependent.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate was more readily absorbed than bismuth citrate and this was
attributed to a pH effect, as ranitidine increases the intra-gastric pH.
No signs of morphological changes in the examined tissues or cell cultures and no signs of
adverse effects were noted in experimental animals.
Ref. 67
Rabbits
The content of bismuth in blood, serum, kidneys and brain of rabbits was determined
after twice daily oral administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate, potassium
salt (Ventrisol) and its chemical analogue, bismuth citrate (dissolved in
ammonia). The daily dose of Ventrisol was equivalent to 28.8 mg/kg bw/day of
Bi203 (corresponding to 25.8 mg Bi/kg bw/day) during the four week treatment
period (4 times higher than human dosage). The dosage of bismuth citrate was not
mentioned.
Higher bismuth content in kidneys was observed suggesting the excretion of both
pharmaceuticals in urine. The very low values obtained from bismuth dosages in blood
serum of rabbits before and after repeated administration, and the lack of statistical
differences, showed that bismuth was not absorbed from pharmaceuticals under
investigation. These observations were confirmed by the analysis of bismuth content in
kidneys and brain of the rabbits.
Ref. 61
SCCS comment
High levels and high variations of bismuth in blood (5-25 µg/L) were observed in the
control groups so that no statistically significant difference could be obtained after 4 weeks
of dosage. It is not clear whether the solution of bismuth citrate in ammonia may change
the bismuth species. The dosage of “bismuth citrate” was not mentioned but was
apparently equivalent.
The study cannot be evaluated because of severe shortcomings.
3.3.9.2 Toxicokinetics in humans
Introduction
There are only few studies reported on the toxicokinetics of bismuth citrate in humans and
even in these cases the identity of bismuth citrate as test item is not always certain. Plenty
of toxicokinetic studies in humans, published clinical safety studies and case reports exist
which were performed or reported when using bismuth substances of pharmacological
interest. These substances include a wide range of bismuth salts but also bismuth
substances with organic ligands and thus different properties such as higher lipophilicity.
Only studies on Bi substances will be referred to here that are considered similar to bismuth
citrate in their chemical properties, in particular chemical complex formation of bismuth and
citrate such as bismuth subcitrate (mostly the water soluble tripotassium salt, also
termed tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate) or the colloidal form derived from this salt,
colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) or ranitidine bismuth citrate, a complex formed
from ranitidine and bismuth subcitrate (see section 3.1.1.6). For more general information
on the toxicokinetics of bismuth in humans see Annex 1.
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Studies reported
Study 1
An exploratory study was conducted in one healthy male subject aged 49 years (bw 83 kg)
in order to establish the relationships among systemic uptake, blood levels, and excretion of
bismuth. The volunteer received an intravenous injection of 207bismuth as a citrate
compound (5 ng of bismuth dissolved in in 0.01 M nitric acid with an equal volume of 2%
(wt/vol) trisodium citrate to give an activity concentration of about 10 kBq 207Bi/ml). The
quantity injected was about 9 kBq. Levels of the tracer in blood and in excretion samples,
and its retention and distribution within the body were determined by measurement of
radioactivity.
Under the experimental conditions applied, levels in whole blood samples fell very rapidly,
with only 1% of the injection remaining at 7 h and only 0.1% at 18 days suggesting rapid
distribution and/or excretion. There was a rapid initial excretion, with 55% lost during the
first 47 h, principally in urine. However, long-term losses were much slower. Whole body
retention 25 days after intake was about 8%, and 0.6% remained in the body at 924 days,
when the contemporary rate of loss implied a biological half-life of 1.9 years.
Ref. 70
SCCS comment
The identity of the bismuth citrate compound has not been proven.
Study 2
Labelled compounds in human volunteers demonstrated oral bioavailability values of
0.043%±0.008% for colloidal bismuth subcitrate, 0.039%±0.001% for basic bismuth
subgallate and <0.005% for basic bismuth nitrate, basic bismuth subsalicylate and
bismuth aluminate.
Oral administration of 108 mg Bismuth (colloidal bismuth subcitrate) to human
volunteers gave a maximum blood concentration of between 4.7 and 21 µg/l after 15 to 60
minutes. The intake of 216 mg Bismuth (colloidal bismuth subcitrate) gave Cmax values
ranging between 25 and 300 µg/l after 30 minutes.
As citrate increased intestinal absorption of bismuth from several compounds, formation
and absorption of a bismuth citrate complex was suggested.
Ref. 71
SCCS comment
This summarized information was taken from a review in a handbook which is not available
to the SCCS. However, an initial peak concentration (Cmax) of bismuth in blood after the first
administration during a medical therapy using bismuth pharmaceuticals was also observed
in other studies. After that, bismuth concentrations in blood mostly declined resulting in
lower levels (reviewed by Tillman et al. 1995, ref.85).
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3.3.10 Photo-induced toxicity
3.3.10.1 Phototoxicity / photo-irritation and photosensitisation
Guideline: OECD 432

Method: 3T3 Neutral red uptake phototoxicity test
Test system: Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line (ATTC CCL-163)
Test product: Bismuth citrate
Purity: 99%
Batch: Not stated
Positive control: Chlorpromazine (CPZ)
Irradiation: 5 J/cm2
Solvent 5 mg Bismuth Citrate added to 50 mL Hank’s Balanced Salt
Solution (HBSS) to yield a 100 µg/ml stock.
Concentrations: 3.16, 4.64, 6.81, 10.0, 14.7, 21.5, 31.6, 46.4 μg/ml
GLP: No
Study period: June-August 2005
Balb/c 3T3 cells were seeded in the central 60 wells of two 96-well plates and maintained in
culture for 24 hours. The duplicate 96-well plates were then pre-incubated with eight
different concentrations of bismuth citrate for one hour.
One plate was irradiated for fifty minutes at 1.7 mW/cm² to achieve a UVA dose of 5 J/cm²
UVA (with <1% UVB), the remaining plate was kept in the dark (no UVA). After UV
irradiation, the treatment medium was replaced with culture medium and, after 24 hours,
cell viability was determined by neutral red uptake for 3 hours.
Results
The EC50 values and Photo-Irritant-Factor (PIF) for the test article and CPZ were as follows:
Conclusion
Bismuth citrate was not considered phototoxic (positive results is defined as PIF>5).
Ref. 68
SCCS comment
Evidence on the stability of bismuth citrate in Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) has not
been provided.
The batch was not identified or characterized. The study was not performed under GLP
conditions.
Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) photosensitisation study

The study was done according to the methodology previously described in 3.3.3.
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Results
The SI values for the test article, bismuth citrate, + UVA at 10%, 25% and 50% were all
below the threshold of 3.0 (i.e. 0.7, 0.8 and 1.5, respectively; and 1.3, 1.6 and 0.7,
respectively, without UVA), indicating the test article is not a photo-sensitizer.
Conclusion
Topical application of the test article bismuth citrate, Lot #97/90137/000, at 10%, 25% and
50%, with UVA, resulted in a stimulation index less than 3 (SI < 3.0), and therefore this
test article is not a dermal photo-sensitizer in the Photo-Local Lymph Node Assay.
Ref. 33
SCCS comment
See also section 3.3.3, Skin sensitization.
3.3.10.2 Photomutagenicity / photoclastogenicity
No data available.
3.3.11 Human data
Clinical safety and dermal absorption of bismuth citrate
Study 1
The clinical safety, tolerance, and systemic absorption of bismuth following application to
hair and scalp of a commercial hair colouring preparation containing 0.5% bismuth citrate
was tested using 21 subjects in a double blind study. Ten subjects received placebo, and 11
the active preparation. Daily application of the test substance for 3 weeks was followed by
twice weekly application for an additional nine weeks. A four week post-application wash out
interval was used.
Results
The product was clinically safe and well tolerated. No changes in physical findings or clinical
laboratory tests attributable to study participation were observed.
Serial bismuth serum and urine quantitative testing was done throughout the study. Blood
and urine testing for bismuth at sensitivity levels of <0.7µg % and <0.005 ppm
respectively was negative in all subjects throughout the study interval.
Under conditions of this study no systemic absorption of bismuth was detected either by
assay of serial blood specimens or serial 24 hour urine collections. Similarly, no local
adverse reaction was detected in any subject. Mild scalp pruritis in one subject which
disappeared as the daily application of the active drug was continued is not considered
significant.
It is concluded that the product as applied in this testing was safe, tolerated, and not
associated with detectable systemic absorption of bismuth.
Ref. 72
SCCS comment
The terminology is not clear: “Sensitivity levels” probably means limits of detection or limits
of quantification. The dimension “<0.7µg %” corresponds to <7 µg/L. No detailed data is
available. The information is based only on the abstract supplied.
Normal background levels of Bi in human blood are in the range <1 - 15 µg/L.
The claimed concentration of Bismuth citrate is 0.5% and not 2% as applied for by the
applicant. The complete study report is required for evaluation. Supporting documented
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evidence on the concentration, purity and stability of bismuth citrate in the formulation is
required for evaluation.
Study 2
A test was conducted with an experimental hair formulation (#1041) for determination of
bismuth levels in both blood and urine under use conditions.
A control formulation (#1043) was used for comparison purposes. Ten human male subjects
(8 test and 2 control) participated in the study.
The test material was applied according to product instructions in the laboratory 5 days per
week and at home on the weekends during a 4-week test period. Quantities of test material
applied were recorded. Blood and urine samples for bismuth analysis were taken 3 times
during pre-test days, -15, -7 and 0; test days 7, 14, 21 and 28; and after 7 days recovery.
Results
The results of the statistical analyses of the urine bismuth data revealed numerous inter-
period differences suggesting changes in bismuth levels during the test period. However,
variations noted between pre-test days (-15 vs. -7 vs. 0) and the fact that pre-test day 0
and test day 28 show no significant difference, indicate that any contribution of the test
material to urine bismuth levels during the test period is questionable. Also, data for the
control subjects follow the same pattern as those of the test subjects.
There was no correlation between the amount of test material used and the levels of
bismuth noted in the urine during the test period.
No trace of bismuth was found in the blood at any time during the pre-test, test or recovery
periods.
No untoward dermal or systemic reactions were observed at any time during the study.
Ref. 73
SCCS comment
Study design, study conduct and methodology do not comply with modern standards. The
control group was too small (2 persons). An increase of bismuth concentrations in urine
during the application period of 4 weeks compared with pre-exposure and recovery data
cannot be excluded. No data on the concentration of bismuth citrate in the formulation or
daily applied is available.
Overall SCCS comment

The above studies cannot be evaluated due to major shortcomings in documentation or
study conduct.
Sensitization (Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%) April 25, 2005
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A total of 101 subjects completed the test; 33 males and 68 females. The subjects range in
age from 18 to 70.
Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%
Batch: #16B: SCP2717, RD4165
Purity: Q050048 (analysis result 2.027%)
Results
During the induction phase, no reactions were observed. Following challenge, one subject
exhibited a low-level, transient reaction.
Under the experimental conditions applied, the test product SCP2717, RD4165 exhibited no
evidence of skin sensitization in humans.
Ref. 74
SCCS comment
In the study there is no information about the composition of the batch #16B: SCP2717,
RD4165. There is no documented information in the study on bismuth citrate.
Information on purity: Q050048 (analysis result 2.027%) This information is not supplied in
the study report but taken from tables in the applicant’s dossier. Supporting documented
evidence on the concentration, purity and stability of bismuth citrate in the formulation of
this study is required.
Safety clinical studies related to prototype liquids and lotions containing 0.5%
bismuth citrate
Study 1
Apart from MKT 121, three other test items, MKT 122, MKT 123 and MKT 124 were also
tested.
Results
Under the experimental conditions applied, the test items (MKT 121, MKT 122, MKT 123 and
MKT 124) exhibited no evidence of irritation or sensitization in human volunteers.
Ref. 75
SCCS comment
No information is available in the study report on MKT 121. The information that the test
item MKT 121 contained a 0.5% bismuth preparation and the batch number is only
mentioned in the applicant’s dossier without any further supporting evidence. The claimed
concentration is 0.5% and not 2% as applied for by the applicant.
Three other test items, MKT 122, MKT 123 and MKT 124 were tested (not further
characterized in the study report) but not mentioned in the applicant’s dossier.
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Study 2
Bismuth citrate hair colouring preparations containing 0.5% bismuth citrate:

R&D 1230#617, batch R8GO6D, liquid
R&D 1237#898, batch R8H03D, cream
R&D 1229#412, batch R8G05D
Results
Under the experimental conditions applied, the three hair colouring preparations of bismuth
citrate exhibited no evidence of adverse reactions in human volunteers except in one case
where a reversible red rash (not observed at final examination 10 days after initial
observation) and itching around the nape of the neck was observed.
Ref. 76
SCCS comment
No analytical information on bismuth citrate and its concentration in the study is available.
The claimed concentration is 0.5% and not 2% as applied for by the applicant.
Study 3
Bismuth citrate hair colouring preparations MKT 394 and MKT 395 (both 0.5%).
Results
The strongest reaction observed (at 48 or 96 hour reading) was used to calculate the
irritancy score (sum of all numerical equivalents divided by the total number of subjects
completing the study x100. A score of>10-<50 is taken as minimal irritant not expected to
be clinically significant under normal use conditions.
Under the experimental conditions applied, the hair colouring preparations of bismuth
citrate (MKT 394 and MKT 395) both exhibited minimal irritation in humans following topical
application to the skin at a concentration of 0.5%.
Ref. 77
SCCS comment
No analytical information on bismuth citrate and its concentration in the study report is
available. The claimed concentration is 0.5% and not 2% as applied for by the applicant.
The type of study should be stopped after RIPT
General SCCS comment

HRIPT studies are generally considered unethical by the SCCS.
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3.3.12 Special investigations
No data
3.3.13 Safety evaluation (including calculation of the MoS)
Not applicable
3.3.14 Discussion
A recent comprehensive review on all relevant aspects of bismuth has been provided by
Fowler and Sexton (2011, ref. 140).
Chemical identity of bismuth citrate

Bismuth citrate should be distinguished from similar complex compounds of bismuth and
citrate such as
- Bismuth subcitrate, a complex of citrate and bismuth at a molar ratio of 2:1 (ref. 1, ref.
11). In particular, this substance is sometimes mixed up with bismuth citrate in the open
literature (e.g., ref. 62) and also in the dossier (p. 11) and some of the studies provided.
- Colloidal bismuth citrate or colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), a polyanionic
structure of [Bi(cit)2Bi]n2n− (ref. 1).
Physico-chemical properties
According to the submission, bismuth citrate will be incorporated in progressive hair dye
formulations at a maximum concentration of 2.0%.
Identity, purity and other characteristics of the test item bismuth citrate as batches or
bismuth citrate formulations were not described in most of the studies on acute and local
toxicity. Some of the required information such as concentrations of bismuth citrate has
been provided in the applicant’s dossier but supporting material to the studies has not been
provided.
In the formulations, information on the identity of bismuth citrate and/or transformation to
other bismuth species is required. Depending on the study type, information on the pH or
the vehicles of the formulations is needed.
It is usually unknown which bismuth species is/are formed when solved bismuth salts or
complexes get into contact with biological tissues or fluids. This may depend on the
individual bismuth compound considered. Also, equilibria between bismuth species formed
and different competing thiol and hydroxyl groups in the biological system are unknown and
may differ depending on the bismuth compound and specific conditions such as pH (see
section Toxicokinetics and Annex II). It is therefore important to note that documented
evidence on the identity, purity and stability of bismuth citrate (and not only bismuth) in
test solutions and formulations is required for all tests where bismuth citrate gets into
contact with biological tissues or fluids and may exert direct effects such as in tests on local
toxicity but also in in vitro tests on mutagenicity. On the other hand, it is plausible that
trivalent “bismuth” predominantly bound to thiol groups of amino acids, peptides and
proteins is considered the toxic agent when systemically available after absorption although
the bismuth species are unknown.
One study concerning purity and impurity(ies) of bismuth citrate was provided (see 3.1.4).
The reported purity of bismuth citrate is 99%. Thus, about 1% impurity(ies) has not been
identified. As progressive hair dyes work gradually and colour builds up over a period of two
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to three weeks of daily application, chronic exposure to impurities of other toxic elements
including contact allergens such as Ni, Co and Cr in bismuth citrate may be of concern.
Analytical data on such impurities is required.
Conflicting data was reported on the solubility of bismuth citrate in aqueous media and
organic solvents: Insoluble, sparingly or partly soluble in water, insoluble or sparingly
soluble in organic solvents. Bismuth citrate is apparently soluble in alkaline citrate buffer
and aqueous ammonia. However, stability of bismuth citrate was not demonstrated in such
media. Dissolution of bismuth citrate in strong mineral acids destructs the substance.
Conflicting data was reported for the solubility of Bismuth citrate in DMSO: up to 50% (ref.
33) and “very limited solubility” (ref. 43). Water solubility of bismuth citrate was not
determined by EU method A.8, and Log Pow of bismuth citrate was not provided.
Homogeneity and stability of test solutions were not demonstrated. Stability of bismuth
citrate in typical hair dye formulations was not demonstrated.
In conclusion, inadequate information has been provided by the applicant and in various
studies on the solubility and/or stability of bismuth citrate. Therefore the following
information is requested, which is considered indispensable for a sound evaluation of the
safety studies provided:
- Documented information on Bismuth citrate identity and characterization (purity, amounts
of impurities etc.) in all batches and lots mentioned in the applicant’s dossier and submitted
studies, i.e., certificates of analysis (CoA’s) or comparable documents including a readable
CoA of batch No 97/90137/000.
- Documented information on the vehicles and pH of the formulations containing Bismuth
citrate.
- Solubility of Bismuth citrate in various solvents mentioned in the dossier and submitted
studies such as water, DMSO, buffer solutions such as citrate buffer, pH 11, aqueous
ammonia, media for in vitro cultures, etc. Determination of the water solubility of bismuth
citrate by EU method A.8, and Log Pow is required.
- Stability of Bismuth citrate in various solutions at various pH values, as far as mentioned
in the dossier or in the studies submitted (bismuth determination alone is considered not
sufficient), in particular when acidic or alkaline conditions were used (e.g., aqueous
ammonia).
Function and uses
Bismuth citrate will be incorporated in progressive hair dye formulations at a maximum

concentration of 2.0%. In the USA up to 0.5% are permitted. Progressive hair dyes work
gradually, with colour build-up over a period of two to three weeks of daily application.
Thereafter, colour is maintained by up to 3 applications per week which means an
intermittent use on the long-term.
Bismuth salts and complex compounds such as bismuth subcitrate and colloidal bismuth
subcitrate (CBS) have been in extensive use worldwide to treat gastrointestinal diseases,
including those related to infection of Helicobacter Pylori which causes gastric or duodenal
ulcers (ref. 1). Among the many bismuth substances that have been used as (partly
historical) pharmaceuticals, bismuth citrate was also mentioned by the applicant but
evidence for the use of bismuth citrate has not been provided.
Toxicological Evaluation
Bismuth forms stable trivalent ions and is considered the least toxic element of the 5th
group of the periodic system of the elements compared to arsenic and antimony. Due to the
high affinity of the Bi3+ ion to sulfhydryl- or hydroxyl-containing ligands chemical complexes
of bismuth with such ligands are formed. Bismuth citrate is just one example of such
chemical complexes of bismuth. Human exposure to bismuth is generally due to medical
use. Much less is known about the significance of environmental or occupational human
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exposure to bismuth. Therefore, in terms of the risk assessment of bismuth citrate, the
knowledge about toxicokinetics, long-term treatment and side effects of related bismuth
compounds such as bismuth subcitrate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) that are used
as drugs in humans may be useful, as bismuth is considered the main toxic component of
these substances (at least for their systemic toxicity). For further information on the
systemic toxicity of bismuth and its compounds see Annex I.
A main feature of these substances as well as bismuth citrate is their low solubility in
aqueous media and most organic solvents. Moreover, at low gastric pH and in presence of
hydrochloric acid they form insoluble or sparingly soluble bismuth oxide, bismuth hydroxide
or bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) so that the absorption of bismuth from the human gastro-
intestinal tract (GIT) and systemic exposure to bismuth is poor (< 1%; refs. 65, 84, 85,
91). Circumvention of the stomach by in vivo intestinal perfusion in rats considerably
facilitated intestinal absorption of bismuth salts according to their water solubility. However,
the bismuth species absorbed (or the mechanism of intestinal absorption) is unknown (see
section 3.3.9.1, ref. 65, ref. 91 and Annex II). On the other hand, it has been shown that
the presence of sulfhydryl compounds such as cysteine given orally to rats may enhance the
absorption of bismuth compounds from the GIT and also bismuth toxicity (ref. 141).
Therefore, in humans, varying concentrations of thiol groups containing peptides and
proteins in the diet may partly explain that serum/blood levels of bismuth have been
reported to vary considerably in unexposed healthy individuals and patients not under
bismuth treatment, apart from other factors of inter-individual variability of oral absorption
(1–9; 8-10; 15 ± 12 µg/L; ref. 85; ref. 91; ref. 128). Baldwin & Marshall (1999) (ref. 101)
reported a very low reference value of 0.1 µg/L blood.
Likewise, bismuth concentrations in serum/blood of patients under treatment with bismuth

compounds may considerably vary not only depending on the drug, dosage and duration of
treatment: In both single- and multiple-dose studies, wide inter-individual variation has
been reported in blood bismuth concentrations amongst patients treated with oral bismuth
preparations so that in some patients no increase of bismuth in blood was observed
whereas in others remarkable increases were found. As reported, toxic concentrations of
several hundred µg/L may be reached. Nephropathies, encephalopathies, neurological
disturbances and skeletal problems have been reported. In most cases reported, the
symptoms were reversible after discontinuation of bismuth treatment (ref. 11; ref. 12).
Regulatory action was taken by different countries in relation to bismuth-containing
products for medicinal use between 1974 and 1985 (ref. 11). In pragmatic approaches, it
has been suggested that concentrations of more than 50 - 100 µg/L bismuth in blood may
be considered toxic (ref. 15; ref. 101) whereas up to 50 µg/L can be considered safe (ref.
12) or a warning range (ref. 101). However, these thresholds or ranges of toxicity/safety
have not been adequately proven and have not been generally accepted (ref. 85).
The highest concentrations of bismuth orally absorbed in rats and humans were found in
kidneys and liver and to a lesser extent in the spleen, brain, and bones (ref. 142). The main
excretion route of absorbed bismuth is via urine.
Acute toxicity
Acute oral toxicity studies were performed in rats by gavage, with five prototype cosmetic
formulations claimed to contain bismuth citrate at 0.5% (whereas the concentration applied
for is 2%). The limit doses of 5-40 ml/kg bw of the formulation were below the LD-50.
One acute dermal toxicity study with a cosmetic formulation claimed to contain bismuth
citrate at 0.5% was conducted in rabbits at a limit dose of 2 g/kg bw. Body weights of the
animals were found reduced and no deaths occurred.
As no information is available in the study reports or accompanying documents on the
content of Bi citrate in the formulations, the acute oral toxicity of the studies cannot be
evaluated.
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Local toxicity
Skin irritation:
Five studies were performed between 1974 and 1981 with different formulations. The
applicant informs that all formulations contained 0.5% of bismuth citrate, but no
information of the item concentration was reported in either of the studies. However, the
safety dossier submitted requests approval for a 2% bismuth citrate concentration in
cosmetic formulations. Three studies were claimed to be performed under GLP conditions
but neither followed an OECD guideline.
Slight erythema (with or without oedema) was observed with three of the five formulations
suggesting that formulations with 0.5% bismuth citrate may be slight irritants.
Consequently, adequate in vitro skin irritation tests using formulations of 2% bismuth
citrate are required.
Eye or mucous membrane irritation:

Five studies were performed from 1979 to 1981 using rabbits with different formulations.
The applicant informs that all formulation contained 0.5% of bismuth citrate, but no
information of the item concentration was reported in either of the studies. However, the
safety dossier submitted requests approval for a 2% bismuth citrate concentration in
cosmetic formulations. Two of the studies (using MKT 121 and MKT 138) presented slight
eye irritation affecting conjunctiva.
Four studies were performed under GLP conditions according to FDA 1979 but neither
followed an OECD guideline. Any information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the
study report.
Adequate in vitro eye irritation tests using formulations of 2% bismuth citrate are required.
A HET-CAM test was conducted with a formulation claimed by the applicant to contain 2%
bismuth citrate. Any information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is missing in the study
report. The method is not according to a guideline and it is not validated. The criteria of
identification of eye irritation are not those normally used.
Overall SCCS comments on both skin and eye irritation studies
No information on Bismuth citrate as the a.i. is available in the study reports. Documented
information on the identity and characterization of the test substance is mandatory in such
studies.
Due to these shortcomings, the conclusions from the studies on local irritation are not
considered valid. However, the test formulations already at 0.5% showed slight skin and
eye irritation potential.
Sensitization:
A LLNA test in mice was conducted. Topical application of the test article bismuth citrate,
Lot #97/90137/000, at 10%, 25% and 50% in DMSO, with or without UVA, resulted in a
stimulation index less than 3 (SI < 3.0). Therefore this test article was considered by the
applicant neither a dermal sensitizer nor a dermal photo-sensitizer in the Photo-Local
Lymph Node Assay.
The QA statement of the study is missing and hence the GLP compliance is questionable.
In this experiment, no appropriate positive control for sensitisation was used
(Chlorpromazine was normally used as a positive control in photosensitisation only).
The high solubility of bismuth citrate in DMSO up to 50% is questionable as in the
mutagenicity tests the solubility was characterized in another study as “very limited” (see
ref. 43). The solubility of bismuth citrate in DMSO requires clarification before the test can
be accepted as valid.
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Dermal absorption
A dermal absorption study using dermatomed back skin from female pigs was conducted
according to OECD guideline 428 but not under GLP. A formulation containing 2.1% bismuth
citrate equivalent to 1.10% bismuth was applied to the skin at a concentration of about 2
mg/cm2) formulation (corresponding to 105 µg/cm2 or 55 µg/cm2 bismuth). In the tested
formulation (Grecian Bismuth Liquid Formulation), the amount of bismuth systemically
available after percutaneous absorption was considered by the study authors to be 0.49 ±
0.08 µg/cm2 or 0.83 ± 0.13 % of the applied dose. Due to an error in the study, the mean
value of the percutanously absorbed dose should read 0.50 µg/cm2 and this value will be
used for further calculations. Few cells have been used and the number of donors is
unknown, then the mean + 2 SD of bismuth (0.66 µg/cm2) could be used to calculate the
MoS.
Bismuth is considered the relevant systemic toxic agent as it is questionable/not probable
that the test substance bismuth citrate has been completely absorbed and it is not clear
what the systemic bismuth species absorbed constitute(s) (see discussion in Toxicokinetics
below and in Annex II).
Repeated dose toxicity
Based on the results of a published developmental toxicity study in rats (ref. 60) , dose
levels of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day were selected for a range-finding 14-day study
in rats. No adverse effects were observed at any dose on body weight or nutritional
parameters, clinical observations, clinical pathology or gross pathology. As only the
study plan and a summary table were available, the test substance was not adequately
characterized and due to other shortcomings in reporting, the study description cannot be
used for risk assessment.
A sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity study with application of 0, 30, 300 and 1000 mg/kg
bw by gavage was conducted in rats. Reductions in body weight, weight gain, and food
conversion were observed in male and female rats dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw/day,
compared to controls. Some changes were observed in high-dose male and female
organ weights but were considered to be related to reductions in body weight. Large
caeca, filled with dark ingesta, were observed during gross necropsy of males and
females treated at 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day, but no microscopic lesions were associated
with these observations. Inflammation of the nasal turbinate and/or maxillary sinus was
also observed in animals from these groups and was attributed to reflux of material
(test substance and/or gastric fluid) from the oesophagus or stomach. These lesions
were considered to be secondary to test substance effects on the gastrointestinal tract,
and not direct effects on nasal tissue. Mild degeneration/necrosis of renal tubular
epithelium was observed in one male and one female dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw/day,
but was not associated with any effects on clinical chemistry.
The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be 30 mg/kg bw/day
in males and females, based on observations at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The stability of the test item in dosing formulations has not adequately been proven as
only the bismuth content was determined.
As the bismuth species systemically available is/are unknown and systemic bismuth is
considered the toxic agent, a NOAEL of 16 mg/kg bw/day for bismuth (corresponding to
30 mg Bismuth citrate per kg bw/day; see also pages 51-52) could be used for the
calculation of the MoS.
Mutagenicity
Overall, the genotoxicity of bismuth citrate was tested in 3 in vitro genotoxicity tests
covering 2 of the 3 endpoints of genotoxicity: gene mutations and chromosome aberrations.
No mammalian cell gene mutation test with bismuth citrate has been provided. Exposure to
bismuth citrate did not result in an increase in gene mutations in bacteria, nor in an
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increase in structural and numerical chromosome aberrations in CHO cells nor in UDS in
primary hepatocytes. Based on the conditions of these tests, bismuth citrate seems to have
no genotoxic potential. However, one of the two Ames tests was old and differently
conducted from the present standard protocol described in the OECD test guideline. Vital
information on the test substance is missing. In the second Ames test, toxic concentrations
were not reached. Evidence that the test substance (Bismuth citrate or another Bismuth
species formed) is soluble at high concentration in the test system is missing. Although in
the chromosome aberration test numerical chromosome aberrations were scored,
aneuploidy was not optimally covered.
In all these tests, the identity and purity of the test substance has been determined based
on the bismuth content alone (see CoA).The citrate moiety has not been determined.
provided. Analysis of the test substance has been determined by a work-up procedure with
capable of determining Bismuth as an element but not suited for the determination of the
test item bismuth citrate and its stability. Therefore, the stability of the test item in 10 mM
sodium citrate, pH 11 has not adequately been proven. Furthermore, at high concentrations
in the Ames test medium, the identity and/or concentration of the test substance after
addition to the test suspensions may have changed due to the drop of the pH from 11 to
physiological pH which may have caused transformation to other Bismuth species and/or
precipitation due to the very low solubility of Bismuth citrate or other Bismuth species at
physiological pH. Under these test conditions, the identity of the test compound is not clear
(bismuth citrate or other bismuth species).
The in vitro studies on mutagenicity cannot be evaluated unless the identity and purity of
the test substance, and its stability in 10 mM sodium citrate, pH 11 and its solubility after
addition to the test media has been proven.
Bismuth trioxide was positive in an in vivo chromosome aberration test in bone marrow cells
of mice. However, the quality of the test (performance) did not match current standards.
Bismuth trioxide was negative in a sperm head abnormality test in mice.
In conclusion, the mutagenicity of bismuth citrate cannot be assessed due to many

shortcomings of the studies.
Carcinogenicity
No carcinogenicity studies have been performed with bismuth citrate. Some bismuth
compounds have been studied in long term studies with rat and mice. These studied with
the exception of the study on bismuth oxychloride are old (from 1960 – 1969) and
incompletely reported. None of the studies reported tumour induction by bismuth
compounds.
Reproductive toxicity
Fertility
No data on two-generation reproduction toxicity is available. Other data on fertility toxicity
in rats in vivo and in vitro suggest a potential of bismuth to accumulate in macrophages of
the testes, thereby reducing testosterone production or release by Leydig cells by an
unknown mechanism at very high internal concentrations which are achieved by high doses
of bismuth applied via an un-physiological pathway circumventing normal defence barriers
of the body (500 mg/kg bw by i.p. application.).
Developmental toxicity
A summary of a scientific review reporting a study conducted in rats and rabbits with
different doses between 50 and 1200 mg/kg bw/day of bismuth citrate and showing only
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maternal toxicity in rabbits (body weight reduction) but no other effects cannot be
evaluated as the study report is not available.
A guideline study according to OECD 414 in rats with doses of 0, 100, 300, 1000 mg/kg
bw/day applied on days 6 to 21 of gestation gave the following results: Maternal toxicity
was observed at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day based on reductions in maternal body
weights and/or weight gain. Transient effects on food consumption were observed at 1000
mg/kg bw/day. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity at 100 mg/kg bw/day. No
developmental toxicity was observed at any dose level. The SCCS notes that the stability of
the test substance and its stability in the test formulations during study conduct have not
adequately been proven, as only Bismuth and not Bismuth citrate was determined.
Toxicokinetics
Several toxicokinetic studies with bismuth compounds including bismuth citrate conducted
predominantly in rats but also mice and rabbits are available. Likewise, many clinical studies
investigating the fate of bismuth after intake of pharmaceutical bismuth preparations in
humans have been published.
Radio-labelled Bi205/206 compounds were used in animal studies. After oral or i.v. application
of a bismuth citrate-like substance in rats, the concentrations of bismuth were highest in
the kidney, followed by lung, liver, gut and spleen (ref. 62). A similar distribution was also
observed in mice and rabbits (ref. 61; ref. 67).
In another study, the bioavailability of 205bismuth from various labeled salts, most of them
pharmaceutical commercial oral preparations used in peptic ulcer therapy, was studied in
rats. Intestinal absorption was generally low, but significantly higher (0.26-0.33% of the
dose) from oral bismuth citrates (basic bismuth citrate, water soluble bismuth citrate,
colloidal bismuth subcitrate) compared to basic bismuth nitrate, salicylate, gallate, and
bismuth aluminate (0.04-0.11% of dose). For all compounds, more than 99% of the label
was excreted in the feces. The biological half-life and the tissue distribution of bismuth was
studied following single administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (20 mg, 150 µCi) to
rats by gastric intubation. Twenty days after oral application 0.008-0.017% of the
radioactivity, i.e. 2-5% of the dose absorbed was still retained in the body. Bismuth was
mainly retained in the kidney, followed by bone, red blood cells and the lung.
The 205Bi activity in blood was mainly attributed to the red cell fraction, whereas the serum
concentration was almost negligible. This might be of importance in view of the fact that the
safety of bismuth therapies has been often monitored by measuring the plasma
concentration. Biological 205bismuth half-lives of 10, 36 and 295 h were found in the rat.
According to this study, liver is apparently not a major organ of Bi retention in rats 20 days
after oral uptake, in contrast to humans (ref. 63).
Intestinal absorption of five bismuth compounds of different water solubility including

bismuth citrate was investigated in rats by use of an in vivo perfusion of rat small intestine
in combination with systemic blood sampling. The objective of the study was to clarify
whether the absorption of bismuth behaves differently compared with oral intake and
passage via the stomach. The authors could demonstrate that intestinal absorption of
bismuth is dependent on the water solubility of the bismuth compounds and on their
concentrations in the perfusion/blood system. Even lethal concentrations in blood could be
achieved by intestinal absorption (ref. 65, ref. 91). This is in contrast to normal oral
absorption of these bismuth compounds whereby uniform absorption rates of < 1% are
observed as demonstrated in the study above (ref. 63) and also in general in humans (ref.
85). It is assumed that bismuth compounds are transformed in the stomach to less soluble
bismuth species such as bismuth oxide, bismuth hydroxide and bismuth oxichloride under
the acidic gastric conditions and in presence of hydrochloric acid so that the stomach acts as
a barrier for the gastrointestinal absorption of bismuth compounds. For a detailed discussion
of the study results and their implications for oral absorption of bismuth compounds in rats
and humans see Annex 2.
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Toxicokinetics of bismuth citrate and related compounds in humans

There are only few studies reported on the toxicokinetics of bismuth citrate in humans and
even in these cases the identity of bismuth citrate as test item is not always certain. A
plenty of toxicokinetic studies in humans, published clinical safety studies and case reports
exist which were performed or reported when using bismuth substances of pharmacological
interest. As already mentioned in the introduction part of the discussion, most bismuth
compounds are poorly absorbed from the GIT with a bioavailability of less than 1%.
However, a broad inter-individual variability of oral absorption has been reported probably
due to variable circumstances and conditions of human life and human individuals compared
to animal experiments (ref. 65, ref. 85, ref. 91). Multi-compartimental elimination of
bismuth and half-lives of about two days up to 2 years have been reported (ref. 70), the
latter indicating a bioaccumulation potential of bismuth. For more details see Annex I.
Human data
Two studies on dermal absorption under use conditions on the scalp were conducted
showing partly variations of Bismuth concentrations in urine but within the normal
background levels of Bismuth in human blood and urine. The claimed concentration of
Bismuth citrate is 0.5% and not 2% as applied for by the applicant. Moreover, the studies
are old and do not comply with modern requirements. The studies cannot be used for risk
assessment due to major shortcomings in documentation or study conduct.
Several HRIPTs were reported, one with a formulation containing 2% Bismuth citrate and
several others that contained 0.5% Bismuth citrate. No evidence of adverse reactions in
human volunteers was observed except in one case where a reversible red rash and itching
around the nape of the neck was noted. Two hair colouring preparations of bismuth citrate
exhibited minimal irritation in humans following topical application to the skin at a
concentration of 0.5% under semi-occlusive conditions for 48 hours. In all these studies,
documented evidence on the identity and concentrations of the test substance is missing.
There is a large amount of clinical case reports on pharmaceutical Bismuth preparations

containing colloidal bismuth citrate, tripotassium bismuth dicitrate or other bismuth salts.
Mostly encephalopathies or nephrotoxicity including acute renal failure was reported after
acute or chronic overdosing. These reports are considered not relevant in the context of this
opinion, as very high blood concentrations of bismuth (>100 µg/L) are required to exert
such effects.
Final considerations on the safety of bismuth citrate in hair dye products
The toxicological knowledge about bismuth and its compounds mainly stems from the
development and use of pharmaceutical bismuth preparations for the treatment of a broad
spectrum of gastro-intestinal tract diseases. Drugs based on bismuth also include bismuth
citrate complexes such as bismuth subcitrate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate that are
similar to bismuth citrate. Low oral bioavailability of < 1% in rats and humans has been
reported for these and other bismuth substances. Moreover, a warning range of up to 50
µg/L blood for bismuth has been established whereas a concentration of 100 µg/L blood and
higher is considered a range that may lead to toxicity in humans.
For the treatment of most gastro-intestinal tract diseases, daily doses of several hundred
mg bismuth are used. When taking into account an oral bioavailability of 1%, the daily
internal dose of bismuth amounts to several mg. This oral dose absorbed is higher than the
dermally absorbed dose of 0.38 mg bismuth from the use of bismuth citrate as progressive
hair dye.
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4. CONCLUSION
From the data provided by the applicant, SCCS cannot assess the safety of bismuth citrate.
Following information is required to evaluate the safety of bismuth citrate.
A complete and adequate physico-chemical characterisation of Bismuth citrate is needed.
Skin and eye irritation studies are required at the concentration of 2% as applied for by the
applicant.
A local lymph node assay (LLNA) in mice was claimed to be negative when using 10 to 50%
bismuth citrate dissolved in DMSO. Clarification regarding conflicting information on the
solubility of Bismuth citrate in DMSO is required before the test can be accepted as valid.
The mutagenicity of bismuth citrate can presently not be assessed given the studies
provided. A complete set of in vitro studies according to the current Notes of Guidance is
required.
5. MINORITY OPINION
None.
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141. Chaleil D, Lefevre F, Allain P, Martin GJ (1981) Enhanced bismuth digestive
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2, 433-443
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151. Nwokolo CU, Mistry P, Pounder RE (1990) Aliment PharmacolTher 4, 163-169
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45.
154. Slikkerveer A, Helmich RB, Van der Voet GB, De Wolff FA (1992) In: Bismuth:
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Thesis, The Hague, pp 89-101
155. See ref. 154, pp 103-116.
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Annex 1
General aspects of bismuth exposure and toxicity
Human exposure by food

The dietary intake of bismuth in the general population is estimated to be 5-20 µg/day. The
majority of ingested bismuth is not absorbed, but excreted directly in faeces (ref. 85).
Occupational exposure to bismuth occurs in the manufacture of alloys, catalysts, and

ceramics, polymers for bone implants, cosmetics, semiconductors and X-ray contrast media,
in dental prosthetic devices or in medical devices (scanners, implants, sutures, catheters...)
(ref. 5-9). In cosmetics, exposure occurs to bismuth citrate, triphenyl bismuth or bismuth
oxychloride which is used as a pearlescent pigment or lubricating agent in formulations of
lipstick, nail polish, eye shadows and facial powders. Bismuth is included in hair dyes to add
color and to deodorize (ref. 4).
General information on the safety of bismuth salts

Bismuth is considered the safest of heavy metals primarily because of the low solubility of
many bismuth salts: It exists in trivalent and pentavalent oxidation states (the trivalent
being more abundant and stable) and forms soluble and insoluble, organic and inorganic
salts.
In general, insoluble salts such as bismuth citrate and subcarbonate are of low toxicity;
neurotoxic effects are associated predominantly with the lipid soluble organic salts eg
bismuth subgallate; renal toxicity is associated with the water soluble organic compounds
eg bismuth sodium triglycollamate, bismuth subsalicylate, and bismuth sodium tartrate (ref
10).
Serfontein et al. (1979) (ref. 12) subdivided the pharmacologically active bismuth
compounds into four groups depending on structure, stability and solubility:
Group 1: Simple inorganic salts and sub-salts of bismuth eg. bismuth subcitrate, bismuth
subcarbonate and bismuth subnitrate. These compounds are water- and lipid- insoluble in
the absence of complexing agents, with minimal bismuth absorption and virtually no
toxicity.Group 2: Predominantly lipid soluble organic compounds and complexes of bismuth
eg bismuth subgallate. They are absorbed across the intestinal wall leading to high bismuth
blood levels and can be neurotoxic.
Group 3: Predominantly water soluble organic compounds and complexes of bismuth,
usually used in injectable formulations, and which are stable enough to be absorbed –
leading to high bismuth blood levels eg bismuth triglycollamate, bismuth potassium tartrate.
Nephrotoxicity is associated with these compounds in man.
Group 4: Water soluble organic complexes of bismuth which decompose (hydrolyze) in the
gastro-intestinal system with the ultimate production of simple, insoluble bismuth
compounds, eg., bismuth subchlorides and bismuth sulfides. Minimal absorption and low
toxicity are characteristic features.
Reports of adverse effects from industrial or cosmetic use are rare, but toxicity from
medicinal use of bismuth salts is not uncommon following accidental or deliberate
overdosage (ref. 11).
Bismuth citrate is not mentioned in ref. 11 and ref. 12.
Several forms of toxicity have been described in man:

• parenteral administration of various bismuth containing compounds has resulted
in an "epithelial-cutaneous" form of toxicity
• oral administration of bismuth subgallate and bismuth subnitrate has led to
neurotoxicity in some patients
• severe toxicity was reported when soluble bismuth salts were used in the
treatment of syphilis and other parasitic diseases, pre 1950
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• an epidemic of over 1000 cases of bismuth myoclonic encephalopathy was

reported in the 1980s, with chronic high-dose use of principally bismuth
subnitrate (by reduction of nitrate anion into nitrite responsible for
methemoglobinemia), orally in daily dosages between 5 and 25g, for 4 weeks to
30 years. (ref. 13). Recovery was observed following discontinuation of
treatment.
The main hazard of bismuth is therefore related to high dose, chronic exposure. All organs
can be affected: in the skin, a lichen planus-like rash; in the mouth, stomatitis with a blue
black gum line; inflammation and inclusion bodies in the liver; renal failure with
degeneration and necrosis of the epithelium of the renal proximal tubules; in the brain,
encephalitis. Renal toxicity is evident early in acute poisoning because bismuth is excreted
mainly by this route, with only 10% appearing in the feces after a parenteral dose. There
are no reports of toxicity of bismuth or bismuth salts by the inhalation route.
It has been suggested that the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs includes enzyme
inhibition. Bismuth toxicity like other heavy metals is attributable to the existence of
trivalent and pentavalent ions, the trivalent ion being the most abundant and stable form,
with sulfhydryl groups. Since sulfhydryl groups are components of many vital enzymes,
particularly important for brain metabolism, the effect of bismuth is to denature and destroy
the function of these enzymes. The inhibition of cytostolic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) by
bismuth drugs has been shown to suppress the production of acetaldehyde, which is toxic to
mucosal cells (ref. 14), although the inhibition mechanism remains unknown (ref. 1).
Specific diagnosis of overdose based on blood levels is difficult because of the presence of
extremely low blood levels in normal individuals as well as those overdosed. The normal
blood level has been estimated by some authors to be between 4 and 40 µg/L while
overdosed subjects are within the range of 50 to 2850 µg/L. Much more reliable is the urine
level which averages 20 µg/L in normal individuals and ≥ 400 µg/L in overdosed individuals
(ref. 15). Withdrawal of treatment is recommended at plasma levels of ≥100 µg/L for
patients receiving bismuth-containing antacids but this has been considered over-cautious
by others (ref. 16).
The complete reversibility of bismuth toxicity is evident in man after treatment ceases, as
reported by many authors irrespective of the type of bismuth compound concerned (ref. 12,
ref. 17). Several studies conducted in vitro and in vivo showed that dimercaprol, meso-2,3-
dimercaptosuccinic acid, and D,L,2,3-dimercapto-propane-l-sulfonic acid were the chelators
of choice for treating bismuth poisoning. Other authors affirmed that the use of chelating
agents such as dimercaprol may increase elimination of bismuth from the body, but
considered it of unproven clinical benefit (ref. 85).
Acute systemic toxicity
Cationic bismuth salts

Intravenous administration of cationic bismuth salts to rats (no other details) was
associated with rapid death from colloidoclastic shock and asphyxial convulsions. Toxicity
was influenced by the rate at which soluble salts were injected intravenously.
Intravenously injected bismuth salts caused renal injury, albuminuria, diarrhea, and
ulcerative stomatitis.
Ref. 78
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Summary of acute toxicity data of various Bismuth compounds
Dosage/kg body weight

Compound Species Route Toxicity Compound Metal
mg mg mM
Sodium bismuthate Rat Oral LD100 720 552 2.64
NaBiO3 Rat IM LD100 250 192 0.92
Rat IV LD100 25 19.2 0.09
Rabbit Oral LD100 510 391 1.87
Rabbit IM LD100 110 84.3 0.40
Rabbit IV LD100 9 6.9 0.033
Potassium bismuth Rabbit IV LD100 9.8 5.0 0.024
tartrate
KBiO(C4H406)
Rabbit IM LD100 295 150 0.72
Sodium bismuth citrate Rabbit IV LD100 10.6 5.0 0.024
NaBi(C6H307)
Dog IV LD100 2.25 1.0 0.0048
Sodium bismuth Rabbit IV LD100 7.36 2.8 0.011
thioglycollate
Sobisminol (Na Rabbit IV LD100 52.5 10.5 0.050
bismuthate complex)
Bismuth oxychloride Rat Oral LD50 22 000 - -
Bi0C1
Trimethylbismuth BiMe3 Rabbit Oral LD50 484 - -
Rabbit SC LD50 182 - -
Rabbit IV LD50 11 - -
Ref. 78, Ref. 79
Bismuth subnitrate
Group size Not stated

Species/Strain Rat/CD
Sex Male
Dietary levels as bismuth 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg
Route Subcutaneous
Batch no Not stated
Treatment period Single dose
Ultrastructural and biochemical studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of bismuth
on organelle structure and heme biosynthetic parameters in rat liver and kidney cells.
Bismuth subnitrate (BiONO3) was administered subcutaneously to male rats at 0, 20, 40, or
80 mg/kg doses 16 hr prior to euthanasia.
Electron microscopy revealed swollen mitochondria and distortion of mitochondrial inner
membranes in liver and renal proximal tubule cells at 40 and 80 mg/kg. A direct inhibition
of specific heme pathway enzymes was also described in vitro. These results were
consistent with previous data related to the toxicity of other metals with known toxicologic
potential. Ref: 80
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Repeated dose toxicity of bismuth and bismuth compounds
Bismuth
Oral (gavage) administration of bismuth to male and female rats at 0, 40, 200 or 1000
mg/kg/day for 28 days elicited no significant adverse effects. There were no effects on
organ weights (including testis weight) but histopathology was not conducted. Exposure
levels were not identified.
No adverse effects were observed in preliminary studies after single doses of up to 2000
mg/kg or after 14 days at 0, 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day.
Ref. 81
Intertracheal administration of bismuth once weekly for 13 weeks at dose levels of 0.8, 4 or
20 mg/kg resulted in pulmonary lesions but no other treatment related lesions. One or two
animals died in each group including controls but death was attributed to the administration
procedures. There were no significant effects on food intake, body weight gain, clinical
observations, hematology, blood chemistry or urinalysis. Exposure levels were not
identified. No effects were observed on organ weights, including testis weight.
Histopathology was conducted on lung, liver, kidney, spleen, brain and testis in control and
high dose animals. Bismuth inhalation was considered to cause dose dependent but
nonspecific adverse effects (foreign body inflammation of lungs and physical changes
related to pulmonary lesions). Deaths were reported after single intertracheal doses of 100
and 500 mg/kg in a preliminary study. In this study the half-life of bismuth elimination from
the lungs was 4.47, 3.25 and 2.10 days for doses of 20, 100 or 500 mg/kg respectively.
Ref. 82
Bismuth trioxide
Group size 4
Species/Strain Single Corn White Leghorn hens
Dietary levels as bismuth 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ppm
Batch no Not stated
Treatment period 8 weeks
Groups of four, individually caged Single Corn White Leghorn hens, 22 weeks of age, were
fed a practical corn-soy laying mash supplemented with 4 increasing levels of bismuth
trioxide for 8 weeks. Egg production was recorded daily, individual feed intake weekly, body
weight bi-weekly, and each bird was artificially inseminated twice weekly. The supplemental
dietary levels as bismuth were: 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ppm. Under the experimental
conditions adopted, no significant differences in either food intake, egg production or body
weight change were noted.
Ref. 83
Bismuth subgallate
Group size 2
Species/Strain Beagle dog
Dose level 1 g/day
Batch no Not stated
Treatment period 8 and 13 days
Oral feeding of bismuth subgallate at 1 g per day to two beagle dogs, for 8 and 13 days
respectively, failed to produce toxic concentrations of bismuth. Some absorption was
observed in one dog as bismuth blood level increased from 1.08 to 2.66 µg/dl. A more
pronounced increase from 1.19 to 15.0 µg/dl was observed in the second dog when given
50mg IM BAL, a systemic chelating agent, for 6 days. These results indicated that BAL was
implicated in the elimination of bismuth from the body and in gastrointestinal absorption.
Ref: No reference given in the dossier
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Chronic toxicity (> 12 months)
Review of the literature related to long term use of bismuth compounds confirms that in the
majority of cases, chronic bismuth intoxication produces alimentary symptoms: the mouth
shows bismuth deposition in epithelial cells, turning mucosa blue-gray. Diarrhea, vomiting,
anorexia, and digestive pains can be caused by bismuth salts due to embolism of
mesenteric capillaries. These symptoms may be preceded by severe headache and may be
followed by various skin lesions, nephrotoxicity, and blood dyscrasias.
Chronically ingested cationic salts of bismuth are not toxic, and are, in fact, used
therapeutically to treat ulcers by coating the intestinal mucosa. However, bismuth
oxynitrate can be reduced to nitrite in the gastrointestinal tract by intestinal microflora, and
subsequent absorption of nitrite can cause methaemoglobinemia in children.
Ref. 78
Toxicokinetics of bismuth compounds in humans
Most of the following text has been taken from a review (ref. 85) primarily focused on
pharmaceutical bismuth compounds or preparations but also considering general aspects of
exposure and ADME of bismuth in humans.
The dietary intake of bismuth in the general population is estimated to be 5-20 µg/day. The
majority of ingested bismuth is not absorbed, but excreted directly in faeces. Less than 1%
of the dose administered is absorbed following oral dosing with bismuth subsalicylate,
tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate (= bismuth subcitrate) or ranitidine bismuth subcitrate
(ref. 85).
Bismuth has been found to bind to transferrin in serum in a manner that confers a lower
affinity than iron for this protein which may explain the relatively low efficiency of bismuth
delivery to cells after administration of bismuth-containing pharmaceuticals. The
intracellular binding of bismuth in the kidneys, a major storage organ of bismuth, has been
studied with respect to low molecular-weight bismuth-binding proteins that seemed to have
some properties distinct from metallothionein. More recent studies by several authors have
shown bismuth to be an effective inducer of metallothionein and to bind to this protein (ref.
140).
The permeability to the placenta of bismuth was demonstrated in an old study from 1928
after i.m. injection of potassium bismuth tartrate and sodium potassium tartro bismuthate
into pregnant rabbits and cats (ref. 140).
Renal excretion is the primary route of bismuth elimination, although biliary excretion may
also be important. The site of bismuth absorption in man has not been determined. Animal
studies suggest that absorption takes place in the small bowel, although the rapid
appearance of bismuth in blood after oral intake suggests that bismuth can be absorbed
from the stomach. Although often below the quantification limit of 1 µg/L, pre-treatment
whole blood bismuth concentrations of 1 - 9 µg/L have been reported in some subjects.
During continued treatment bismuth is sequestrated in body tissues; studies in animals and
man suggest that the prime sites are the kidneys and bone. Bismuth in the blood remains
preferentially in the plasma, with an average plasma to blood concentration ratio of 1,55
(ref. 85).2 .
Factors influencing bismuth absorption include the following:
2
In rats, however, after oral application of colloidal bismuth subcitrate, the 205Bi activity in blood was
mainly attributed to the red cell fraction, whereas the serum concentration was almost negligible
(ref. 63).
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(i) Dietary factors: For example, ingestion of thiol-containing compounds, present in flour,
meat and cheese, may enhance absorption of bismuth.
(ii) Intragastric pH: Inhibition of gastric acid secretion increases the absorption of bismuth
from tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate tablets, but not from bismuth subsalicylate liquid or
bismuth subnitrate tablets. It has been suggested that this occurs because bismuth from
tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate precipitates at low pH but remains in colloidal suspension
at about pH 6.0.
(iii) Physico-chemical characteristics: individual bismuth preparations behave differently in
the body according to their physico-chemical properties, For example, tripotassium dicitrato
bismuthate is highly soluble in water, whilst the aqueous solubility of bismuth subsalicylate
and bismuth subnitrate is low.
(iv) Pharmaceutical formulation: Two small, comparative studies have reported greater
absorption of bismuth from tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate swallow tablets than from the
liquid formulation.
(v) Effect of food: bismuth absorption is greater from a morning dose of tripotassium
dicitrato bismuthate. Administered after an overnight fast, than from an evening dose,
administered to fed subjects. This may be due to an effect of food on bismuth absorption
(ref. 85).
Bismuth excretion was noted within 8 h of a single dose of tripotassium dicitrato

bismuthate. During continued dosing, bismuth excretion varies widely between individuals.
When continuous treatment with ranitidine bismuth citrate (highest dose: 800 mg b.d.) is
stopped, excretion in the urine continues for up to 3 months: plasma bismuth
concentrations in 1688 patients treated for up to 8 weeks had returned to pretreatment
levels 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Urinary excretion of bismuth may continue for
over 3 months after 6 weeks of treatment with tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 240 mg
b.d. (ref. 85).
Overdosage and treatment of bismuth overdosage (ref. 85)
During the 1970s prolonged use of very high oral doses of (water insoluble) bismuth
subnitrate or bismuth subgallate (considered more lipophilic than inorganic Bi salts) was
widespread in some countries for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Ingestion of
excessive amounts of these medicines was associated with neurotoxicity.
In France, for example, many patients took high doses of bismuth subnitrate for
gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation. By 1979 nearly 1000 cases of bismuth-
associated encephalopathy had been reported, and 72 of these were fatal. In Australia,
health authorities withdrew all oral preparations of bismuth subgallate from the market
after development of neurotoxicity was reported in 29 patients with colostomies or
ileostomies, who had been taking high doses (3-20 g/day) of bismuth subgallate for
prolonged periods, to improve stool consistency and reduce odour.
The pathogenesis of bismuth-associated neurotoxicity is unknown, although it has been
suggested that conversion of bismuth into soluble neurotoxic compounds by intestinal flora
may be involved. This theory is supported by the observation that the patients involved in
both the French and Australian epidemics cited above were likely to have had intestinal
bacterial overgrowth. However, the precise aetiology of bismuth-associated neurotoxicity
remains unclear. In most cases, the condition is fully reversible upon withdrawal of bismuth
therapy. Haemodialysis, diuresis and use of chelating agents such as dimercaprol may
increase elimination of bismuth from the body, but are of unproven clinical benefit.
Blood bismuth concentrations are generally abnormally high in patients suffering from
bismuth-associated encephalopathy. Comparison of published whole blood bismuth
concentrations in 63 encephalopathy patients with those in 41 symptom-free patients
showed that the mean whole blood bismuth concentration in the encephalopathy patient
group was considerably higher than that in the control group. In the affected patient group,
the median whole blood bismuth concentration was 690 µg/L, and concentrations exceeded
100 µg/L in all cases. As a result, Hillemand et al. (1977, ref. 15) proposed that whole blood
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bismuth concentrations above 100 µg/L be regarded as 'toxic', and bismuth treatment
discontinued. Although widely cited, this threshold is an empirical one based on samples
obtained from a modest number of cases reported in the literature, and has been criticized
to be misleading because of various methodological reasons (selection of patient groups,
time points of sample taking, different analytical techniques).
Bismuth intoxication has also been associated with cases of osteoporosis and
nephrotoxicity, occurring predominantly amongst patients treated parenterally with bismuth
preparations for conditions such as syphilis.
Blood bismuth concentrations in patients receiving recommended doses of bismuth

preparations (ref. 85)
Peak plasma bismuth concentrations exceeding 50 µg/L are observed within 1 h of dosing
with tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate in some subjects, but fall below 50 µg/L within a few
hours. These concentration peaks become less pronounced during repeated dosing, and are
not associated with adverse effects. In contrast to treatment with tripotassium dicitrato
bismuthate, the plasma bismuth concentrations observed shortly after dosing with
preparations such as bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth subgallate, bismuth subnitrate and
ranitidine bismuth citrate are generally below 15 µg/L. For example, a comparative study of
48 patients treated for 10 days with either tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 240 mg b.d. or
ranitidine bismuth citrate 1000 mg b.d. showed that, after adjusting for differences in
bismuth dose, peak plasma bismuth concentrations were significantly lower in patients
treated with ranitidine bismuth citrate than those receiving tripotassium dicitrato
bismuthate. The mean peak plasma bismuth concentration was 12 µg/L (range 4-42 µg/L)
after treatment with ranitidine bismuth citrate 1000 mg b.d, (equivalent to 301 mg bismuth
per dose), compared with 21 µg/L (range 7-247 µg/L) amongst patients treated with
tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 240 mg b.d, (equivalent to 215,5 mg bismuth per dose).
During repeated dosing with oral bismuth preparations, trough plasma bismuth
concentrations remain below 50 µ/L. In the few studies in which bismuth concentrations
were reported for a control group who were not taking bismuth-containing medication, there
was considerable overlap in the blood bismuth concentration ranges reported for the two
groups.
There are two studies which determined blood bismuth concentrations in patients receiving
half-dose maintenance treatment with tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 120 mg nocte. In
one study, after 6 months, median whole blood bismuth concentrations of 20 µg/L (n = 13)
were reported while in the second study (n = 34) whole blood concentrations of 15 µg/L or
less after 12 months treatment were reported.
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Annex 2
Absorption of Bismuth Compounds from small intestine of rats

(Ref. 65)
Discussion part
“Some dissolved Bi could be retrieved from suspensions with BSN, BSS, BCit, and BiCl3
(Table 1), although these compounds are said to be nearly insoluble in water (ref. 143). No
attempt has been made to solubilize Bi or to control perfusate variables such as acidity
because even with a limited number of chemical components in the perfusates, the
concentrations of all solutes are constantly changing and no constant factors are present
(ref. 144). Only osmolality was controlled to limit interference of water and salt transport
with the absorption of Bi. The chemical behavior of Bi compounds in water and in the
human gastrointestinal tract, however, is completely unexplored territory. Consequently,
the importance of the variation in acidity between the perfusates cannot be assessed.
Furthermore, the Bi compound absorbed is usually not the compound that was ingested. For
example, passage through the stomach will affect the chemical form of the metal. Most of
the Bi from CBS and BSS will precipitate in the stomach as insoluble compounds (e.g.,
BiOCl) (ref. 145, ref. 146), leaving an unknown, but possibly very small fraction available
for absorption.
Instillation of the perfusates directly into the small intestine consequently may have favored
absorption from BSS and CBS. The effect of gastric passage on BSN is not known. Even with
the optimized conditions of this experiment, the absorption for CBS and BiCl3 in the small
intestine was estimated to be very low (0.2-0.6%). This value corresponds to the
bioavailability described for CBS in humans (0.2%, ref. 147) that was calculated from
urinary elimination. Measurement of urinary bismuth underestimates the absorption
because some of the metal will be stored at least temporarily in body compartments.
The relevance of our approach is supported by the similarities between the absorption in the
present study and the absorption of Bi in humans. Single-dose experiments with CBS, BSN,
and BSS in humans demonstrated a very low absorption of Bi after oral intake of BSN and
BSS, whereas CBS had absorption peaks of short duration (ref.145, 148-151). The
bioavailability of 205Bi from various pharmaceutical Bi preparations was studied in rats by
whole body retention and accumulated urinary excretion methods. The bioavailability for the
citrate-containing compounds (CBS, soluble Bi-citrate, and basic Bi-citrate) was significantly
higher (0.26-0.33% of the dose) compared with basic Bi nitrate, basic Bi salicylate, basic Bi
gallate, and Bi aluminate (0.04-0.11% of the dose) (ref. 63).
In the present experiment, we also found that the absorption from CBS and BCit differed
from that from BSN, BiC13, and BSS. Administration of 205Bi-labeled compounds to human
volunteers demonstrated that the bioavailability was even lower than in rats: 0.043% +/-
0.008% for CBS, 0.039 +/- 0.001% for basic BSG, and significantly less (<0.005%) for
basic Bi nitrate, basic Bi subsalicylate, or Bi aluminate (ref. 152).
Absorption of Bi from BSN in rats has been shown to be increased by sulfhydryl group-
containing compounds, such as 3-mercaptopropionic acid and cysteine, and by complexing
agents, such as diethyldithio-carbamate (DEDTC) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(EDTA) (ref. 141, 153). Citrate was also shown to increase the intestinal absorption of Bi
from several Bi compounds in rats (ref. 154). In humans, addition of citrate to a single oral
dose of BSN resulted in absorption profiles for Bi in blood and citrate in serum that were
parallel, suggesting the formation and absorption of a Bi-citrate complex (ref. 155).
Retrospectively, therefore, the choice of a citrate buffer to make the BiC13 perfusates more
physiologic was unfortunate because we probably studied the absorption of a Bi-citrate
complex and not of BiC13.
The relationship between BiPo and Bas0 is nonlinear for both CBS and BiCl3 in citrate buffer.
In both types of perfusate, the formation of an absorbable Bi species may be the key to the
absorption. The availability of such a Bi species, most probably a citrate complex, is
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SCCS/1499/12

___________________________________________________________________________________________
dependent on chemical equilibria between large complexes or colloidal particles and a

simple, absorbable Bi-citrate molecule. The mechanism of absorption involved could be
passive transport, but also active, or facilitated transport across the intestinal mucosa.
Further experiments are necessary to evaluate the character of the absorption process and
the Bi species involved.“
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SCCS/1499/12

Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety

The SCCS adopted this opinion at its 4th plenary meeting

Opinion on bismuth citrate

About the Scientific Committees

Scientific Committee members

Opinion on bismuth citrate

Prof. M. Pilar Vinardell

Opinion to be cited as: SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on

Opinion on bismuth citrate

3.1 Chemical and Physical Specifications....................................................... 6

3.1.1 Chemical identity .................................................................... 6

3.2 Function and uses .............................................................................. 11

3.3 Toxicological Evaluation ...................................................................... 12

3.3.1 Acute toxicity ....................................................................... 12

Opinion on bismuth citrate

Bismuth preparations are commonly used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders,

Opinion on bismuth citrate

- Although a concentration of 2% of bismuth citrate in cosmetic formulations is applied for,

- Data on identity and/or characterization of bismuth citrate in batches, lots, and

3.1 Chemical and Physical Specifications

3.1.1 Chemical identity

3.1.1.1 Primary name and/or INCI name

3.1.1.2 Chemical names

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid bismuth salt

3.1.1.3 Trade names and abbreviations

Opinion on bismuth citrate

MKT 79 (0.5%) Ref. 20, Ref. 28, Ref. 34

MKT 92 (Liquid) (0.5%) Ref. 21

MKT 109 (0.5%) Ref. 31, 37

MKT 121 (0.5%) Ref. 38

MKT 138 (0.5%) Ref. 30, Ref. 36

Bismuth citrate formulation: SCP 2716 Ref. 39

Grecian Liquid Formulation (with 2% bismuth citrate equivalent to 1.10% bismuth)

1087, bismuth citrate (0.5%, formulation) Ref. 44

Grecian Bismuth Liquid Citrate 2%, batch No. RD4165 Ref. 40

Opinion on bismuth citrate

3.1.1.4 CAS / EC number

3.1.1.5 Structural formula

3.1.1.6 Empirical formula

Comments on chemical identity

- Bismuth subcitrate, a complex of citrate and bismuth at a molar ratio of 2:1,

- Colloidal bismuth citrate or colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), a polyanionic

- Ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec® and Pylorid® GSK), a pharmaceutical preparation

3.1.2 Physical form

3.1.3 Molecular weight

Molecular weight: 398.10 g/mol

Opinion on bismuth citrate

3.1.4 Purity, composition and substance codes

The theoretical bismuth content is 52.50%.

Purity: 99% (based on 51.74% bismuth dry weight)

3.1.5 Impurities / accompanying contaminants

lead <20 ppm

US. FDA requires according to good manufacturing practice:

Insoluble or sparingly soluble in water, alcohol and ether (general information)

Opinion on bismuth citrate

3.1.7 Partition coefficient (Log Pow)

3.1.8 Additional physical and chemical specifications

Melting point: decomposition