Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration comprising: (a) pharmaceutically-acceptable bismuth-containing agents such as bismuth subsalicylate; (b) pharmaceutically-acceptable non-ionic cellulose ether polymers such as methylcellulose; and (c) magnesium aluminum silicate. The ratio of bismuth to non-ionic cellulose ether polymer is greater than about 1.5:1. Compositions in the form of liquids containing water are preferred.This invention also relates to methods for treating or preventing disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract in humans or lower animals by orally administering a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Processes for making colored pharmaceutical compositions, by the steps of:(a) preparing an aqueous mixture having a pH of at least about 5, containing a suspension agent, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable bismuth salt at a level of from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of final composition;(b) adding a quantity of FD&C Red 3 dye to the mixture;(c) mixing the mixture for at least about 30 seconds; and(d) adjusting the pH of the mixture to a pH in the range of from about 3.4 to about 4.Preferably, the bismuth salt is bismuth subsalicylate. Preferred suspension agents include mixtures of magnesium aluminum silicate and methyl cellulose and of magnesium aluminum silicate and xanthan gum.