Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate is a salt composed of bismuth in its cationic +3 oxidation state and nitrate anions. The most common solid form is the pentahydrate. It is used in the synthesis of other bismuth compounds. It is available commercially. Bismuth nitrate is a salt. It contains the heavy metal bismuth. People use bismuth nitrate for preventing kidney damage caused by cancer drugs, for preventing bone marrow damage. Bismuth nitrate is a salt. It contains the heavy metal bismuth. People use bismuth nitrate for preventing kidney damage caused by cancer drugs, for preventing bone marrow damage caused by radiation, and for a digestive tract infection that can lead to ulcers (Helicobacter pylori or H.