Choline salicylate sulfite and choline salicylate alkali metal sulfite-containing compounds of the formula, ##STR1## WHEREIN Me represents the sodium, potassium or lithium ion and R represents the sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite, dithionate, hydrosulfite and hyposulfite groups are described. Said compounds are stable and inhibit the formation of color in pharmaceutical preparations containing the same. The method for the preparation of choline salicylate sulfite and choline salicylate alkali metal sulfite-containing compounds, and pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the same are disclosed together with a method for their use to inhibit color formation.