Generic name: bismuth subsalicylate [BIZ-muth-sub-sa-LISS-i-late]
Brand names: Bismarex, Kaopectate, Kaopectate Diarrhea And Upset Stomach, Kola-Pectin DS, Pepto Bismol Liquicaps, ... show all 16 brands
Drug class: Antidiarrheals
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 17, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea?
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea relieves diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea may cause serious side effects. Stop using Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea and call your doctor at once if you have:
changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting;
hearing loss or ringing in your ears;
diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or
worsened stomach symptoms.
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea may cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.
Common side effects include:
constipation; or
dark colored stools.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Bismuth subsalicylate side effects (more detail)
Warnings
You should not use Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea if you have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.
Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
black or bloody stools;
stomach ulcer;
bleeding problems; or
if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.
Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:
mucus in your stools; or
if you currently have a fever.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea.
Taking more than the recommended dose will not make Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea more effective, and may cause serious side effects.
Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using this medicine.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Detailed Bismuth subsalicylate dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other antacids, diarrhea medicine, or taking medicine that may contain a salicylate (such as aspirin, salsalate, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, Ecotrin, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).
What other drugs will affect Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea with any other medicines, especially:
arthritis medicine;
gout medicine;
insulin or oral diabetes medications; or
a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Bismuth subsalicylate drug interactions (more detail)
Popular FAQ
What causes black hairy tongue?
Black hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of papillae (taste buds) on the tongue. It results in a dark, furry appearance of dead skin cells on the surface of the tongue that can be stained from bacteria, food, or tobacco. Although it may be unpleasant, it doesn't usually require medical treatment and it's temporary and harmless. Continue reading
More about bismuth subsalicylate
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Patient resources
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- Bismuth subsalicylate (Advanced Reading)
- Bismuth Subsalicylate Chewable Tablets
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Other brands
Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Pink Bismuth, Peptic Relief, ... +7 more
Related treatment guides
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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