Indications
- Used to treat upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
- Slows bacteria growth causing diarrhea; not for self-treatment if fever or blood/mucus in stools.
- Consult a doctor if symptoms indicate a serious health condition.
- Used under doctor’s direction with other medication for stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
- Not for self-treatment of ulcers, contains salicylate, which can cause bleeding problems alone.
- Check label ingredients, as manufacturers may change them; similar names may have different purposes.
- Using the wrong product could be harmful.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally as needed, following the product package or doctor’s instructions.
- Dosage based on age, medical condition, and treatment response.
- Do not exceed recommended dose; dosing varies among different brands and forms.
- Chewable tablets: chew well and swallow; liquid form: shake bottle, measure dose carefully.
- Use a special measuring device/cup; do not use a household spoon.
- Potential interaction with other medications; discuss scheduling with doctor or pharmacist.
- If directed to use daily, take regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
- Inform your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
- For diarrhea treatment, notify your doctor if it lasts more than 2 days.
Side effects
- Rare side effects: most common are dark stools and/or tongue, which are harmless and reversible.
- Doctor prescribes considering greater benefit than potential side effects; many users don’t experience serious issues.
- Vomiting/diarrhea that persists may lead to dehydration; contact doctor for symptoms like decreased urination or increased thirst.
- Serious side effects: ringing ears, hearing loss; seek immediate medical attention.
- Rare but serious: stomach/abdominal pain, vomit like coffee grounds, black/tarry/bloody stools; stop medication, consult doctor.
- Very rare allergic reaction; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not a complete list; contact doctor or pharmacist for other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Check for allergies before using bismuth subsalicylate; may contain inactive ingredients causing reactions.
- Inform doctor/pharmacist of bleeding problems, gout, or if stools are bloody/black/tarry.
- Contains aspartame; consult if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or conditions restricting aspartame intake.
- Before surgery, inform healthcare providers about all products used, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal items.
- Contains salicylate; children/teens (<18 years) with chickenpox, flu, undiagnosed illness, or recent vaccination should avoid due to Reye’s syndrome risk.
- Inform the doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy; may harm the unborn baby and cause issues with labor/delivery.
- If needed during 20-30 weeks of pregnancy, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time; avoid after 30 weeks.
- Unknown if it passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
- Check for interactions with other medications; consult the doctor or pharmacist for details.
Buy Pepto-Bismol at Online Canadian Pharmacy.
