Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Childrens Kaopectate, Kaopectate, Kao-Tin Bismuth Subsalicylate Formula, Kapectolin (New Formula), Maalox Total Stomach Relief, Peptic Relief, Pepto-Bismol, Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength, Pink Bismuth

Generic Name: bismuth subsalicylate (Pronunciation: BIZ muth sub sa LISS i late)

• What is bismuth subsalicylate (Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Childrens Kaopectate, Kaopectate, Kao-Tin Bismuth Subsalicylate Formula, Kapectolin (New Formula), Maalox Total Stomach Relief, Peptic Relief, Pepto-Bismol, Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength, Pink Bismuth)?
• What are the possible side effects of bismuth subsalicylate?
• What is the most important information I should know about bismuth subsalicylate?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking bismuth subsalicylate?
• How should I take bismuth subsalicylate?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking bismuth subsalicylate?
• What other drugs will affect bismuth subsalicylate?
• Where can I get more information?

What is bismuth subsalicylate (Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Childrens Kaopectate, Kaopectate, Kao-Tin Bismuth Subsalicylate Formula, Kapectolin (New Formula), Maalox Total Stomach Relief, Peptic Relief, Pepto-Bismol, Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength, Pink Bismuth)?

Bismuth subsalicylate is an anti-diarrhea medication and antacid.

Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.

Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of bismuth subsalicylate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• hearing loss or ringing in your ears;
• diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or
• worsened stomach symptoms.

Less serious side effects include:

• constipation;
• dark colored stools; or
• black or darkened tongue.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about bismuth subsalicylate?

This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Salicylates can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have a stomach ulcer, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).

Bismuth subsalicylate can cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.

This medication can also cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests, thyroid scans, or stomach x-rays. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently taken bismuth subsalicylate.