Brand names: Bis-Mate™Bismarex®Bismatrol®Diotame™K-Pek®Kaopectate® (reformulated)Kaopectate® Childrens (Reformulated)Kapectolin®Maalox® Total Stomach ReliefPepto-Bismol®Pepto-Bismol® Maximum StrengthPink BismolPink BismuthSoothe ReliefSoothe™Stress®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Bismuth Subsalicylate tablets and caplets (below)
- Bismuth Subsalicylate oral liquid
- Bismuth Subsalicylate Chewable tablet
- Bismuth Subsalicylate Oral suspension
- Bismuth Subsalicylate Oral tablet
- Español:
- Tabletas y "caplets" de subsalicilato de bismuto
- Subsalicilato de bismuto líquido para administración oral
- Subsalicilato de bismuto, Tableta masticable
- Subsalicilato de bismuto, Suspensión oral
- Subsalicilato de bismuto, Tableta oral
Bismuth Subsalicylate tablets and caplets
What are bismuth subsalicylate tablets or caplets?
BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE (Pepto-Bismol®, Bismatrol®) relieves the symptoms of diarrhea (without a fever), upset stomach, heartburn, acid indigestion, and nausea. Tablets and caplets are sugar-free; they are available without a prescription. Generic bismuth subsalicylate chewable tablets are available, but not caplets.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding problems
• dehydration
• diabetes
• dysentery
• fever
• gout
• hemophilia
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• recent vaccination with chickenpox vaccine
• recent viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, other salicylates or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take bismuth subsalicylate tablets or caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Swallow the caplets whole with a glass of water, do not chew. Chew the tablets or let them dissolve in your mouth. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with bismuth subsalicylate?
• acetazolamide or methazolamide
• agents that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin (Coumadin®)
• aspirin or other medicines containing aspirin
• ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, or other similar antibiotics
• medicines for diabetes
• methotrexate
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• salicylates (choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate, or Trilisate®)
• sulfinpyrazone
• tetracyclines (demeclocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, or minocycline)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking bismuth subsalicylate?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Do not treat diarrhea for more than 2 days without talking to your prescriber or health care professional. Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get a fever, or nausea and vomiting. These could be symptoms of a more serious illness.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation in your stomach.
If you are diabetic you may get a false result for sugar in your urine, especially if you take a lot of bismuth subsalicylate. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
What side effects may I notice from taking bismuth subsalicylate?
Side effects with bismuth subsalicylate are uncommon if you only take the recommended dose. Serious side effects include:
• anxiety, confusion
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• loss of hearing, ringing in the ears
• muscle weakness
• nausea, vomiting that does not go away
• tiredness
• trembling, or uncontrollable movements
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• black stools
• blackened tongue
• constipation
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
