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What is Bismuth Subsalicylate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Bismuth Subsalicylate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Anti-Diarrheal, Bismatrol, Diotame, Diotame InstyDose, Diotame Stomach Relief, Geri-Pectate, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Pink Bismuth, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Stomach Relief, Good Sense Stomach Relief, Health Mart Stomach Relief, Kaopectate, Leader Stomach Relief, Medi-First Pep-T-Med, Peptic Relief, Pepto Bismol Max

Generic Names:

  • Bismuth

Uses:

  • Treats diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and upset stomach. This medicine contains a salicylate and is related to aspirin.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antacid, Bismuth Containing, Antidiarrheal

Forms:

  • Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Bismuth Subsalicylate come in

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Bismuth Subsalicylate doses?

  • Bottle 30 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 500GM of

  • Bottle 25000GM of

Common Bismuth Subsalicylate prescriptions

  • Bismuth Subsalicylate
    30ml of 525mg/30ml cup

How to take Bismuth Subsalicylate

  • Chewable tablet: Chew the tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. You may also let the tablet melt slowly in your mouth.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.

  • Liquid: Shake well before use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • The liquid medicine may be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Chewable tablet: Chew the tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. You may also let the tablet melt slowly in your mouth.

  • The liquid medicine may be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Liquid: Shake well before use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Bismuth Subsalicylate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bismuth or to salicylates, or if you have a stomach ulcer or any kind of bleeding problem.

Bismuth Subsalicylate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, gout, arthritis, or bloody or black stools.

  • Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has chicken pox or symptoms of a virus or the flu, unless your doctor has told you to. This medicine may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you still have diarrhea after you have been using this medicine for 2 days, stop using it and call your doctor.

  • Your tongue or stools may become dark when you use this medicine. This is only temporary and will not hurt you. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bismuth Subsalicylate interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using another salicylate medicine, such as aspirin.

  • Some medicines can affect how bismuth works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: Arthritis medicineBlood thinner medicine, such as warfarinDiabetes medicineGout medicine

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you still have diarrhea after you have been using this medicine for 2 days, stop using it and call your doctor.

  • Your tongue or stools may become dark when you use this medicine. This is only temporary and will not hurt you. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bismuth Subsalicylate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rectal bleeding, blood or mucus in your stools

  • Ringing in your ears, or changes in your hearing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting (in children or teenagers)

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