Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Uses, Side Effects, FAQs & More - GoodRx (2024)

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• You can take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.

• If you're taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for diarrhea, make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you feel faint, lightheaded, or dizzy, seek medical help right away because these are signs of dehydration.

• Check the ingredients of your other medications, including OTC medications, to see if they also contain salicylate. Taking too much bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or other products containing salicylate, including aspirin or Salonpas pain relieving patches (camphor / menthol / methyl salicylate), can lead to symptoms of salicylate toxicity, including headache, dizziness, and ringing in the ear.

• Tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, especially if you're taking a blood thinner or an NSAID like aspirin. Taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) with these medications raises your risk for bleeding and side effects. Additionally, don't use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) if you have a history of a bleeding problem without asking your provider first.

• Tell your provider if you notice a ringing in the ears or loss of hearing after you start using bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). If so, you'll probably need to stop taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). The ringing sound should go away and your hearing should return after you stop taking this medication.

• You shouldn’t take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for more than 2 days. If you still have diarrhea or stomach problems after 2 days of taking the medication, talk with your provider. You'll need to be seen and examined for a more serious medical problem.

• The oral suspension comes in two strengths, 525 mg/30 mL (e.g., Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) and 525 mg/15 mL (e.g., Pepto Bismol Ultra, Kaopectate Max). Make sure to carefully double check the strength and recommended dose of your bismuth subsalicylate product carefully to avoid taking the wrong dose.

• Shake well before each dose. Then, use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras.

• Store the oral suspension at room temperature in the original bottle. For the Pepto Bismol brand, you can store the suspension in the fridge for better taste, but it's not required. The Kaopectate oral suspension brand, however, should only be stored at room temperature.

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While the effects of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) doesn't last very long (you might need to take it every half hour to an hour), traces of this medication can be found in the body for a long time. Talk with your provider if you've questions about how long bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) might stay in your body.

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Yes, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a medication that can cause black or dark-colored stools (and tongue). Sometimes, this side effect can last for several days after your last dose, but it should go away with time. But if you feel other symptoms, like dizziness, weakness, stomach pain, or blood when wiping or red streaks on the outside of your stool, seek medical help right away because these are potential signs of a stomach bleed.

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Typically, you can take a dose of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) every 30 minutes to an hour as needed. Be sure to check the product you're taking for the maximum amount of tablets or oral solution you can take total per day. This can differ depending on which strength of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) you're taking.

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No, don't take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) during pregnancy because it can affect the development of your unborn baby. If you're having diarrhea or upset stomach, talk to your provider or pharmacist about other treatment options.

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Children under 12 years of age shouldn't take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) because doing so raise their risk of a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. This typically occurs when children who are recovering from flu-like symptoms or other viruses take medications containing a salicylate (like bismuth subsalicylate). If your child has stomach upset or diarrhea, ask their provider what medications are appropriate for them.

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No, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) doesn't typically help with constipation; it helps with diarrhea. If you're having constipation, try eating foods high in fiber and drinking more fluids. Ask your provider whether it's safe for you to take any over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives. If your constipation doesn't improve, let your provider know.

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Yes, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is medication with an expiration date written on the product. Don't use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) past the expiration date, otherwise it might not be safe or work well enough to treat your symptoms.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

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