GENERIC NAME: BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE - ORAL (BIZ-muth sub-sal-ISS-ill-ate)
BRAND NAME(S): Pepto-Bismol, Pink Bismuth
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat indigestion, nausea, diarrhea; to relieve stomach cramps and to prevent traveler's diarrhea.
HOW TO USE: The liquid form of this medication must be shaken well before pouring each dose. Chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly or dissolved in the mouth. Non-chewable tablets and caplets must be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The dose may be repeated every 30 minutes to one hour as needed but no more than 8 doses should be taken in a 24 hour period.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Stools may appear gray-black in color while taking this medication. Do not be alarmed. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: aspirin, blood thinners, tetracycline antibiotics, medications for diabetes, medications for gout. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in ears, dizziness, confusion, and coma.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Stool Color & Texture Changes (Black, Red, Maroon, Green, Yellow, Gray, Tarry, Sticky) - Learn the causes for green, black, tarry, yellow, white, or floating stools, and if it is cause for concern. Stool color changes may be caused by conditions or foods we eat.
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach) - Learn about dyspepsia (indigestion, upset stomach) symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, abdominal distention, and a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.
- Travelers' Diarrhea - Read about causes of travelers' diarrhea such as E. coli, salmonella, Norwald virus, rotavirus, giardia lamblia, and more. Travelers' diarrhea can be prevented with careful planning.
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