Type of medicine: antacid; antidiarrheal; antiulcer
Generic and brand names: bismuth subsalicylate, oral; Bismatrol; Bismatrol Maximum Strength; Diotame; Kaopectate; Kaopectate Extra Strength; Maalox Maximum Strength Total Stomach Relief; Peptic Relief; Pepto-Bismol; Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength; Pink Bismuth (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, or stomach cramps. You can buy it without a prescription
This medicine may also be used with prescription antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the medicine and supervise your treatment.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
If you have a fever or mucus in your stools, talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medicine.
Do not use this medicine to treat diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting in children or teenagers who have or are recovering from the flu or chickenpox. Also talk to your provider before using this medicine if your child has recently had a chickenpox vaccination.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This medicine should not be taken by pregnant women during the last 3 months of pregnancy because it may harm the baby. Do not take this medicine while breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine according to the directions on the package or exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Taking too much of this medicine can cause serious side effects.
This medicine comes in liquid, tablet, and caplet forms. Shake the liquid well before using. Use the dosing cup that comes with the medicine. Chew the tablets, let them dissolve in your mouth, or swallow them whole if they are not too large. Swallow caplets whole. Do not chew them. Take all forms of this medicine with a full glass of water.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: increased thirst, anxiety, fast deep breathing, muscle spasm, ringing in the ears, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, trouble talking, severe stomach pain, worsening diarrhea, vomiting.
Do not give this medicine to children less than 12 years old or to very elderly or frail people unless a healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make your stools a grayish-black color. It may also darken your tongue. This is harmless and temporary.
If your diarrhea is severe, if it continues for more than 2 days, or if you have a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever with diarrhea, continuing diarrhea, severe constipation, ringing in your ears, muscle weakness, increased sweating or thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other: Grayish-black stool and tongue, mild constipation.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
