Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Bismuth subsalicylate is utilized to address diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach in individuals aged 12 years and older. It also lessens inflammation within the intestine and has the potential to eliminate the organisms responsible for causing diarrhea. Belonging to a class of medications known as antidiarrheal agents, bismuth subsalicylate operates by reducing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel.
Uses and Dosage
Bismuth subsalicylate is available in liquid, tablet, or chewable tablet forms for oral administration, with or without food.
Take bismuth subsalicylate precisely as directed, avoiding deviations such as taking more or less of it, or increasing the frequency beyond the recommendations provided by the manufacturer or your doctor.
When taking tablets, swallow them whole without chewing.
For the liquid form, shake well before each use to ensure the even distribution of the medication.
If your symptoms worsen or if your diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, discontinue this medication and contact your doctor.
Side Effects
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- ringing or buzzing in your ear(s)
- stomach/abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- black/tarry/bloody stools.
Caution
- Before taking bismuth subsalicylate, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, salicylates (such as salsalate), NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have bleeding problems (such as hemophilia), experience bloody/black/tarry stools, or have gout.
- If this medication contains aspartame, and you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition requiring a restricted intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on using this medication safely.
- This drug contains a salicylate, which is aspirin-like. Children and teenagers under 18 years old should avoid taking this product if they have chickenpox, flu, an undiagnosed illness, or have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, the use of aspirin or aspirin-like products increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause complications during normal labor and delivery. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery.
- If your doctor deems it necessary for you to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time. This medication should not be used after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Similar drugs do pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Pepto Bismol Extra Strength is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Pepto Bismol Extra Strength oral liqiud:
- 35.2 mg/mL
FAQ
How long after taking Pepto Bismol Extra Strength will I feel better?
Pepto Bismol Extra Strength should work within 30 to 60 minutes. You can have another dose after 30 to 60 minutes, if you need to.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Pepto Bismol Extra Strength?
Alcohol does not affect the way Pepto Bismol Extra Strength works. However, drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pepto-bismol/common-questions-about-pepto-bismol/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bismuth-subsalicylate-oral-route/description/drg-20068521
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-2842/pepto-bismol-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607040.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/bismuth-subsalicylate.html
