Bismuth subsalicylate

Generic name: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Usage of Bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate relieves diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bismuth subsalicylate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bismuth subsalicylate may cause serious side effects. Stop using bismuth subsalicylate and call your doctor at once if you have:

changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting;

hearing loss or ringing in your ears;

diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or

worsened stomach symptoms.

Bismuth subsalicylate may cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.

Common side effects include:

constipation; or

dark colored stools.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bismuth subsalicylate

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

black or bloody stools;

stomach ulcer;

bleeding problems; or

if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

mucus in your stools; or

if you currently have a fever.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

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How to use Bismuth subsalicylate

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking bismuth subsalicylate.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not make bismuth subsalicylate more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using bismuth subsalicylate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Warnings

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

What other drugs will affect Bismuth subsalicylate

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using bismuth subsalicylate with any other medicines, especially:

arthritis medicine;

gout medicine;

insulin or oral diabetes medications; or

a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect bismuth subsalicylate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Black hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of papillae (taste buds) on the tongue. It results in a dark, furry appearance of dead skin cells on the surface of the tongue that can be stained from bacteria, food, or tobacco. Although it may be unpleasant, it doesn't usually require medical treatment and it's temporary and harmless. Continue reading

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