Kaopectate

Generic name: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Usage of Kaopectate

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

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

Kaopectate 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.

Kaopectate may cause serious side effects. Stop using Kaopectate 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.

Kaopectate 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 Kaopectate

You should not use Kaopectate 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 Kaopectate

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 Kaopectate.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not make Kaopectate 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 Kaopectate.

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

Warnings

You should not use Kaopectate 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 Kaopectate

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Kaopectate 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 Kaopectate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.