Pepto Bismol (Oral)
Questions
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Prevention
Some people have suggested using Pepto Bismol for about a week before traveling as a preventative measure for diarrhea. Is there any truth to this? Thanks, Jeff
by Jeff P in Surprise, Arizona, 05/09/2007
Pepto Bismol (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information
Pepto Bismol (Oral)
Pepto Bismol (Oral) Medication Classification
BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE (By mouth)
Pepto Bismol (Oral) Brandname
Pepto Bismol Maximum Strength, QC Pink Bismuth, Bismatrol, Pepto Bismol, Pepto-Bismol, Diotame, Helidac Therapy, Kaopectate, Kaopectate Children's, Kaopectate Extra Strength, Kola-Pectin
Pepto Bismol (Oral) is used for the Treatment
Bismuth Subsalicylate (BIZ-muth sub-sal-IS-i-late) Treats diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and upset stomach. This medicine contains a salicylate and is related to aspirin.
When To Not Use Pepto Bismol (Oral)
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, or to other pain and arthritis medicines (such as ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®). You should not use this medicine if you have a stomach ulcer, any kind of bleeding problem, or bloody or black stools. Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has chicken pox or symptoms of a virus or the flu, unless your doctor has told you to. Do not use this medicine if you are also using another salicylate medicine (such as mesalamine, Asacol®, Doan's® Pills, or Pentasa®).
How Should You Use Pepto Bismol (Oral)
Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
- You may take this medicine with or without food.
- This medicine is not for long-term use.
- Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
- Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. You may also let the chewable tablet melt slowly in your mouth.
- Swallow the tablet ("caplet") whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Proper Pepto Bismol (Oral) Storage
Store Pepto Bismol (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Pepto Bismol (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Pepto Bismol (Oral)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glucovance®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, indomethacin, Celebrex®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Relafen®, Vioxx®, Voltaren®), or probenecid (Benemid®).
Pepto Bismol (Oral) Warnings
- Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, gout, or arthritis.
- Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
- Aspirin can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. Bismuth subsalicylate might also cause Reye's syndrome. If a child has behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting while using this medicine, call the child's doctor right away.
- If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you still have diarrhea after you have been using this medicine for 2 days, stop using this medicine and call your doctor.
- Your tongue or stool may turn a dark color when you use this medicine. This is normal and should go away soon after you stop using this medicine.
Pepto Bismol (Oral) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Rectal bleeding, blood, or mucus in your stools.
- Ringing in your ears, or changes in your hearing.
