Bismuth Subsalicylate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Oct 09, 2023

Directions


How To Use Bismuth Subsalicylate

Take bismuth subsalicylate per the package instructions. You can take this medicine with or without food. 

You can chew the chewable tablets. However, you should swallow the regular tablets and capsules whole. If you are taking the liquid form, shake the bottle well before use. 

This medication can cause a temporary darkening of your tongue and your stool. This is harmless.

Do not take more than 240 mL or 16 tablets/capsules in 24 hours. If your diarrhea is still present after 2 days (48 hours), stop bismuth therapy and call your healthcare provider.

Call your doctor if your diarrheal disease lasts for more than 2 days, your symptoms get worse, or you develop ringing in your ears.

Do not take over-the-counter Pepto Bismol without talking to your doctor first if you have peptic ulcer disease, bleeding problems, blood in your stool, mucus in your stool, black or tarry stool, or fever. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting bismuth subsalicylate if you are taking blood thinning medicines or medications to treat diabetes, gout, or arthritis.

Missed dose: Bismuth subsalicylate is taken as needed for relief of diarrhea and indigestion. If you are taking it on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store bismuth subsalicylate at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused bismuth subsalicylate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw bismuth subsalicylate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded bismuth subsalicylate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal

NOTEThis medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on bismuth subsalicylate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about bismuth subsalicylate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.


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