Drug Reference

Bismuth Subsalicylate

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OTCPediatric caution

Fact box

Action class
Bismuth
Chemical class
Bismuth
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

BismarexBismusalEstomaquilKaopectate Reformulated Aug 2006Pepto-bismolPercy Medicine

Available as

525 MG · Powder262 MG · Powder525 MG · Oral Tablet262 MG · Oral Capsule262 MG · Oral Tablet262 MG · Chewable Tablet17.5 MG/ML · Oral Suspension35 MG/ML · Oral Suspension17.4 MG/ML · Oral Suspension105 MG/ML · Oral Suspension

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses relieves travelers’ diarrhea diarrhea upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink including: heartburn indigestion nausea gas belching fullness
How to use / dosing
Directions chew or dissolve in mouth Adults and children over 12 years : 2 tablets (1 dose) every ½ hour or 4 tablets (2 doses) every hour as needed for diarrhea 2 tablets (1 dose) every 1/2 hour as needed for overindulgence (upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, nausea) do not exceed 8 doses (16 tablets) in 24 hours use until diarrhea stops but no more than 2 days Children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyConsult your doctor
…but harmless, darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur If pregnant or breast-feeding ask a health professional before use.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur If pregnant or breast-feeding ask a health professional before use.
Breastfeeding details — LactMed (NLM) →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Reye’s syndrome Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Allergy alert Contains salicylate. Do not take if you are allergic to salicylates (including aspirin) taking other salicylate products Do not use if you have an ulcer a bleeding problem bloody or black stool Ask a doctor before use if you have fever mucus in the stool Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any drug for anticoagulation (thinning the blood) diabetes gout arthritis Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms get worse or last more than 2 days ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs n diarrhea lasts more than 2 days When using this product a temporary, but harmless, darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur If pregnant or breast-feeding ask a health professional before use.

Pediatric use

Pediatric caution

Contains a salicylate; avoid in children and teens with viral illness due to Reye syndrome risk. Generally not recommended in young children.

Source: Bismuth subsalicylate labeling; Reye syndrome guidance.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

24 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.