U.S. Brand Names

Bismatrol Maximum Strength [OTC]; Bismatrol [OTC]; Diotame® [OTC]; Kao-Tin [OTC]; Kaopectate® Extra Strength [OTC]; Kaopectate® [OTC]; Kapectolin [OTC]; Maalox® Total Stomach Relief® [OTC]; Peptic Relief [OTC]; Pepto Relief [OTC]; Pepto-Bismol® Maximum Strength [OTC]; Pepto-Bismol® [OTC]

Mexican Brand Names

A-Migdobis; Facidmol; Subsalicilato de Bismuto

Pharmacologic Category

Antidiarrheal

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to bismuth, salicylates, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding problems, chicken pox, or flu symptoms.

• If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat diarrhea.

• This medicine is used to treat heartburn and indigestion.

How does it work?

• Bismuth protects the stomach.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Use caution in children younger than 12 years old. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen), blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Tongue discoloration.

• Metallic taste. This is usually reversible.

• Headache.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Ringing in ears.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect caplets and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2007-07-02 14:59:14.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:11:24.0

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