Chewable Tablets for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea Relief
Bismuth Subsalicylate
(generic Pepto-Bismol™)
What is this medication?
Bismuth subsalicylate is an oral medication used to relieve diarrhea and common stomach discomfort. It belongs to a class of medicines known as antidiarrheals and gastrointestinal protectants.
This medication works in several ways to help calm digestive symptoms:
It reduces inflammation in the stomach and intestines
It helps slow the movement of fluid through the intestines, which can reduce diarrhea
It may help coat and protect the stomach lining
It has mild antibacterial properties that may help reduce bacteria that contribute to digestive upset
Bismuth subsalicylate is commonly used to relieve symptoms such as:
diarrhea
upset stomach
indigestion from overeating or drinking
stomach irritation related to food intolerance or travel-related digestive upset
Each chewable tablet contains 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate, which acts as both an upset stomach reliever and antidiarrheal agent.
SOLO: 15 Chew Tablets; 262mg
DUO: 30 Chew Tablets; 262mg
QUAD: 60 Chew Tablets; 262mg
When should this medication be used?
Your provider may recommend this medication if you experience temporary digestive symptoms while traveling or away from home.
This medication may be helpful for:
mild or moderate travel-related diarrhea
stomach upset from overindulgence in food or alcohol
temporary digestive irritation
mild gastrointestinal discomfort during travel
It is intended for short-term symptom relief only.
This medication should not be used as a long-term treatment for chronic digestive problems without medical supervision.
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Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the pharmacy label on your medication.
General instructions include:
Chew the tablets completely before swallowing.
Drink plenty of clear fluids while experiencing diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
Do not exceed 8 doses within a 24-hour period.
Use the medication only until symptoms stop, and not longer than 2 days unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
Do not take more than the recommended amount.
If diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours, seek medical evaluation.
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Because this medication is taken as needed for symptoms, there is no strict dosing schedule to follow.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember if you are still having symptoms
You may continue dosing every 30 to 60 minutes as needed, within the recommended limits
Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours
If your symptoms have already improved, you do not need to take an additional dose.
If you are unsure how much to take or how to space your doses, contact your provider or pharmacist for guidance.
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While taking bismuth subsalicylate:
Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea
Use this medication for short-term symptom relief only and do not use for more than 2 days unless directed by your provider
Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose (no more than 8 doses in 24 hours)
Be aware that this medication may cause a temporary darkening of the tongue or stool, which is harmless and expected
Avoid taking this medication if you are also using other salicylate-containing products (such as aspirin) unless advised by your provider
Monitor your symptoms closely and stop use if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours
Additional precautions:
Do not use this medication if you develop bloody or black stools, as this may indicate a more serious condition
If you experience ringing in the ears or changes in hearing, stop taking the medication and seek medical advice
If you develop fever or mucus in your stool, contact your healthcare provider before continuing use
This medication helps manage symptoms but does not treat the underlying cause of all digestive conditions. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical care.
Stop Using This Medication and Seek Medical Advice If:
symptoms worsen
diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days
you experience ringing in the ears or hearing loss
fever or mucus appears in the stool
severe dehydration symptoms develop
Persistent diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration, especially during travel.
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Bismuth subsalicylate may interact with other medications and increase the risk of side effects, especially because it contains salicylates (similar to aspirin).
Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all medications you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, and herbal products.
Use caution if you are taking:
Blood thinners (anticoagulants), as this medication may increase the risk of bleeding
Other salicylate-containing medications (such as aspirin), which can increase the risk of side effects
Medications for diabetes, as adjustments may be needed
Medications used to treat gout, which may be affected by salicylates
Medications for arthritis, especially those that may already contain salicylates or affect the stomach
If you are unsure whether your medications may interact, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this medication.
Do not start, stop, or combine medications without medical guidance.
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When traveling with bismuth subsalicylate:
Store the medication at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
Keep it protected from moisture and excessive heat
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
Do not use the medication if the tamper-evident seal is broken or missing
While traveling:
Keep the medication in its original labeled container
Store it in a cool, dry place
Carry medications in your carry-on luggage when flying
If you develop diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration
Only use this medication as directed by your provider and for short-term symptom relief.
Important Safety Information
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Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates, a chemical group related to aspirin. Certain individuals should avoid this medication or consult a provider before using it.
Most serious warnings may include:
Severe allergic reactions including rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers recovering from viral illnesses
Internal bleeding in individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions
Hearing changes or ringing in the ears when taken in excessive amounts
Children and teenagers who have chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this medication, as it may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver.
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Do not take bismuth subsalicylate if you:
Are allergic to salicylates, including aspirin
Are currently taking other salicylate-containing medications
Have bloody or black stools, which may indicate a more serious condition
Have a stomach ulcer or active bleeding problem
Do not use this medication in children or teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms, as it may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
If you are unsure whether this medication is safe for you, talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
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Tell your healthcare provider before using this medication if you:
are allergic to aspirin or salicylates
are currently taking other salicylate-containing medications
take medications for blood thinning or anticoagulation
have diabetes, gout, or arthritis, as this medication may affect these conditions
have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders
Do not use this medication if you have:
bloody or black stools
stomach ulcers or active gastrointestinal bleeding
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Bismuth subsalicylate is generally well tolerated when used as directed for short-term relief.
Common side effects may include:
Temporary darkening of the tongue
Temporary dark or black stools
These changes are harmless and expected, and will go away after you stop taking the medication.
Less common side effects may include:
Mild constipation
Mild nausea
Serious side effects (seek medical care immediately):
Ringing in the ears or hearing changes, which may be a sign of too much salicylate in the body
Severe allergic reaction, including:
rash or hives
swelling of the face, lips, or throat
difficulty breathing
Persistent or worsening diarrhea, especially lasting more than 2 days
Bloody or black stools that are not expected, which may indicate a more serious condition
If you experience any unusual or worsening symptoms while taking this medication, stop use and contact your healthcare provider.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side
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Seek medical care immediately if you experience:
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
difficulty breathing
severe abdominal pain
persistent vomiting
bloody or black stools
sudden confusion or neurological symptoms
Stop Using This Medication and Seek Medical Advice If:
symptoms worsen
diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days
you experience ringing in the ears or hearing loss
fever or mucus appears in the stool
severe dehydration symptoms develop
Persistent diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration, especially during travel.
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Taking more than the recommended amount of bismuth subsalicylate can lead to salicylate toxicity, which may be serious.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing changes
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or unusual behavior
Dizziness or weakness
Rapid breathing
If you think you may have taken too much of this medication:
Stop taking the medication immediately
Contact your healthcare provider right away
Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical care
Do not wait for symptoms to worsen, as overdose can become serious quickly.
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Dispose of unused or expired bismuth subsalicylate safely to prevent accidental use or harm.
Do not use this medication if the tamper-evident seal is broken or missing
Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets
If you no longer need this medication:
Do not flush it down the toilet unless instructed to do so
Do not pour it down the sink or drain
Use a medication take-back program if available in your area
If a take-back program is not available:
Mix the medication with an undesirable substance (such as dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter)
Place the mixture in a sealed container or bag
Dispose of it in your household trash
Proper disposal helps prevent accidental ingestion and protects others in your home.
Disclaimers
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This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
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This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.
This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Bismuth Subsalicylate. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.
Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.
Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.
Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.